Solved Paid $99.00 for Microsoft Windows 11 Pro, and won't activate on New PC Build.

Been There Twic · Oct 30, 2022

This is a first that I have ran into where a Microsoft Windows DVD Product Key wouldn't activate on a computer.
Just build a full ATX NZXT computer case with MSI Z490-A Pro motherboard, Intel i3-10105T CPU, and all went well until it was time to activate the Product Key. And the message informs me that the P Key is outdated and no longer can be used. This is a first on a new install OEM Windows OS software. Is Microsoft having issues in activation Windows 11?

I have a good install. All updates went ok, just can't get the P Key to activate. Is there a way to "force" the activation or another was to solve the problem? Microsoft wants another $99.oo for another Windows OS DVD.

Winuser · Oct 30, 2022

Where did you buy your key?

Been There Twic · Oct 30, 2022

Bought from a Microsoft retailer, who I have bought about fourteen OS in the past three years in building computers, and never had any trouble with any of the activations. The retailer is checking out the matter and will get back on what and if he should send another OS. He thinks there is error in the download that is making the activation error.

MisterEd · Oct 30, 2022

Microsoft doesn't sell Windows 11 on a DVD so it didn't come from them. There is nothing wrong with someone else making and selling Windows 11 DVDs as long as the keys they are selling with them are valid.

Have you contacted the seller? If they are legitimate they will either refund your money or send you another Windows 11 Pro product key.

BTW, the only thing Microsoft sells directly are digital downloads for Windows 11 Pro for $199.99.

Winuser · Oct 30, 2022

MisterEd said:
BTW, the only thing Microsoft sells directly are digital downloads for Windows 11 Pro for $199.99.

They also sell the upgrade from Windows Home to Windows Pro through the store.

Winuser · Oct 30, 2022

Been There Twic said:
Bought from a Microsoft retailer, who I have bought about fourteen OS in the past three years in building computers, and never had any trouble with any of the activations. The retailer is checking out the matter and will get back on what and if he should send another OS. He thinks there is error in the download that is making the activation error.

Something tells me that they sold you a MAK key.

Been There Twic · Oct 30, 2022

I may have found the culprit why the new computer build couldn't activate. Did some searching on this and here is here is something that flags why...

Edition doesn't match
Windows edition on the devices listed below don’t match the Windows edition installed on the device you’re using right now.
DESKTOP-TH03DU8Windows 10 Home Gigabyte Technology Co., Ltd
I have another Desktop PC with Windows 10 Home OS with a Gigabyte B365M-DS3H motherboard, and it is connected to my router by WiFi source. I'm on the computer with Windows as I write this message on Windows 11 forum. From what I can find, it appears when I tried to activate the Product Key on this PC, the router somehow confused with the wireless setup. Well, at least that maybe the reason.

Been There Twic · Oct 30, 2022

After reading some Microsoft reports, when I did the activation by the DVD with the COA product key it was trying to install it on the computer with Windows Home, and that is where you mention it would not work as MAK key.

Been There Twic · Oct 30, 2022

The customer in Colorado who I'm building the PC for sent two Crucial 500gb SSD drives. I have several Crucial 500gb drives here that I have used in past years. I could be that I may have installed one of my old Crucial SSD in the new PC. This wouldn't work as I would be installing Windows 11 Pro on a drive with Windows 7 or 10 Home. And that wouldn't be a new device.

neemobeer · Oct 30, 2022

If it's really an OEM license it has to be preinstalled on the drive with the OPK toolkit

glasskuter · Oct 30, 2022

One question for you. Was your motherboard brand new? If so, was it in a sealed box? If this mobo had ever been used before, there is a possibility that the UEFI stored a Home version which might have caused a mismatch of versions. I've never seen it to make a difference with a clean install, but weird stuff happens some time.

Something else that might be causing the problem is you say it is an OEM license.

If the license is a valid license, you should be able to use Microsoft's phone activation. If that doesn't work, maybe talking to a MS support rep could work it out. Product activation for Windows – online & support telephone numbers

tinmar49 · Oct 30, 2022

Here in the UK you have the choice of a DVD or a digital download for W11. I saved money and bought W10 PRO 64 system builder DVD's which have the product key in the pack for the three W11 pc's that Ihave built in the last year, they cost about £100 for the lot. After that the upgrade to W11 is free. The beta pc that I use most frequently was built using W8 and has had the free upgrades, and I was very lucky for Microsoft to allow me to change motherboards when it was on W10 and keep the activation, and even more fortunately, the low end pc was compatible with W11, see in "my computers".

Been There Twic · Oct 30, 2022

Bought the MSI Intel motherboard direct from them and it was in a sealed bag, with the DVD driver & Utilities disc. The Windows 11 Pro DVD was in a sealed bag with the Product Key covered and had to be scratched off to read. So, both couldn't have been used before I received the items. During the WIN 11 download and at about 82% it stopped for about twenty minutes and a message on monitor read...Cannot connect to the Internet, and WiFi. This may be where my router came in play and used the profile from the other build PC that is running Win Home.

So, here is my plan. Clean (wipe) the two SSD drives and redownload the Win 11 on the PC once more. and see if that will activate

Been There Twic · Oct 30, 2022

What is strange about this install is the computer profile shows both PC's that is running here in this room. One with Windows 10 Home and this new build with Windows 11 Pro.

glasskuter · Oct 30, 2022

Sounds like a plan. If it doesn't activate use the phone procedure above.

Been There Twic · Oct 30, 2022

This may the first in history of a computer build, where the new PC having in it's profile the other custom build PC with a Gigabyte B365M DS3H WIFI motherboard with a Intel i5-9400F that is connect to a routeran and internet. And showing in the profile also the MSI Z490-A Pro with a i3-10105T cpu.

MisterEd · Oct 30, 2022

glasskuter said:
Sounds like a plan. If it doesn't activate use the phone procedure above.

@Been There Twic

Use your cell phone if you do phone activation. It should give you the option of sending you text message with an web link. Use that option because if is easier than doing the usual phone activation.

If all else fails then you can always call Microsoft support. Earlier this year I called them when I couldn't get Windows XP Pro to activate even with phone activation. They were very patient and helped me get it activated.

NavyLCDR · Oct 31, 2022

My head hurts.

Been There Twic · Oct 31, 2022

NavyLCDR said:
My head hurts.

Many drug stores can supply you with their favorite headache pill(s) Take 10

Been There Twic · Oct 31, 2022

To solve this problem, I called the customer I'm building the computer for. I ask if the SSD(s) he sent were fresh clean ones. His reply was! He may have sent one that wasn't. So, we are back to square one here, and I'm ordering a new motherboard to install in this full tower case. Now the "big question". " can I take the Microsoft Win 11 Pro DVD and use it to install on the new motherboard that didn't get activated, or will it require a new OS?

Solved Paid $99.00 for Microsoft Windows 11 Pro, and won't activate on New PC Build.

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