have you already applied the suggested commands?
Unable to activate windows
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Thomas Wilkinson
0
Reputation points
I did a fresh system install and now it is saying my windows is not activated. i have done this in the past with no issues. i have gone through troubleshooting and selected "I recently changed hardware on this device" but i then get a message stating "Unable to activate Windows
We can’t reactivate Windows because our servers aren’t available at the moment. Wait for a few minutes, or try adding your Microsoft account again."
I have been getting this message since yesterday.
I have managed to find my installation ID but trying to activate it through the portal https://visualsupport.microsoft.com/ but i get the following message "We’re sorry, your Installation ID was unable to be validated."
Any help would be appreciated
Windows for home | Windows 11 | Licensing and activation
{count} votes
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Thomas Wilkinson 0 Reputation points
2026-03-02T15:39:24.86+00:00 Nothing happens when i try the above.
From searching other threads it seems activating by phone was discontinued in December anyway?
I have also tried converting to a local user and then trying to activate and had the same results.
Sorry, wasn't sure if i needed to post a new comment or just reply
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Thomas Wilkinson 0 Reputation points
2026-03-02T18:10:15.57+00:00 Yes, i've applied them and restarted.
Tried everything suggested in this thread, the one you linked early and many other threads to no avail.
Trying to contact customer support just sends me to the activation portal where i enter my instillation I.D and i get the message that was in my original post
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Neil D 32,295 Reputation points Volunteer Moderator2026-03-02T18:24:49.0066667+00:00 Can you give details about the origin of the licence.
- Was it previously Windows 10.
- Did you buy a Windows 11 licence.
- If it was Windows 10 then was that licence part of the free upgrade from Windows 7 or 8.
- Was the licence provided by the system builder.
- Do you have a product key.
Open a Command prompt and enter slmgr /dlv [press return] and post a screenshot of the result.
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13 answers
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Alvise Cervellati 3,785 Reputation points Independent Advisor2026-03-02T18:05:41.1866667+00:00 -
Thomas Wilkinson 0 Reputation points
2026-03-02T17:39:33.2633333+00:00 Ran through the new information and restarted and still having the same issue, getting the same "Unable to activate Windows
We can’t reactivate Windows because our servers aren’t available at the moment. Wait for a few minutes, or try adding your Microsoft account again." message since last night
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Alvise Cervellati 3,785 Reputation points Independent Advisor
2026-03-02T17:34:17.49+00:00 Ok, press WIN + X and open terminal as admin, then type
slmgr -upkslmgr /cpkyslmgr /rearmthen restart windows and from Settings > System > Activation try again to install your product key and activate it
If fails, open Troubleshoot and follow the instruction on screen
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Alvise Cervellati 3,785 Reputation points Independent Advisor
2026-03-02T14:42:02.01+00:00 Hi Thomas, Welcome in Community
Did you tried to activate Windows by Phone?
Press WIN + R and type
slui 4follow the instructions on screen
Then, check the solution suggested here
Let me know
Elvis
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Thomas Wilkinson 0 Reputation points
2026-03-02T14:47:53.08+00:00 Hi,
Nothing happens when i try the above.
From searching other threads it seems activating by phone was discontinued in December anyway?
I have also tried converting to a local user and then trying to activate and had the same results
Sign in to comment -
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Thomas Wilkinson 0 Reputation points
2026-03-02T13:57:36.89+00:00 I followed the AI reply and tried to contact customer support but it just redirected my to the activation portal that i tried, can't seem to find a phone number either