If you’ve recently upgraded to Windows 11, you may have encountered the frustrating problem of your activation key not working. This can be a major inconvenience, preventing you from accessing important features and updates. Fortunately, there are ways to troubleshoot and resolve this issue. In this article on Naijaknowhow, I’ll guide you on how to fix activation key not working on Windows 11. But before we get started, let me tell you what a Windows activation key is.
What is a Windows Activation Key?
What exactly is an activation key? In simple terms, it’s a unique 25-character code that is used to verify and activate your copy of Windows. This code is like a digital signature that ensures your Windows version is genuine and legally obtained. Not only that, an activation key also helps you stay up-to-date with the latest Windows features and security updates.
This is because when you upgrade to a newer version of Windows, you’ll need to enter a new activation key. This ensures that you’re using the most current version of the software that comes with the latest improvements and fixes. Overall, an activation key is a vital part of the Windows operating system that ensures you have a legal and updated version of the software.
If you’re having trouble using the activation key on your computer, it could be because the key is already in use. Additionally, there are other potential reasons, such as an invalid key or a weak internet connection, which may prevent Windows from activating the license. To resolve this issue on Windows 11, you may attempt the solutions listed below;
How to Fix Activation Key Not Working on Windows 11?
Method 1: Verify Your Internet Connection
If you’re having trouble activating your device, it’s possible that your Internet connection is causing the issue. In order for the activation key to work properly, you’ll need a stable connection to the Internet.
To troubleshoot the problem, make sure your computer is connected to a WiFi network and try restarting your router to see if that helps improve your connection speed. Follow the next step if this doesn’t fix the problem!
Method 2: Confirm the Activation Key’s Status
To verify if the activation key is already being used, quickly follow the procedures below:
- Click on the Windows icon and choose “Settings”. Then, navigate to the “System” section from the left-hand menu.
- Scroll down to the bottom of the page and select “About”. Next, move to the “Related” section and click on “Product Key and Activation”.
- Verify the status of “Activation State”. If your device is already activated with the key, the status will display as “Active”. This indicates why your attempts to reactivate the key were unsuccessful.
Method 3: Execute the Activation Troubleshooter
Are you familiar with the built-in troubleshooters in Windows? If so, you can utilize the Activation Troubleshooter to promptly address this problem. Follow these steps to resolve the issue quickly.
- Open the Settings app and go to the “System” tab in the left menu pane. Then, scroll down and click on “Troubleshoot.”
- Select “Other Troubleshooters” and locate “Activation Troubleshooter” in the list. Click on the “Run” button next to it to initiate the troubleshooter.
Note: In case you are unable to find the Activation Troubleshooter in the list, it implies that your Windows operating system has already been activated using a valid license.
Method 4: Purchase an Authentic Activation Key
If you obtained a counterfeit activation key from an untrustworthy website or a scammer, you might encounter various problems while trying to install it. To avoid such issues, you can purchase an authentic activation key directly from the Microsoft Store. Here’s how;
- Open the Settings app and navigate to the “System” tab. Then, click on “Activation“.
- Select “Upgrade your edition of Windows” and click on the “Open Store” button. This will redirect you to the Microsoft Store app. From here, you can easily purchase a new activation key or upgrade your current one for your device.
Method 5: Execute the Activation Command
To open the Run dialog box, press the Windows key and the R key simultaneously. In the textbox, type the below command and then press Enter to activate the license key:
- slmgr /ipk
Method 6: Execute the SFC scan
To initiate a system scan, open Command Prompt with administrative privileges and enter the following command into the Terminal window:
- sfc /scannow
The System File Checker (SFC) is a pre-installed Windows tool that detects and repairs damaged system files on your device. After the SFC scan finishes, restart your device and verify if the problem has been resolved.
Conclusion
There you have it, the simple methods to fix activation key not working on Windows 11. The procedures given above have been proven to work, and you can choose whichever one you think will be most effective for you. We’d love to hear about your experience and which method worked for you, so please feel free to share your thoughts in the comments section below.
