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Can’t reactivate Win 11 after reinstalling

Anonymous
2025-03-27T11:30:49+00:00

I received a new GMKtec K11 Ryzen™ 9 8945HS 1TB 32Gig RAM Mini PC and when I turned it on I activated the copy of Windows 11 Pro and it activated fine (I think before I had linked it to my Microsoft account to this PC) later that day I had to do a reinstall of Windows 11 Pro from with the software download from the manufacturer now when I try to reactivate I keep getting this error message…

We can't activate Windows on this device because you don't have a valid digital license or product key. If you think you do have a valid license or key, select Troubleshoot below. Error code: 0xC004F012

I’ve tried the troubleshooting and I’ve changed hardware recently but I still get the Unable to activate windows..

Please Help

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Licensing and activation

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Anonymous
2025-03-27T13:00:07+00:00

Thank you for the screenshot,.,

That screenshot indicates there is no pre-installed OEM key stored on the motherboard.

If GMKtec did not provide you with the associated product key for the Windows licence, you will need to contact them to get the key, when they install Windows on a PC they sell, they should provide the buyer with the key.

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  1. Anonymous
    2025-03-27T15:10:57+00:00

    Have you checked on the device to see if there is a label fixed anywhere. Although if it's a mini there can't be much room for a label.

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  2. Anonymous
    2025-03-27T14:05:19+00:00

    Thank you, I’ll contact GMKtec…

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  3. Anonymous
    2025-03-27T12:56:47+00:00

    Hi Dave,

    I purchased my K11 PC direct from GMKtec it came with Windows 11 Pro pre installed, when I first set up this PC I activated it and it worked fine, later in the day I had to do a Windows reinstall and I did this with the software that I downloaded it from the manufacturers website.

    Now I can’t activate it again after the reinstall…

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  4. Anonymous
    2025-03-27T12:06:44+00:00

    Hi, I am Dave, I will help you with this.

    1

    Where did you get your Windows licence was that pre-installed on the PC or did you purchase a full retail Windows licence from Microsoft or from a 3rd party retailer?

    2

    Download the free ShowKeyPlus app from the Microsoft Store.

    Please provide a screenshot of that app window and please hide any product key that may appear in the screenshot.

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