cannot activate window 11

Question

new computer (Apollox LunaBook) came with built in Widows 11 Pro. After working well for about 48 hours, I was asked to Activate Windows. Since my product key was not included with the computer (do not know why!!), I used ShowKeyPlus to get it back. The product key recovered was: 7NY97-G8HFD-WMKRP-PB7WX-RM49C. This key was verified by the ShowKeyPlus app.

(Moderator - PII obfuscated in screenshots

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I then went to activate Windows in Setup, requested Change Product Key, entered the key received from ShowKeyPlus - and was again unable to activate.

What can be done?

Answer 1

The key shown by ShowKeyPlus is an OEM Windows 10 Pro key. Windows 11 Pro on the new device needs a valid, unused license that matches the installed edition and has not been used on more devices than allowed.

If activation fails with an error like 0xC004C003 or similar, it usually means the key is not valid for activation on this device (for example, it has already been used elsewhere or is blocked). In that case, the built‑in key cannot be used to activate Windows 11.

Recommended steps:

1. Run the Activation troubleshooter:
   • Select Start > Settings > System > Activation.
   • If available, select Troubleshoot and follow the steps.
2. If activation still fails, contact the device seller or manufacturer and request a valid Windows 11 Pro license or proof of the original license that should be included with the PC.
3. If the seller/manufacturer cannot provide a working key or license, a new Windows 11 Pro product key or license must be purchased and used to activate the device.

If the device has never had an activated copy of Windows 11 Pro before, activation will only succeed with a valid product key unique to this PC.

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References:

• Why can't I activate Windows?
• Activate Windows
• Get help with Windows activation errors
• Product activation for Windows - online & Microsoft Support Product Activation Portal