How can I activate an Evaluation version of Windows 11 Enterprise using a genuine key I purchased?

Question

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.

Answer 1

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.

Answer 2

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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Answer 3

To activate your Windows 11 Enterprise VM, try converting the evaluation version to the full version by using the command:

slmgr /ipk <your-product-key>

If the issue persists, try contacting Microsoft support or microsoft partners hy pestkey for a valid key.