The product key entered does not match any of the windows images available for installation. Enter a different product key

Question

Did everything from this article: https://woshub.com/create-custom-windows-image-preinstalled-apps/#comment-11977

 

Tried to install the image, get to the point I need to enter license key and after entering right key (from the label on the bottom of the laptop) I get an error message saying:

"The product key entered does not match any of the windows images available for installation. Enter a different product key"

 

I'm using Win11 Pro OEM version

 

Tried to create PID.txt file with: [PID] Value=xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx, with license key itself - doesn't work.

Tried to create ei.cfg file and write in it: [Channel] Retail

                                                                [VL] 0

doesn't work.

 

Would appreciate help

Answer 1

1. The OEM key might be specifically tied to a custom Windows image from your laptop manufacturer.
2. They may be able to provide the correct installation media or further assistance.
3. Proceed with installation without entering a key.
4. After installation, try activating Windows using the OEM key.
5. Ensure you are using the correct installation media for Windows 11 Pro OEM. You can create a new installation USB using the Media Creation Tool from Microsoft’s official website: Microsoft website.

Answer 2

Hi Kiril,

Thanks for your post. Based on my research, this problem can occur if the supplied product key doesn't match the media that is being used to install Windows. The supplied product key may be in an unattended file, in the EI.CFG file, in the PID.txt file, or in the firmware of the BIOS. Windows computers that come with the operating system installed ship with the product key in the firmware, and if that product key doesn't match the media, you'll see the error message above.

For example: Installing Windows Server on a computer than came from the manufacturer with Windows 10 installed is likely to cause this problem. If the system has a Product key in the Motherboard (O. A. 3.0 [OEM Activation] supplies an OEM product key in the firmware) you should use an Unattend file, Edition Configuration (EI.cfg) file or the Product ID (PID.txt) file.

Reference: Error The product key entered does not match any of the Windows images during Windows installation - Windows Server | Microsoft Learn

Best Regards,

Ian Xue

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