Activating Windows issue

Question

Bought a reconditioned Asus, merely to upgrade to Windows 11. Just keep getting, we can't activate windows right now. Try again later or buy something, lol The product key is shown with the first four sets X out and the last 5 present.

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.

This is a public user forum, please hide your product key in the screenshot.

Answer 2

On a reconditioned PC, activation issues are usually caused by one of these:

1. The product key has already been used on more devices than allowed
   • Refurbishers sometimes reuse the same key on multiple PCs.
   • When that happens, Windows reports that it cannot activate and may intermittently show messages like “we can’t activate Windows right now” and prompt to buy a license.
   • In this case, a new, unique product key or license is required for that device.
2. The device has been repaired or rebuilt with a different Windows version or key
   • If the refurbisher reinstalled or repaired Windows using a different edition or a key that’s already in use, activation will fail.
   • The fix is to reinstall the correct edition of Windows that originally came with the PC and use the original product key that belongs to that device.
3. It’s a pre‑owned PC with a non‑genuine or misused key
   • For pre‑owned devices, the seller may have used a key that is counterfeit or already blocked.
   • The guidance is to request from the seller the original Windows media and product key. If they cannot provide a valid key that activates successfully, a new Windows product key or copy of Windows must be purchased.
4. Common activation error conditions
   • If the underlying error is one of the common activation codes (for example 0xC004C003, 0xC004C008, 0x803FA071), it typically means:
     • The key is invalid or blocked, or
     • The key has already been used on another device or more devices than allowed.
   • In those cases, the resolution is to provide a different valid key unique to that device or buy a new license from the Microsoft Store via Settings > System > Activation.

Recommended steps:

1. Go to Start > Settings > System > Activation and check the exact activation error code shown under Activation state.
2. If the error indicates the key is invalid, used on multiple devices, or blocked, contact the refurbisher/seller and request the original Windows product key and proof that it is genuine and unique to this PC.
3. If the seller cannot provide a working key or Windows still will not activate with their key, purchase a new Windows product key or license and enter it under Change product key in Activation settings.

If the device was significantly repaired (for example motherboard replaced) after purchase and previously showed as activated, use the Activation troubleshooter from Settings > System > Activation > Troubleshoot and, if applicable, sign in with the Microsoft account that was previously associated with the device’s digital license.

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References:

• Why can't I activate Windows?
• Activate Windows
• Get help with Windows activation errors
• How do I get my 2 year old ROG Zephyrus laptop Win 11 pro to stop showing "Activate Windows" - Microsoft Q&A