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KennyB's avatar
KennyB
Copper Contributor
Dec 14, 2024

Upgrade to 24H2 de-activated Windows

I upgraded to 24H2 earlier this week. It took a while but finally everything looked OK. I was previously on 23H2 (and wish I'd stayed on that version).

I'm now getting prompted to activate Windows. I have a pro key which I purchased when I built this PC in January 2024. I've never had problems with this key. So I tried Troubleshoot but no solution. I then went to Change Key, and entered my existing key. It wouldn't accept the key, with the error message Key already used. Of course it has been used - to activate this very PC. I haven't changed any hardware in the 11 months since I built it.

Anyone have any ideas? Microsoft tech support is not answering their phone this week apparently.

  • Ankido's avatar
    Ankido
    Iron Contributor

    Hi Kenny,

    I think this solution should be helpful.

    I opened the Microsoft Store and downloaded an app called ShowKeyPlus. When I ran it, the first page showed a field called "Original Key." I copied that key and went to Settings > System > Activation (you can just search for "activation" in Settings). Then, I clicked on "Change product key," entered the key from the "Original Key" field in ShowKeyPlus, and—after a lot of frustration—it finally activated!

    Hope this helps!

    • KennyB's avatar
      KennyB
      Copper Contributor

      I thought is was too good to be true. No "Original Key" - but Installed Key shows MAK key not available. Whatever that is. Super-annoying problem. I wonder if I install Linux on another drive if I can rid of this monkey. At the price Microsoft charges for a key - and NO technical support - I'm not buying again.

  • MiaM's avatar
    MiaM
    Copper Contributor

    I have the same problem, I cannot find any possibility to contact Microsoft tech, I left a feedback and also my number for them to reach out. Hopefully there will be at least some answer.

     

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