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shashank0001's avatar
shashank0001
Copper Contributor
Dec 11, 2024

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 Retail 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. 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:

  1. If I enter my purchased genuine product key, will it overwrite the unauthorized key and make my installation fully official?
  2. How can I ensure all unauthorized activators or remnants from the previous installation are completely removed?
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