Activation Key Not working After Windows Update

Question

Activation Key Not working After Windows Update

Shenna Sy 0

Can you please help? I have an MSI laptop and it's asking me for an activation key after a certain Windows update. I have been using this for a year already, and the store is no longer existing.

I have confirmed that a volume license was used, and is not stored in the bios. I cannot customize my computer and the watermark is giving me anxiety! I am still using the original OS that the laptop came with and it's supposed to be activated for life! This is very unfair.

2 answers

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Answer 1

If your MSI laptop is asking for an activation key after a Windows update, it may be due to issues with the volume license or changes in the activation status of your Windows installation. Here are some steps you can take to troubleshoot and potentially resolve the issue:

Check Activation Status: Run the command slmgr /dli or slmgr /dlv in an elevated command prompt to check the current activation status and see if there are any error codes.
Re-enter Product Key: If you have the original product key, try re-entering it. You can do this by going to Settings > Update & Security > Activation and selecting Change product key.
Contact Microsoft Support: If the activation key is still not working, it may be necessary to contact Microsoft Licensing Activation Centers for assistance. They can help you verify the status of your volume license and provide guidance on how to proceed.
Check for Updates: Ensure that your Windows is fully updated, as sometimes additional updates can resolve activation issues.
Consider a Genuine License: If the volume license is not valid or has been blocked, you may need to purchase a genuine product key to activate your Windows.

If these steps do not resolve the issue, you may need to explore further options with Microsoft support or consider reinstalling Windows with a valid product key.

References:

Troubleshoot Windows activation error codes

Answer 2

EmilyS726 189K Independent Advisor

Can you please type cmd in the search on the taskbar and hit enter to launch command prompt, then run the following command:

slmgr /dlv

Then share a screenshot please. Thanks!

Shenna Sy 0 Reputation points

2025-12-19T17:47:09.0666667+00:00

Here's the screenshot, @EmilyS726

Thank you for your response.
EmilyS726 189K Reputation points Independent Advisor

2025-12-19T17:51:04.41+00:00

Ok, so yes, indeed, you are on volume license, specifically the KMS type.

This type of license is for organization users only. Organizational users are required to connect to the organization's KMS server to validate license every how often to stay activated. If you are not a organizational user, you shouldn't be using this type of license. It is considered a violation of licensing terms. If you are an organization user, contact your work IT regarding how to connect to their KMS server.

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Launch Powershell (note, it is not Command Prompt, but Powershell), and run this code to see if you have an OEM license on the motherboard.

(Get-CimInstance -ClassName SoftwareLicensingService -Property OA3xOriginalProductKey).OA3xOriginalProductKey

If it returns a license key, it means your motherboard has an OEM license for Windows Home edition, but you need to do a clean install in order to use this OEM license to properly and legally activate your Windows Home.
Shenna Sy 0 Reputation points

2025-12-20T13:12:27.35+00:00

Hi, @EmilyS726

I bought this laptop from a store, which has already closed. NEW and SEALED. I am using it for personal use. Don't have any work IT to contact. And why should it ask for an activation key when it has already been activated? This is very sad.

I am using Win 11 Pro, not home (which is shown in the screenshot you asked me to provide). And I've already tried using powershell, I get empty result.

This is an MS problem. Thus, MS support should be able to support this problem. :(
Neil D 30,295 Reputation points Volunteer Moderator

2025-12-20T13:30:28.3233333+00:00

It's a problem with the licence which is not valid for you to use.

Did it have Pro edition when you bought it. Do you still have an invoice to confirm what was installed.

It's not good news I'm afraid. You will need to buy a licence to activate windows, there is no other choice.
EmilyS726 189K Reputation points Independent Advisor

2025-12-20T15:49:02.57+00:00

It is NOT a Microsoft problem I am sorry. The store sold you a copy of license that can expire and is not meant for individual users, because only organization users can renew such license, so technically it is considered piracy. I am sorry, you will have to buy a retail license in this case to activate it.

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Activation Key Not working After Windows Update

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