Windows 11 Pro Not Activating After Reset – OEM Key Not Detected

Question

Body:

I've been using a genuine Windows 11 Pro license that came pre-installed with my system in 2023. The activation was always automatic because the OEM key is embedded in the BIOS. Recently, after resetting my system using the “Keep my files” option, Windows failed to activate.

Now the license channel shows “Volume: GVLK” and the activation status is stuck in “Notification.” The error code I see is 0xC004F056, which seems to relate to KMS volume licensing — something that shouldn't apply to an OEM system.

I have not replaced my motherboard or made major hardware changes. I’ve reset the system multiple times, and even tried activation troubleshooting and phone activation via SLUI 4, but nothing has worked.

My concern is: why is Windows detecting a volume license after reset instead of using the original OEM key from BIOS? And how can I trigger proper OEM-based activation again — without purchasing a new product key or fully reinstalling the OS?

Any help or official guidance would be appreciated.

Answer 1

1

Click your Start Button, type cmd then right click Command Prompt and choose 'Run as Administrator'

Run or paste this command and hit Enter:

slmgr.vbs /dlv

Please post a screenshot of the resulting dialog

2

Download the free ShowKeyPlus app from the Microsoft Store.

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