Are your Microsoft licenses genuine and authentic?

Yes, 100% of our licenses are genuine Microsoft products sourced directly from authorized channels. Every license comes with full Microsoft support and lifetime validity.

How fast is the delivery after purchase?

We provide instant digital delivery. Your license key will be delivered to your email within seconds after payment confirmation. No waiting, no shipping delays.

What payment methods do you accept?

We accept all major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express), PayPal, and cryptocurrency payments. All transactions are secured with SSL encryption.

Do you offer customer support?

Yes, we provide 24/7 customer support via email and live chat. Our expert team can help with installation, activation, and any technical questions.

Is there a money-back guarantee?

Yes, we offer a 30-day money-back guarantee. If you're not satisfied with your purchase or experience any issues with activation, we'll provide a full refund.

Can I use the license on multiple devices?

It depends on the product. Single-device licenses can be used on one PC. We also offer multi-device packs (5 PC) for families and businesses that need multiple installations.

Windows 10 Activation Troubleshooting: Complete Guide

Fix activation errors and get Windows 10 properly activated with step-by-step solutions

Last updated: December 2024

Quick Fixes to Try First

Run the Windows Activation Troubleshooter (Settings > Update & Security > Activation > Troubleshoot)
Check your internet connection – activation requires online verification
Verify you entered the correct product key for your Windows edition (Home vs Pro)
If you recently changed hardware, use the troubleshooter to reactivate

Understanding Windows 10 Activation

Windows 10 activation verifies that your copy is genuine and hasn't been used on more devices than allowed. Activation can be done with a product key or a digital license linked to your Microsoft account.

License Types:

Digital License

Linked to your hardware and Microsoft account – no key needed after initial activation

Retail Key

Purchased separately – can be transferred to a new PC (one at a time)

OEM Key

Pre-installed by manufacturer – tied to the original motherboard, non-transferable

Volume License

For organizations – managed by IT department

How to Check Activation Status

1Go to Settings > Update & Security > Activation
2View your activation status and edition
3If activated: "Windows is activated with a digital license" or "Windows is activated"
4If not activated: You'll see an error message or "Windows is not activated"

Run the Activation Troubleshooter

The built-in troubleshooter can automatically fix many activation problems, especially after hardware changes.

1Go to Settings > Update & Security > Activation
2Click "Troubleshoot" (appears only if Windows isn't activated)
3Follow the on-screen instructions
4If you recently changed hardware, click "I changed hardware on this device recently"
5Sign in with your Microsoft account linked to the digital license
6Select your device and click "Activate"

Common Activation Error Codes & Solutions

0xC004F074Key Management Service (KMS) Error

Cause: Computer can't connect to activation server or KMS host

Solutions:

Check your internet connection
Disable VPN temporarily during activation
Run: slmgr /ato in Command Prompt (Admin)
If using organization license, contact your IT department

0xC004C003Product Key Blocked

Cause: The product key has been blocked by Microsoft

Solutions:

Key may have been used on too many devices
Contact Microsoft support to verify the key
If purchased from third party, contact seller
May need to purchase a new legitimate key

0x8007007BInvalid Filename, Directory Name, or Volume Label Syntax

Cause: Registry corruption or incorrect activation settings

Solutions:

Open Command Prompt as Admin
Run: slmgr /ipk XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX (your key)
Then run: slmgr /ato
If persists, try: slmgr /rearm and restart

0xC004F034No Valid License Found

Cause: Windows can't find a valid license for your PC

Solutions:

Verify your product key matches your Windows edition
Run Activation Troubleshooter
Check if digital license is linked to Microsoft account
Re-enter your product key

0xC004F213Hardware Change Detected

Cause: Significant hardware change (usually motherboard) detected

Solutions:

Run Activation Troubleshooter
Select "I changed hardware on this device recently"
Sign in with Microsoft account
Use phone activation if troubleshooter fails

0xC004C008Activation Server Determined Key Is Invalid

Cause: Key is not valid for Windows 10 activation

Solutions:

Verify key is for Windows 10 (not 7 or 8)
Check key is for correct edition (Home vs Pro)
May be a counterfeit key – contact seller
Purchase a genuine Windows 10 key

0xC004F050Software Licensing Service Reported Invalid License

Cause: License installed doesn't match current Windows version

Solutions:

Key may be for different edition (e.g., Pro key on Home)
Clean install correct Windows edition for your key
Or upgrade to matching edition in Settings > Activation

0x803F7001Windows Not Activated – No Valid License

Cause: No product key or digital license found

Solutions:

Enter a valid product key
Sign in with Microsoft account if you have digital license
If previously activated, run troubleshooter
Purchase a product key if you don't have one

0xC004E003Software Licensing Service Reported License Evaluation Failed

Cause: Corruption in licensing components

Solutions:

Open Command Prompt as Admin
Run: net stop sppsvc
Run: net start sppsvc
Try activation again

0xC004F038Software Licensing Service Reported Computer Could Not Be Activated

Cause: Count limit exceeded – key used on too many devices

Solutions:

Deactivate key on other devices first
Contact Microsoft support for retail key reset
OEM keys cannot be transferred
Purchase new key if limit reached

Phone Activation: Step-by-Step Guide

Phone activation is useful when online activation fails or you don't have internet access. It's also helpful for OEM keys after hardware changes.

1Open Command Prompt as Administrator
2Type: slui 4 and press Enter
3Select your country/region from the dropdown
4Call the toll-free number displayed (or use the automated system)
5When prompted, enter the Installation ID shown on your screen
6The system will give you a Confirmation ID
7Enter the Confirmation ID in the boxes on your screen
8Click "Activate Windows"

Phone Activation Tips:

Have your Installation ID ready before calling
The automated system is usually faster than speaking to a representative
If the automated system can't help, ask to speak with a representative
Phone activation is available 24/7 in most regions
Save your Confirmation ID in case you need it again

Useful Command Prompt Commands

These commands (run as Administrator) help diagnose and fix activation issues:

slmgr /xpr

Check current activation status and expiration

slmgr /dlv

Display detailed license information

slmgr /dli

Display basic license information

slmgr /ato

Attempt to activate Windows online

slmgr /ipk XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX

Install or change product key

slmgr /upk

Uninstall current product key

slmgr /cpky

Clear product key from registry (for security)

slmgr /rearm

Reset licensing status (extends trial, limited uses)

Reactivating After Hardware Changes

If you've changed your motherboard or made significant hardware changes, Windows may need to be reactivated.

1Before changing hardware, link your license to Microsoft account (Settings > Activation > Add account)
2After hardware change, go to Settings > Update & Security > Activation
3Click "Troubleshoot" then "I changed hardware on this device recently"
4Sign in with your Microsoft account
5Select your device from the list
6Check "This is the device I'm using right now" and click "Activate"

Hardware Change Notes:

•Digital licenses linked to Microsoft accounts are easiest to transfer
•OEM licenses (pre-installed) typically cannot be transferred to new hardware
•Retail licenses can be transferred but may require phone activation
•Microsoft considers motherboard change as a "new computer"

Removing "Activate Windows" Watermark

The watermark appears when Windows is not activated. The only legitimate way to remove it is to activate Windows.

1Purchase or locate a valid Windows 10 product key
2Go to Settings > Update & Security > Activation
3Click "Change product key" and enter your key
4Click "Activate"
5The watermark will disappear after successful activation

Preventing Future Activation Issues

Link your digital license to your Microsoft account
Keep a record of your product key in a safe place
Don't share your product key with others
Use genuine software from authorized sellers
Before major hardware changes, ensure license is linked to Microsoft account

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use Windows 10 without activating it?

Yes, Windows 10 will continue to work without activation, but with limitations. You'll see a watermark on the desktop, can't personalize settings (wallpaper, colors, lock screen), and may receive periodic reminders to activate. All other features work normally.

My Windows 10 key isn't working. What should I do?

First, verify you're entering the correct key for your Windows edition (Home vs Pro). Try running the Activation Troubleshooter. If the key was purchased from a third party, contact them for support. If the key is blocked or invalid, you may need to purchase a new legitimate key.

Can I transfer my Windows 10 license to a new computer?

Retail licenses can be transferred to a new PC – deactivate on the old PC first. Digital licenses linked to Microsoft accounts can be reactivated through the Troubleshooter. OEM licenses (pre-installed) are tied to the original hardware and cannot be transferred.

Why did Windows deactivate after a hardware change?

Windows ties activation to your hardware configuration, particularly the motherboard. Significant changes trigger reactivation. If you have a digital license linked to your Microsoft account, use the Activation Troubleshooter. Otherwise, phone activation may be needed.

What's the difference between a product key and a digital license?

A product key is a 25-character code you enter to activate Windows. A digital license is linked to your hardware and Microsoft account – no key entry needed. Digital licenses are typically obtained when upgrading from Windows 7/8 or buying from Microsoft Store.

How do I find my Windows 10 product key?

Check email receipts, retail packaging, or Certificate of Authenticity sticker on your PC. For digital licenses, the key is embedded in hardware. You can also run 'wmic path softwarelicensingservice get OA3xOriginalProductKey' in Command Prompt to retrieve OEM keys.

Need a New Windows 10 Product Key?

If your key is invalid or you need a new license, we offer genuine Windows 10 Pro keys with instant delivery and lifetime activation support.

View Windows 10 Pro License View Windows 11 Pro

Related Windows 10 Guides

Upgrade to Windows 11

Security Tips

View all Windows 10 guides

Official sources: Microsoft Windows Activation Support