Windows Install

Question

I cannot continue my windows installation because it stops at the Activate Windows part, where i press “I don’t have a product key” and then it closes. How can i continue?

Answer 1

Hi,

On the product installation screen, try using the old setup file to see if that works.

Let me know if it worked.

Thanks.

Answer 2

Selecting I don’t have a product key should open Select Image, not close Windows Setup; create fresh official Windows 11 installation media and retry, but treat this as troubleshooting because the available guidance does not identify the exact cause of the unexpected closure.

Retry with fresh installation media

Since the product-key option already closes Setup, move to a new installer rather than repeating the same attempt:

1. On another working PC, back up anything needed from the target PC.
2. Connect a blank USB drive with at least 8 GB. Creating the installer erases everything on that USB.
3. Open Microsoft’s Download Windows 11 page, select Download Now under Create Windows 11 Installation Media, and run MediaCreationTool.exe.^1^
4. Boot the affected PC from the newly created USB. The manufacturer’s boot menu may require a key such as F12, Esc, or another model-specific key.
5. In Windows Setup, select:
   • Language and keyboard settings
   • Install Windows 11
   • I agree everything will be deleted including files, apps, and settings
   • I don’t have a product key
6. The expected next screen is Select Image. Choose the Windows edition that matches the device’s existing license—such as Home or Pro—and select Next.^2^

Warning: A clean installation removes personal files, applications, settings, and manufacturer customizations. Do not delete partitions unless the required files are backed up.

Many modern PCs store their key in firmware. If that key matches the Windows version and edition being installed, Setup applies it automatically. A digital license can also reactivate the matching edition after installation and connection to the internet.^1^

If there is neither a product key nor a digital license linked to the device/Microsoft account, cancel Setup until valid activation information is available.^2^

If fresh media closes at the same point

Disconnect nonessential devices—external drives other than the installer, printers, docks, scanners, and similar accessories—and retry once. Microsoft lists external hardware removal as a general Windows installation troubleshooting step.^3^

If Setup still closes, the documented procedures do not establish the cause. Record:

• PC manufacturer and exact model
• Whether this is a reinstall or first installation
• Previously licensed Windows edition
• How the USB was created
• Any displayed error code or message
• Whether Setup returns to the first screen, restarts the PC, or powers it off

Then contact the PC manufacturer or Microsoft Support with those details. If the device was sold with Windows preinstalled, the manufacturer can also confirm its licensed edition and firmware key.

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References

1. Create installation media for Windows
2. Reinstall Windows with the installation media | Microsoft Support
3. [Windows 11](https://support.microsoft.com/windows/deployment/install-upgrade/get-help-with-windows-upgrade-and-installation-errors)