windows update

Question

windows updated from 10 to 11 now wants activation code

Answer 1

1

Upgrading from Windows 10 to 11 should not cause any activation errors, the upgrade is free and a Windows 10 licence can activate Windows 11.

Did you perform an in-place upgrade to Windows 11 or a complete clean install of Windows 11 using a bootable USB.

2

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, and if so, do you have the product key?

Or is your Windows licence based on a previous Windows 7 or 8 licence?

2

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

Answer 2

When Windows 10 is upgraded to Windows 11 on an already activated device, activation should normally carry over automatically using a digital license. If Windows 11 is now asking for an activation code, use these steps:

1. Confirm Windows 11 is installed and updated
   • Select Start and in the search box type winver, then select Winver to confirm Windows 11 is running and fully updated. If needed, install updates as described in update Windows.
2. Run the Activation troubleshooter
   • Go to Start > Settings > System > Activation.
   • If available, select Troubleshoot to run the Windows Activation troubleshooter. On Windows 11 devices, this can also be started via the Get Help app using the Run the troubleshooter in Get Help link. It will automatically run diagnostics and attempt to fix most activation problems.
3. Check activation method
   • If the device was upgraded for free from Windows 10 to Windows 11, it should have a digital license instead of a product key. In that case, activation should complete automatically when connected to the internet and signed in with the same Microsoft account previously used on Windows 10.
   • If Windows was originally purchased as a separate license (boxed copy, OEM key, or Microsoft Store purchase), locate the original product key or digital license:
     • For a Microsoft Store purchase of a Windows 10/11 Pro upgrade, the digital license is in the confirmation email for the Microsoft account used to buy it.
     • For OEM devices, the key may be embedded in firmware and used automatically; if not, use the key from the original documentation or sticker.
4. If online activation still fails
   • In Settings > System > Activation, use Activate by Phone (if shown) to activate via the Product Activation Portal instead of entering the key online. Follow the on-screen instructions and use the information shown there with the Product Activation Portal if directed.
5. If an error code appears
   • After running the troubleshooter, if an activation error code is shown, look it up in the Windows activation errors article and follow the specific steps for that code. If the code is not listed, contact Microsoft customer support from that page.

If the upgrade was from a genuine, activated Windows 10 and the same edition of Windows 11 is installed (for example, Home to Home, Pro to Pro), activation should succeed using the existing digital license once troubleshooting is completed and the device is online.

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References:

• Get help with Windows activation errors
• Product activation for Windows - online & Microsoft Support Product Activation Portal
• Find your Windows product key