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Pixelscrafters's avatar
Pixelscrafters
Copper Contributor
Apr 07, 2025

Windows 11 Activate Problem

I build a PC a few days ago with Ryzen 7 7700X, ASUS B650 motherboard, and 32GB Corsair RAM. I have installed windows 11 pro on it but when I restart the PC it shows activate windows. When I check the license it does not get activated. When I activate the license key again it gets activated. Is anybody else facing this issue? I don't understand whether this is a hardware issue or a settings issue but I am troubled because of this. If anyone knows the solution to this please kindly tell me.

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  • jag_man653hotmailcom's avatar
    jag_man653hotmailcom
    Copper Contributor
    Apr 13, 2025

    I had this problem too after doing a complete rebuild of my desktop. The Micro Center tech helped me select another motherboard and processor while keeping my old case, memory sticks and drives. So when it booted up it was in Windows 11 for which I had no license. After learning this (perhaps on this forum?), I was able to type in my Windows 10 key from the card that came when I first built my computer years earlier. Finally, the "Activate Windows" no longer appeared and my computer was running Windows 11!

    BTW, there's a telephone number for Microsoft tech support. Didn't help me much though since the guy was telling me what to do faster than I could write it down and my short term memory isn't what it used to be😕

  • KapilArya's avatar
    KapilArya
    MVP
    Apr 12, 2025

    Confirm the activation status by running slmgr.vbs /xpr command. If it says Machine is permanently activated only then it is activated.

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