How To Fix Windows 10 Activation Common Errors

December 12, 2017
Windows 10

This method also applies to: Windows 10, Windows 7, Windows 8.1, and Windows 8

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Why need to Activate Windows 10 to install it?

Activation helps verify that your copy of Windows is genuine and hasn’t been used on more devices than the Microsoft Software License Terms (MSLT) allow. If you have a legal copy of Windows 10, you will continuously get security updates and new features.

What’s The Difference: Digital License vs. Product Key

Depending on how you bought your copy of Windows 10, there are two ways for activation: either a digital license or a 25-character product key. If your copy of Windows 10 comes with a digital license, then you don’t need a product key to activate.

Applicable conditions:

  • Digital license:
    1. Upgrading to Windows 10 for free from genuine Windows 7 or Windows 8.1.
    2. Buying a genuine copy of Windows 10 from the Microsoft Store or Authorized Retailers
    3. Buying a Windows 10 Pro upgrade
  • Product key:
    1. Buying a copy of Windows 10 from an authorized retailer like amazon.
    2. Buying a digital copy of Windows 10 from an authorized retailer.
    3. Buying a new or refurbished device running Windows 10.

Why can’t I activate my Windows 10?

If you get a message that states Windows 10 can’t be activated, the following are a few reasons why it might not have worked, along with some possible solutions.

  • Case 1: Your Product Key doesn’t match the version of Windows 10

    If your PC was repaired or rebuilt, it’s possible that a different version of Windows 10 was installed. Easy to solve this issue by re-entering the right version of product key or try reinstalling your original version of Windows 10.

  • Case 2: Your copy of Windows 10 was installed on multiple PCs

  • Case 3: Your Product Key was blocked by the Microsoft Software License Terms.

    Activation not work because the product key has already been used too many times, or it has been blocked by Microsoft. In case 2 and 3, you must buy a new product key for each of your PCs to activate them. A Trustworthy website you can Buy Windows 10 Pro Key on cheap with paypal method is Key1024.com

  • Case 4: Using Counterfeit or Non-Genuine Windows 10

    Microsoft is aggressively cracking down on Windows 10 piracy across the globe. If You are using of pirated Windows 10, your personal privacy will be violated, and your data security will be threatened. So we recommend that you buy a genuine product!

  • Case 5: A used PC

    Many people don’t have enough money, so they bought a used PC with Windows 10 already installed. It’s possible that the product key is being used on more PCs, this issue is similar to Case 2.

  • Case 6: Hardware changes

    When you make significant hardware changes, such as replacing the motherboard or hard drive, Windows 10 won’t be able to identify your computer correctly, and as a result, the Windows 10 might no longer be activated. To re-activate Windows 10, follow our another Technical Article: How to re-activate Windows 10 after a Hardware Change

  • Case 7: Your PC is not connected to the Internet when activation
  • Case 8: Antivirus or Firewall utilities might be blocking from finishing the activation process online.
  • Case 9: Your computer is behind a proxy server, disabling the proxy temporarily or using chat support can resolve this error.

Note: For more info about Windows 10 activation errors, see Get help with Windows 10 activation errors.

Another Classic Problem is How to activate Windows 10 after Upgrade from Windows 7 or Windows 8.x

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