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Hello,
I have a Windows 11 Enterprise Evaluation Virtual Machine which came preinstalled with some software that I am currently evaluating and now the eval period is coming to an end. I then went ahead and purchased a Windows 11 Enterprise license which comes with a product key. I am still unable to update the key using the purchased key. I keep getting the message - The product key you entered didn't work. Check the product key and try again, or enter a different one. (0xc004f050).
Please advise as to how I can activate it to a full version so that I dont end up losing all my working softwares in it.
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Hello,
You cannot convert a Windows Client machine from Evaluation to Released product.
The Evaluation timers are not removed when simply changing keys.
this is an unsupported scenario that can leave your machine in a reboot state if the timers ever expire.
You may be able to do a an inplace upgrade to released product by running setup.
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What a ridiculous policy. What could be the reasoning behind not allowing a customer to convert an evaluation to a bought edition without significant effort and potential loss??
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An in place upgrade causes you to lose all data because, "Your files, apps, and settings can't be kept because you're installing an edition of Windows that's different than the one you're currently using."
This message is displayed no matter which version of Windows 11 you choose. Microsoft has made quite the effort to make sure the time you put into making sure Windows 11 works for you is wasted if you want to keep that VM.
Hello @Manoj Santhinikethanam
I would recommend using command line in a CMD window opened as administrator, then run:
ManojSanthinikethanam
slmgr.vbs /ipk <your-product-key-here> (this will install the new product key)
slmgr.vbs /ato (this will trigger the actrivation process)
Other examples and commands for SLMGR: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server/get-started/activation-slmgr-vbs-options
Hope this helps with your query,
--
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If I download and test Windows 11 for virtual machines and later move to Windows business, will I loose functionality of virtual machines ?
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