Windows 11 Pro, Activation problems

Question

Hi all,

I was on Windows 10 Home edition, I upgraded my laptop to Windows 11. After doing so, I purchased through Microsoft Store, The pro edition.

Now it wont let me activate Windows and keeps coming up with the following error:
We cant activate Windows on this device because you don't have a valid digital license or product key. If you think you do have a valid license or key, select troubleshoot below. Error code: 0xC004C003

What am i doing wrong?

Answer 1

Purchased my new Dell laptop, I had Windows 11. Went through the Settings > Systems > Activation ... Upgrade via Microsoft Store. Paid my $99 and then I ended up with a "Failed to activate". Under System > Activation, it displays "Windows 11 Enterprise".

If you experience this, then the following steps should help you.

Here are the steps I followed to resolve this issue:

Go to this website and grab a Windows 11 Pro product key.

https://www.majorgeeks.com/content/page/list_of_generic_keys_to_use_in_windows_10.html

Then open a "Windows Powershell" (as an administrator) and run the following command:

slmgr /ipk ENTER-PRODUCT-KEY-FROM-PREVIOUS-STEP

Close and reopen "Settings > System". It now says - "Windows 11 Pro" and it is now activated.

Hopefully these steps helps others along the way.

---

Another useful link:
https://www.majorgeeks.com/content/page/how_to_downgrade_from_windows_10_enterprise_to_windows_10_pro.html

Cheers!

Visit me at MyThinkPond.com

Happy Activating!

Answer 2

Hello @George Crosbie ,

Thank you for your question.

As it is a problem related to Windows 11 I recommend that you post your question on the Windows 11 forum, as this is an upgrade issue and you may be having a problem with the update server and only the Windows 11 team will be able to reveal this to you.

To do this, go to the link below and select the option "Ask a question" from the top menu and describe the entire problem, including images:

https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/windows_11?sort=LastReplyDate&dir=Desc&tab=All&status=all&mod=&modAge=&advFil=&postedAfter=&postedBefore=&threadType=all&isFilterExpanded=false&page=1

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

If the answer is helpful, please vote positively and accept as an answer.

Answer 3

I am having exactly the same problem as above but I am currently on Windows 10 home, trying to upgrade to windows 10 pro. I bought the digital license through the microsoft store and can see the receipt for my purchase.

Answer 4

I'm having the same problem. Where do I go for help?

Answer 5

I'm having the same problem. Where do I go for help?