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Cannot activate windows 11 Pro after reset

Glen Pryor 20 Reputation points
2026-06-11T11:43:59.45+00:00

I had to reset my computer. Computer was purchased with Windows 11 Pro installed. I cannot activate the Pro software now.

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Licensing and activation

Answer accepted by question author

Neil D 33,495 Reputation points Volunteer Moderator
2026-06-12T18:18:00.2266667+00:00

From your screenshot it looks like the reset didn't complete correctly and perhaps the activation service isn't running.

Go to Settings > System > Recovery > Fix problems using windows update, select Reinstall now. This may take some time but will fix any OS errors.

As a note: when you type cmd in Search there is an option to run as administrator in the Start menu.

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  1. Kapil Arya 37,826 Reputation points Volunteer Moderator
    2026-06-11T13:03:28.81+00:00

    Can you sign in with same Microsoft account, see if that helps you with activation.

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  2. Estrella721 39,880 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-06-11T12:17:08.43+00:00

    In the search bar, type 'Command Prompt' and run it as administrator.

    Then, copy and paste the command below and press Enter. A pop-up will appear; please share a screenshot of that window.

    slmgr.vbs /dlv

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  3. Glen Pryor 20 Reputation points
    2026-06-11T11:52:34.0366667+00:00

    Computer was reconditioned in Canada by ASTSYS. There is not a COA attached to the case.

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  4. AI answer

    2026-06-11T11:44:26.27+00:00

    Follow these steps to reactivate Windows 11 Pro after the reset:

    1. Confirm activation status and edition
      • Select Start > Settings > System > Activation.
      • Check that the edition shown is Windows 11 Pro and that it shows as not activated.
    2. Let Windows auto-activate (digital license)
      • Make sure the device is connected to the internet.
      • If the PC originally came with Windows 11 Pro and was activated, it should have a digital license tied to the hardware. After a reset/reinstall of the same edition (Pro), Windows 11 normally activates automatically once online.
      • If it does not, use the Troubleshoot option on the Activation page and follow the prompts.
    3. Check for hardware changes
      • If major hardware was replaced (for example, motherboard), the original activation may no longer be valid. In that case, activation may fail and a valid product key is required again. See Get help with Windows activation errors for error-specific guidance.
    4. Use the original product key / COA
      • If the PC is a refurbished or OEM device with a Certificate of Authenticity (COA) for Windows 11 Pro attached to the device or provided as a card:
        1. Go to Start > Settings > System > Activation.
        2. Select Change product key.
        3. Enter the 25-character key from the COA and complete the steps.
    5. If Windows 11 Pro was installed for the first time
      • If this device never had an activated copy of Windows 11 Pro before (for example, it originally had Home, or the motherboard is new), a valid Windows 11 Pro product key is required to activate. During or after installation, enter that key when prompted. If there is no key, one must be purchased.

    If these steps do not activate Windows 11 Pro, follow the error-specific instructions in the activation error article and, if needed, use the Activate by Phone option from the Activation settings to complete activation via the Product Activation Portal or support.

    References:

    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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