Laptop asking me to activate windows out of nowhere

Hey Igor,

Sorry for that dumb mistake

I tried using the correct command and I checked using file manager as well to find that there is no WSLicense folder so again cant find the path specified

Actually, I literally just got through this with Windows 11 on a failed activation and even Microsoft reps couldn't fix it. I did. Though they tried on Windows 10.

The activation errors aren't really... they seem to be a bit wonky and not actually fully clear here. I suppose that they can't make it more clear for whatever reason but like try again later doesn't mean it will work later and another issue could be present.

For whatever reason there's a possible activation issue present. To solve it I put in the original Windows 7 key as I use a builders retail copy of Windows. If your computer has a key on it then try inputting that into Windows at the activation screen. If you have to then you can try Windows 11 but you might also need to go backward. I used Windows 10 and 11 on the same computer and did Windows 10 first. But, if you used Windows 7 and 10 on that computer then 7 might need to be installed and tried with.

Some additional details on my post here: https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/all/if-you-just-installed-a-new-mobocpu-and-windows/7912fce3-97ec-4e6b-b06a-786707725545

However, its fully possible you ran into something else with the same error showing. Its also possible doing all that will only annoy you further if it doesn't work. But, if it did work then you will have the annoyance removed.

When you go to activation in Windows and try to activate then when it fails you should be able to get to a thing to click for chatting with Microsoft about it.

However, they will likely only do what people will say on here. Microsoft reps seem to no longer have control over activation. In times past they did, but I just chatted with someone today for an activation issue after motherboard replacement, and they could do nothing with a copy for self builders. It just ended.

I don't know what's going on with that computer. A motherboard issue can indeed cause the activation to be lost but it should only happen on a new board, not on the same one. There could be some other issue like Igor said but you might have a bad software or hardware issue that has no info present here.

Its actually difficult to say what you should do as there's not enough info. If you bought another key and its from a hardware issue then you may lose the money. Just too difficult to say. Microsoft's activation stuff is a slight bit too restrictive anymore. But, they're in it for the money, not for charity.

Hi Kapil,

My name is Igor, I have 12 Microsoft MVP awards. It's a pleasure for me to help others and I'll do all my best to help you. I'm sorry you have a problems.

This may occur when some other app or even incorrectly installed update break activation check process. Please use system restore to roll back to a date before problem. BTW, did you update a BIOS or use some HWID (hardware ID) changer?

P.S. Please note, Feedback Hub is one way road and it is not intended for a support.

Hey Igor

Thanks for replying!

I have not updated BIOS nor used any HWID. As for rolling back. I actually factory reset my entire OS drive to the state it was when I first bought it because some driver related to the boot process was having issues. The watermark still returned after a few minutes.