[SOLVED!] How to Fix the Issue with Windows 10 Activation Key Not Working

A product key, also called a CD key, is a 25-character code used to activate the Windows operating system on a specific computer. It verifies the authenticity of your copy of Windows and allows you to fully use the operating system.

Despite the release of Windows 11, most people are still content with their current Windows 10. Users of Windows 10 often encounter various issues, with "Windows 10 activation key not working" being a common one. If you're part of this group, there's good news. This article will share six solutions to fix the issue of an unresponsive Windows 10 activation key. But before diving into these six best methods, let's first explore the reasons and details behind it.

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Why isn't my Windows 10 activation key working?

Well, there could be several reasons why your Windows 10 activation key isn't working. This might include:

• Inserted an incorrect product key
• Used the product key on another system
• Network connection issues
• Hardware modifications

Here are some common reasons why your Windows 10 product key might not work. Many users believe that upgrading from Windows 10 to Windows 11 would remove the activation. However, that's not the case. You shouldn't have any activation issues when upgrading to Windows 11.

What happens if Windows 10 is not activated? If your Windows 10 is not activated, it will enter an "unactivated" state. In this state, you can still use most of its features, but there will be some limitations and reminders. Here's what you might encounter: 1. **Black Desktop Background**: Your desktop background will automatically change to solid black as a reminder to activate Windows. 2. **Watermark Notification**: A persistent watermark will appear in the bottom right corner of the screen, displaying "Windows 10 isn't activated." 3. **Personalization Restrictions**: You won't be able to change your desktop background, theme colors, lock screen image, and other personalized settings. 4. **Limited Settings Changes**: Some system settings, such as customizations for the Start menu and taskbar, may be unavailable. 5. **Windows Updates Limitations**: While you'll still receive critical security updates, you might not get certain feature updates until you activate Windows. 6. **Cortana Limitations**: Cortana might not function properly or offer all its features. 7. **Microsoft Store Restrictions**: In some cases, you might not be able to purchase or download certain paid apps. 8. **Limited Technical Support**: Users with unactivated Windows 10 might not receive full technical support from Microsoft. Despite these limitations, core functions like web browsing, running most applications, and file management should still work normally. To activate Windows 10, you can enter a valid product key or activate automatically by connecting to a Microsoft account (if you upgraded from an earlier version of Windows). If you're a legitimate user encountering activation issues, you can contact Microsoft support for assistance.

The good news is that you can still use an unactivated Windows. You will receive regular updates to enhance the user experience and security. However, there are some drawbacks to having an unactivated Windows. You will face some feature limitations. For instance, you cannot change your wallpaper, colors, or themes. In short, you cannot personalize your settings in any way.

In addition, it displays a persistent watermark on the screen that reads “Activate Windows – Go to Settings to activate Windows,” which most users find annoying.

6 Ways to Fix Windows 10 Activation Key Not Working

1. Method 1: Use the Windows Activation Troubleshooter
2. Method 2: Run an SFC Scan
3. Method 3: Run the SLUI 4 Command
4. Method 4: Reset License Status
5. Method 5: Ensure the Correct Product Key is Used
6. Method 6: Check Internet Connection

Although there are probably more than six ways to skin this cat, most of them will not work. These are the six that might.

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Method 1: Use the Windows Activation Troubleshooter

The first method to fix the issue with an unusable Windows 10 activation key is by using the Troubleshooter option within the Settings app. Follow these steps:

Step 1: Press Windows + I to open the Settings app. Then, click on the "Update & Security" option.

Step 2. Next, locate and click on the “Troubleshoot” option.

Step Three: Wait for it to run its troubleshooters, and respond appropriately when the system asks whether you want to proceed.

Method 2: Run an SFC Scan

Windows 10 activation issues might be caused by corrupted system files. Hence, running the System File Checker (SFC) can resolve this problem. Here are the detailed steps to perform an SFC scan:

Step 1: Press the Windows key + R to open the "Run" command. Type "cmd" in the text box, then hold down Ctrl + Shift and click Enter to open the Command Prompt as an administrator.

Step 2. Click Yes to allow the changes to take place.

Step 3. Type “sfc /scannow” in the Command Prompt window and press Enter to run the SFC scan.

Step 4. If the Windows 10 activation issue is due to corrupted system files, this should resolve it.

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Method 3: Run the SLUI 4 command

SLUI 4 is a Windows activation client that helps you activate your Windows through the Microsoft Activation Center, which provides the assistance needed to resolve the issue. Here's how to do it.

Step 1: Press the Windows key + R to open the “Run” dialog box, type SLUI 4, and press Enter.

Step 2: A new window will appear with an option to "Select Your Country or Region." Find your country or region from the drop-down menu and click on it.

Step 3: The Microsoft Activation Center will provide you with several numbers to call. Ring any one of them, and follow the prompts to activate your copy of Windows 10.

Method 4: Reset the license status

Sometimes, due to a system glitch, your activation may not work properly. A good way to resolve this is to reset the license status. This might fix the issue. Please follow the steps below to reset the license:

Step one: Press Windows + S to open the search menu. Type “Terminal,” then right-click and run the app as an administrator.

Step 2. Click “Yes” to allow the app to make changes.

Step 3. A new window will appear. Click the downward arrow here, then select “Command Prompt” to open it in a new tab.

Step 4: Type “slmgr.vbs -rearm” into the terminal to reset the Windows license activation.

Method 5: Make sure you're using the right product key

One common reason why a Windows 10 activation key might not work is if you've entered an incorrect product key. When installing or reinstalling Windows 10, make sure you're inputting the correct key. Additionally, it's worth noting that when upgrading from Windows 10 to Windows 11, you don't need to enter a product key.

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Method 6: Check Your Internet Connection

With everything going online these days, the activation process for Windows 10 is no different. You need an Internet connection to activate your copy of Windows. You might run into this issue due to a bad internet connection or a DNS-related problem. Make sure you're properly connected to the Internet.

Appendix: Using Professional Backup Software for Your Windows 10 PC

For data and system safety, you can also use professional backup software to back up the Windows operating system and data to other devices. So when your Windows 10 computer has problems, you can use a system backup to restore the data. In this case, the Todo Backup tool can help.

is a reliable and secure data backup software for Windows 11/10/8/7, offering an all-in-one solution to easily clone, upgrade, or transfer your system. It enables you to create an ISO image from a hard drive and automatically back up files, disks, and systems. Furthermore, it allows you to create various types of backups, such as full backup, incremental backup, and differential backup, storing them on local drives, secure areas, NAS, and cloud locations. Additionally, you can use it to clone your hard drive and reinstall Windows without losing games.

Here are the detailed steps to back up your Windows 10 computer:

Step 1: Launch Todo Backup on your computer. On the main screen, click “Create Backup,” and then hit the big question-mark button to choose what you want to back up.

Step 2. To back up the Windows operating system, click "OS" to start the task.

Step 3. Your Windows operating system, along with all system-related files and partitions, should be selected automatically, so you don't need to do anything here. Next, click on the area highlighted in the image below to choose where you want to save your System Image backup.

Step 4. The backup location can be another local drive on your computer, an external hard drive, a network, the cloud, or a NAS. We generally recommend using an external physical drive or the cloud to store your system backup files.

Step 5: If interested, click on "Options" to enable automatic backup schedules (daily, weekly, monthly, or on event), as well as differential and incremental backups. Click "Back Up Now" for the Windows Backup process to begin. Completed backup tasks will be displayed in cards on the left side.

Bottom line

This is how you can fix the Windows 10 product key is invalid error. Activating Windows brings a lot of benefits. You can customize and personalize to the maximum. Also, you won't have the watermark displayed all the time, which can be annoying for some users.

Moreover, an activated copy of Windows 10 will receive updates and security features earlier than an unactivated copy. Besides, to better protect your data, you can use a Todo Backup tool to keep your data safe.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How do I activate Windows manually?

You can try any of the six methods to force Windows activation. If one method doesn't work, you can try another to get the job done.

2. Is the Windows 10 activation key stored in the BIOS?

Yes, the Windows activation product key is stored in the UEFI firmware or BIOS.

3. Can I use an unactivated Windows 10 permanently? Yes, you can use an unactivated Windows 10 indefinitely, but with certain limitations. An unactivated copy of Windows 10 will display a watermark on the screen, and some personalization options will be unavailable. Additionally, you may receive notifications to activate the operating system. Nevertheless, core functions and system updates will generally function properly. However, to unlock all features and have an uninterrupted experience, it is recommended that you activate Windows 10.

Yes, you can use Windows 10 permanently without activating it. However, you will have a limited experience in terms of customization and personalization features.

4. Can I transfer my activated copy of Windows 10 to another computer?

Yes, you can transfer an activated copy of Windows 10 to another computer. However, you must first uninstall it from the current one.