Forum Discussion
How to Replace an Unauthorized Windows 11 Product Key with a Genuine Key?
I initially installed Windows 11 from an unauthorized source, which activated with an OEM key. However, this installation caused severe performance issues, including lagging in various areas such as:
- The taskbar (e.g., dropdowns in Wi-Fi settings).
- File Explorer (slow response).
- Any installed software.
- Overall sluggishness after starting up.
To resolve this, I downloaded the official Windows 11 ISO from Microsoft's website and performed a clean installation using a bootable USB and a different Microsoft account, I done this 3 times. Despite this, the unauthorized product key still shows as active in the system.
I’ve already tried deactivating the key using Command Prompt (slmgr /upk), but it didn’t work.
Here are my questions:
- If I enter my purchased genuine product key, will it overwrite the unauthorized key and make my installation fully official?
- How can I ensure all unauthorized activators or remnants from the previous installation are completely removed?
I think there is another command you need to employ to remove the license. It is to remove the license from the registry. the command you used is just one part. There is a site on YT called Britec09 where he helps to swap or move Windows keys. If the key you are trying to remove is an OEM key you cannot use it on another machine, FYI. If you have an older mechanical drive you may want to run some utilities to clean it up and format it before installing the new Windows. If you wipe the drive this way there will be no older license to require removal. It is possible that over time your Windows install has become corrupted and a clean install will solve a lot of issues.
Given that your install from 'unauthorized source' did activate. I don't think that Windows would activate with a bad license... . Just a thought...
