Solved Windows 11 has suddenly lost Pro license activation


idgat said:
Just to clarify ...
- you did use an MS account to purchase the Pro key upgrade?
- the Pro key upgrade was purchased through the MS Store app?
Click to expand...
Yes on both counts. Last year I purchased the Windows 11 Pro upgrade in the Microsoft Store app where I was logged in with my Microsoft account.

When I log in on the Microsoft website using my account (and I only have one Microsoft account) and go to the purchase history page, then it also lists my Windows 11 Pro purchase (see also screenshot below). A purchase number is listed here for example, but I am unable to find a product key or a link to a product key anywhere in the purchase history entry.

screenshot.webp
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Lenovo
OK, I just did a clean install W11 Home and used the following steps to upgrade for the already purchased and previously applied W11 Pro license

Again, I can't emphasise strongly enough, make sure the previous payment details are not stored in your MS account

Clean Install W11H (local account)
All updates completed
Settings > System > About > Product key and activation
(from here, you go through all the steps as if you're going to upgrade all over again)
Upgrade your edition of Windows
Upgrade in the MS App > Open Store
Upgrade to Windows 10/11 Pro > (click) "Get for $xxx" button
Sign in with your MS account and password
Use this account everywhere etc > click Microsoft apps only
STOP HERE
Cancel the payment window (X top RH corner)
Underneath should now appear a windows "Upgrade to W10/11 Pro" with the Install button
GO >>>>>
Now you can go back to Settings > Accounts > Your accounts and delete the MS account and continue with a local account, if required
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 2xH2 (latest update ... forever anal)
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    HP Slim S01
    CPU
    Intel i5-12400
    Memory
    8GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    NVIDIA GeForce GT730
    Sound Card
    OOBE
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Acer 32"
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080
    Hard Drives
    512GB KIOXIA NVMe
    1TB SATA SSD
    PSU
    OOBE
    Case
    OOBE
    Cooling
    OOBE
    Keyboard
    BT
    Mouse
    BT
    Browser
    Brave FFox Chrome Opera
    Antivirus
    KIS
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 Pro 2xH2 (latest update ... 4ever anal)
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    HP Pavillion 15
    CPU
    i7-1165G7 @ 2.80GHz
    Graphics card(s)
    Intel Iris Xe Graphics
    Hard Drives
    Samsung NVMe 512GB
    + numerous/multiple SSD Type C USB enclosures
    Internet Speed
    NBN FTTN 50
    Browser
    Brave
    Antivirus
    KIS
@tidozonoada
You have to realize that Windows 11 Home and Pro are two different products. You can't upgrade from Home to Pro. You have to newly install Windows 11 Pro and use a valid Windows 11 Pro license key. The error message you are getting from the MS validation server "Error: 0xC004C003 The activation server determined the specific license is blocked" is due to the fact that this key has been used before and on so many occasions that the server is now blocking this key. You can't use your Windows 11 Home key license to activate Windows 11 Pro. You must buy a separate Windows 11 Pro license key. You said you have done that. Why is MS then talking about that Windows 11 Home key and you must buy a Windows 11 Pro key? Seems that the "bought" key is not an Windows 11 Pro license key. MS "sees" your Windows 11 Home license key which can't be used in combination with Windows 11 Pro installation; It's just saying "Install Windows 11 Home again....."

How to proceed from here? I would download Windows 11 24H2 or 25H2 from the Microsoft site. Use Ventoy or "burn" with Rufus (Rufus gives you some extra options to turn things on or off) it onto a USB stick. In case of Ventoy; start from that Ventoy USB stick and choose the ISO you want to install. Or boot from the Rufus stick and install Windows 11 Pro. Don't buy a complete Windows Pro 11 installation (seen an example earlier on in this thread; $145,-) Not necessary! There are a lot of online (trusted) sites where you can buy the license for arround $30,- (or less) Install Windows 11 Pro and activate the license.

I in the past bought Windows 10 Pro with a license and I could upgrade it to Windows 11 Pro for free. I also use a free method in order to activate Windows 11 Pro installations on my VM machines. My license is intended for the use on one OEM machine only. MS is seeing my PC and my VM as two machines.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Win 11 Pro "25H2" Build 26200.8524, Zorin OS Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Self built
    CPU
    Intel® Core™ i7-12700KF 12th Gen.
    Motherboard
    ASUS Prime Z690-A, BIOS v4505
    Memory
    32GB DDR5 5600-36 Vengeance
    Graphics Card(s)
    PCIe4.0 Asus NVIDIA RTX3060Ti
    Sound Card
    Onboard; Realtek
    Monitor(s) Displays
    34" LG 34UC79G-B Curved 21:9 144Hz
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1080 (No HDR)
    Hard Drives
    250Gb Samsung 870PRO NVMe (Win 11 Pro)
    1Tb Samsung 980PRO NVMe
    1Tb Samsung 970EVO NVMe
    2Tb Samsung 990PRO NVMe with heatsink.
    4Tb WDC WD40EZRZ Blue SATA (Int.)
    4Tb WDC WD40EZRZ Blue SATA (Int.)
    3Tb WDC WD30EFRZ Red SATA (Int.)
    256Gb Samsung 840PRO SSD (RHEL 9,5)
    256Gb Samsung 850PRO SSD (Zorin OS Pro 18)
    PSU
    Coolermaster 850W V2 Gold with internal 12cm exaust fan
    Case
    Be-Quiet Pure Base 600.
    Cooling
    3x Be-Quiet! 12/14cm "Silent Wings 4" casefans, 1x Arctic Freezer i35 CPU towerblock with fan.
    Keyboard
    Steelseries APEX 7 keyboard.
    Mouse
    Logitech G-502 Hero
    Internet Speed
    1Gb
    Browser
    Brave
    Antivirus
    F-Secure
    Other Info
    No Noise system.
    256Gb Kingston Travler USB 3.0 drive.
    64Gb Sandisk USB 3.2 drive. (Ventoy)
    8Gb Philips USB 3.0 drive. (Win. Inst.)
    8Gb Philips USB 3.0 drive. (Rescue disk)
    2Tb WD USB 3.0 Passport drive.
    USB Ext. 500Gb WD SATA drive.
    External USB 3.0 C.A. CD/DVD* burner.
hader said:
@tidozonoada
You have to realize that Windows 11 Home and Pro are two different products. You can't upgrade from Home to Pro. You have to newly install Windows 11 Pro and use a valid Windows 11 Pro license key. The error message you are getting from the MS validation server "Error: 0xC004C003 The activation server determined the specific license is blocked" is due to the fact that this key has been used before and on so many occasions that the server is now blocking this key. You can't use your Windows 11 Home key license to activate Windows 11 Pro. You must buy a separate Windows 11 Pro license key. You said you have done that. Why is MS then talking about that Windows 11 Home key and you must by a Windows 11 Pro key? Seems that the "bought" key is not an Windows 11 Pro license key. MS "sees" your Windows 11 Home license key which can't be used in combination with Windows 11 Pro installation; It's just saying "Install Windows 11 Home again....."

How to proceed from here? I would download Windows 11 24H2 or 25H2 from the Microsoft site. Use Ventoy or "burn" with Rufus it onto a USB stick. (In case of Ventoy; start from that Ventoy USB stick and choose the ISO you want to install. Rufus gives you some extra options to turn things on or off) Don't buy a complete Windows Pro 11 installation (seen an example earlier on in this thread; $145,-) Not necessary! There are a lot of online (trusted) sites where you can buy the license for arround $30,- (or less) Install Windows 11 Pro and activate the license.

I in the past bought Windows 10 Pro with a license and I could upgrade it to Windows 11 Pro for free. I also use a free method in order to activate Windows 11 Pro installations on my VM machines. My license is intended for the use on one OEM machine only.
Click to expand...
Just thought I'd add this, My Windows 11 Pro lost activation about 6 months ago, seems like after an update. Somehow files got corrupted and it would not activate. Luckily I was able to restore from my Macrium 8 (free) image that was less than a week old, it was made prior ro this problem. It was activated when I restarted. I have my Back Up set to make an image once a week with incremental backups more often. It has saved me more than once.
 

My Computer

System One

  • Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    MSI
    CPU
    Ryzen 5800X
    Motherboard
    MSI X570S Carbon Pro
    Memory
    64GB GSkill DDR4
    Graphics Card(s)
    MSI RX6750 XT OC
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Dell U2711
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1080
    Hard Drives
    Nexstorage NN4LE 2TB2C
    PSU
    850 watt
    Cooling
    Corsair H100i

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro 26200.8457
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Home Built
    CPU
    Ryzen 5 5600G
    Motherboard
    ASUS X470 Prime Pro
    Memory
    24GB
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Alienware 2518HF
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1080
    Hard Drives
    Boot: NVME WDC WDS500G; ASUS M.2 Riser card with 3 additional NVME drives
    Various Internal SDD (Samsung and WDC) and HDD drives mostly Western Digital
    PSU
    Seasonic Focus Gold 650W
    Case
    Corsair 200R
    Cooling
    Noctua PWM fans x 3
    Keyboard
    Corsair K60 SE Pro
    Mouse
    Corsair Dark Core RGB Pro SE
    Internet Speed
    500/500
    Browser
    MS Edge
    Antivirus
    Malwarebytes Premium
Greybeard70 said:
Just thought I'd add this, My Windows 11 Pro lost activation about 6 months ago, seems like after an update. Somehow files got corrupted and it would not activate. Luckily I was able to restore from my Macrium 8 (free) image that was less than a week old, it was made prior ro this problem. It was activated when I restarted. I have my Back Up set to make an image once a week with incremental backups more often. It has saved me more than once.
Click to expand...
Yes. That is very strange. This should normally never happen especially after an MS update. If files are getting corrupted or damaged they can be fixed by DISM /RestoreHealth and SFC /scannow. It can not fix an illegal license key. The only thing i can think of; is an earlier change in the registry prior to the update. This license key is located at Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\SoftwareProtectionPlatform (Backup-key) If something is interfering with that data and changes it; the next time Windows is checking the validity of this key and it fails? It will de-activate Windows. This could be one possible scenario what has happend what you have experienced. By restoring the data prior to this change you solved the issue.

I also make on a regular basis a backup but never had to restore them for this reason. Only in cases that my Windows is beyond repair.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Win 11 Pro "25H2" Build 26200.8524, Zorin OS Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Self built
    CPU
    Intel® Core™ i7-12700KF 12th Gen.
    Motherboard
    ASUS Prime Z690-A, BIOS v4505
    Memory
    32GB DDR5 5600-36 Vengeance
    Graphics Card(s)
    PCIe4.0 Asus NVIDIA RTX3060Ti
    Sound Card
    Onboard; Realtek
    Monitor(s) Displays
    34" LG 34UC79G-B Curved 21:9 144Hz
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1080 (No HDR)
    Hard Drives
    250Gb Samsung 870PRO NVMe (Win 11 Pro)
    1Tb Samsung 980PRO NVMe
    1Tb Samsung 970EVO NVMe
    2Tb Samsung 990PRO NVMe with heatsink.
    4Tb WDC WD40EZRZ Blue SATA (Int.)
    4Tb WDC WD40EZRZ Blue SATA (Int.)
    3Tb WDC WD30EFRZ Red SATA (Int.)
    256Gb Samsung 840PRO SSD (RHEL 9,5)
    256Gb Samsung 850PRO SSD (Zorin OS Pro 18)
    PSU
    Coolermaster 850W V2 Gold with internal 12cm exaust fan
    Case
    Be-Quiet Pure Base 600.
    Cooling
    3x Be-Quiet! 12/14cm "Silent Wings 4" casefans, 1x Arctic Freezer i35 CPU towerblock with fan.
    Keyboard
    Steelseries APEX 7 keyboard.
    Mouse
    Logitech G-502 Hero
    Internet Speed
    1Gb
    Browser
    Brave
    Antivirus
    F-Secure
    Other Info
    No Noise system.
    256Gb Kingston Travler USB 3.0 drive.
    64Gb Sandisk USB 3.2 drive. (Ventoy)
    8Gb Philips USB 3.0 drive. (Win. Inst.)
    8Gb Philips USB 3.0 drive. (Rescue disk)
    2Tb WD USB 3.0 Passport drive.
    USB Ext. 500Gb WD SATA drive.
    External USB 3.0 C.A. CD/DVD* burner.
I made a mistake.....:weary:
hader said:
You have to realize that Windows 11 Home and Pro are two different products. You can't upgrade from Home to Pro. You have to newly install Windows 11 Pro and use a valid Windows 11 Pro license key............
Click to expand...
Have to change my statement. It is possible to Upgrade Windows 11 Home to Windows 11 Pro. You have to buy a new Windows 11 Pro license key. At activation; change the product key. Enter the new Windows 11 Pro key. As a result after this it will download files and settings that are missing in the Home version. As a result you now have a Windows 11 Pro system.

Can I upgrade to Windows 11 Pro from Windows 10 Home without reinstalling? | Microsoft Community Hub

Hey folks,I’m currently on Windows 10 Home and thinking about moving up to Windows 11 Pro. I’ve got a ton of apps and work files on this PC, so I really...
techcommunity.microsoft.com techcommunity.microsoft.com

This is talking about Upgrading Window 10 Home to Windows 11 Pro. I assume this will be also the case if you upgrade from Windows 11 Home to Windows 11 Pro.

Upgrade Windows Home to Windows Pro - Microsoft Support

Learn how to upgrade from Windows 10 Home to Windows 10 Pro or Windows 11 Home to Windows 11 Pro, including how to use a valid product key or the Microsoft Store.
support.microsoft.com support.microsoft.com

The mentioned error 0xC004C003 is also explained here; a key that has been used to many times and marked as blocked. (As I suspected)
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Win 11 Pro "25H2" Build 26200.8524, Zorin OS Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Self built
    CPU
    Intel® Core™ i7-12700KF 12th Gen.
    Motherboard
    ASUS Prime Z690-A, BIOS v4505
    Memory
    32GB DDR5 5600-36 Vengeance
    Graphics Card(s)
    PCIe4.0 Asus NVIDIA RTX3060Ti
    Sound Card
    Onboard; Realtek
    Monitor(s) Displays
    34" LG 34UC79G-B Curved 21:9 144Hz
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1080 (No HDR)
    Hard Drives
    250Gb Samsung 870PRO NVMe (Win 11 Pro)
    1Tb Samsung 980PRO NVMe
    1Tb Samsung 970EVO NVMe
    2Tb Samsung 990PRO NVMe with heatsink.
    4Tb WDC WD40EZRZ Blue SATA (Int.)
    4Tb WDC WD40EZRZ Blue SATA (Int.)
    3Tb WDC WD30EFRZ Red SATA (Int.)
    256Gb Samsung 840PRO SSD (RHEL 9,5)
    256Gb Samsung 850PRO SSD (Zorin OS Pro 18)
    PSU
    Coolermaster 850W V2 Gold with internal 12cm exaust fan
    Case
    Be-Quiet Pure Base 600.
    Cooling
    3x Be-Quiet! 12/14cm "Silent Wings 4" casefans, 1x Arctic Freezer i35 CPU towerblock with fan.
    Keyboard
    Steelseries APEX 7 keyboard.
    Mouse
    Logitech G-502 Hero
    Internet Speed
    1Gb
    Browser
    Brave
    Antivirus
    F-Secure
    Other Info
    No Noise system.
    256Gb Kingston Travler USB 3.0 drive.
    64Gb Sandisk USB 3.2 drive. (Ventoy)
    8Gb Philips USB 3.0 drive. (Win. Inst.)
    8Gb Philips USB 3.0 drive. (Rescue disk)
    2Tb WD USB 3.0 Passport drive.
    USB Ext. 500Gb WD SATA drive.
    External USB 3.0 C.A. CD/DVD* burner.
hader said:
@tidozonoada
You have to realize that Windows 11 Home and Pro are two different products. You can't upgrade from Home to Pro. You have to newly install Windows 11 Pro and use a valid Windows 11 Pro license key.
Click to expand...
That would be incorrect. I took my laptop that had Windows 11 Home on it, told it to change the key to a new Windows 11 Pro key and it proceeded to upgrade the Windows Home to Windows Pro. All the applications and data were retained.

There's even a tutorial here to show you how to do that. I personally used Option #2, I had a valid Windows 11 Pro key.

www.elevenforum.com

Upgrade Windows 11 Home to Windows 11 Pro

This tutorial will show you how to upgrade from Windows 11 Home to Windows 11 Pro without losing anything. You can directly upgrade your device from Windows 11 Home to the Windows 11 Pro edition without losing anything. Upgrading to Windows 11 Pro will include features only in the Pro edition...
www.elevenforum.com www.elevenforum.com
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Win 11 Pro 25H2, Build 26200.8524
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Home Brew
    CPU
    Intel Core i5 14500
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte B760M G P WIFI
    Memory
    64GB DDR4
    Graphics Card(s)
    GeForce RTX 4060
    Sound Card
    Chipset Realtek
    Monitor(s) Displays
    LG 45" Ultragear, Acer 24" 1080p
    Screen Resolution
    5120x1440, 1920x1080
    Hard Drives
    Crucial P310 2TB 2280 PCIe Gen4 3D NAND NVMe M.2 SSD (O/S)
    Silicon Power 2TB US75 NVMe PCIe Gen4 M.2 2280 SSD (backup)
    Crucial BX500 2TB 3D NAND (2nd backup)
    Seagate 4TB Ironwolf, rotating HDD archive files
    External off-line backup Drives: 2 NVMe 4TB drives in external enclosures
    PSU
    Thermaltake Toughpower GF3 750W
    Case
    LIAN LI LANCOOL 216 E-ATX PC Case
    Cooling
    Lots of fans!
    Keyboard
    Microsoft Comfort Curve 2000
    Mouse
    Logitech G305
    Internet Speed
    Verizon FiOS 1GB
    Browser
    Firefox
    Antivirus
    Malware Bytes & Windows Defender Security
  • Operating System
    Win 11 Pro 25H2, Build 26200.8524
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Home Brew
    CPU
    Intel Core i5 14400
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte B760M DS3H AX
    Memory
    32GB DDR5
    Graphics card(s)
    Intel 700 Embedded GPU
    Sound Card
    Realtek Embedded
    Monitor(s) Displays
    27" HP 1080p
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080
    Hard Drives
    Crucial P310 2TB 2280 PCIe Gen4 eD NAND PCIe SSD
    Samsung EVO 990 2TB NVMe Gen4 SSD
    Samsung 2TB SATA SSD
    PSU
    Thermaltake Smart BM3 650W
    Case
    Okinos Micro ATX Case
    Cooling
    Fans
    Keyboard
    Microsoft Comfort Curve 2000
    Mouse
    Logitech G305
    Internet Speed
    Verizon FiOS 1GB
    Browser
    Firefox
    Antivirus
    Malware Bytes & Windows Defender Security
antspants said:
If you find it all too much trouble. This is where many of us get our Windows 11 Pro keys from:

www.stacksocial.com

Windows 11 Pro: BitLocker, Hyper-V & Azure AD—Lifetime License, One-Time Purchase

<p>Microsoft-Verified Partner! Upgrade Your Windows OS and Enjoy Enhanced UI, Better Multitasking, and Improved Security</p>
www.stacksocial.com www.stacksocial.com
Click to expand...
It's worth noting you can find yourself in the same situation OP is in buying from them since they often sell a key (license) that's been previously activated. It initially activates, takes a while for Microsoft to determines this (I don't know why), then you get this (OP's) message.

That said, I've bought several keys from them. And yes, I got this message a couple times... but I also contacted their support site and got a replacement key each time. I think they're well aware of the potential for it.

But I can appreciate that a cheap key (under $10 US IIRC) to just make it go away can make it way less hassle than fussing with Microsoft to try and fix this.
 
Last edited:

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    DIY
    CPU
    Ryzen 7 5800X
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte B550M Aorus Pro
    Memory
    GSkill 3200, 2x8GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    MSI RX 6800 XT Gaming Z
    Sound Card
    on-board Realtek
    Monitor(s) Displays
    MSI 180hz
    Screen Resolution
    1440p
    Hard Drives
    Samsung 980 Pro, Samsung 870 Evo, generic PCIe NVME, WD 1TB 2.5" laptop spinner
    PSU
    Corsair RM 650
    Case
    mATX
    Cooling
    BeQuiet 240mm AIO and a bunch of case fans
    Keyboard
    one that clacks softly
    Mouse
    logitech
    Internet Speed
    bunches of bps
    Browser
    Firefox
    Antivirus
    Windows' own
  • Operating System
    Win11 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    DIY
    CPU
    Ryzen 7 1700
    Motherboard
    GA-AB350M G-3
    Memory
    16GB DDR4
    Graphics card(s)
    RX-480
    Sound Card
    In-Built Realtek
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Samsung
    Screen Resolution
    1440p
    Hard Drives
    NVME/SSD's
    PSU
    Thermaltake BX1 550W
    Case
    Some junky thing
    Cooling
    ThermalTake Assassin(?)
    Browser
    FF/Edge
    Antivirus
    Whatever Windows does
    Other Info
    Secure Boot enabled updated to 2023 CA keys, TPM2.0 enabled with system drive Bitlocker'd.
glasskuter said:
Were you not given an email or an online receipt for the license?
Click to expand...
I can answer that by saying that when upgrading through the store you do not get a key. I know because I've been there and done that. When the upgrade from the MS finished I found that my computer had upgraded to a Windows Enterprise Pro version. Wanting to be legit I looked for a key in my E-Mail and my MS Account and there wasn't any key. I called MS to find out what to do and was told to enter the generic Pro key. With that said the OP should just have to sign-in to their MS account. If that doesn't work I'd suggest they call MS.
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro 25H2
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    PowerSpec B746
    CPU
    Intel Core i7-10700K
    Motherboard
    ASRock Z490 Phantom Gaming 4/ax
    Memory
    16GB (8GB PC4-19200 DDR4 SDRAM x2)
    Graphics Card(s)
    NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 TI
    Sound Card
    Realtek Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    #1. LG ULTRAWIDE 34" #2. AOC Q32G2WG3 32"
    Screen Resolution
    #1. 3440 X 1440 #2. 1920 x 1080
    Hard Drives
    NVMe WDC WDS100T2B0C-00PXH0 1TB
    Samsung SSD 860 EVO 1TB
    PSU
    750 Watts (62.5A)
    Case
    PowerSpec/Lian Li ATX 205
    Keyboard
    Logitech K270
    Mouse
    Logitech M185
    Browser
    Microsoft Edge and Firefox
    Antivirus
    Webroot SecureAnywhere CE 26.1
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 Canary Channel
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    PowerSpec G156
    CPU
    Intel Core i5-8400 CPU @ 2.80GHz
    Motherboard
    AsusTeK Prime B360M-A
    Memory
    16 MB DDR 4-2666
    Monitor(s) Displays
    23" Speptre HDMI 75Hz
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080
    Hard Drives
    Samsung 970 EVO 500GB NVMe
    Keyboard
    Logitek K270
    Mouse
    Logitek M185
    Browser
    Firefox, Edge and Edge Canary
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
Buddywh said:
It's worth noting you can find yourself in the same situation OP is in buying from them since they often sell a key (license) that's been previously activated. It initially activates, takes a while for Microsoft to determines this (I don't know why), then you get this (OP's) message.
Click to expand...
They posted that they purchased through the MS Store and not a third party vendor.
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro 25H2
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    PowerSpec B746
    CPU
    Intel Core i7-10700K
    Motherboard
    ASRock Z490 Phantom Gaming 4/ax
    Memory
    16GB (8GB PC4-19200 DDR4 SDRAM x2)
    Graphics Card(s)
    NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 TI
    Sound Card
    Realtek Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    #1. LG ULTRAWIDE 34" #2. AOC Q32G2WG3 32"
    Screen Resolution
    #1. 3440 X 1440 #2. 1920 x 1080
    Hard Drives
    NVMe WDC WDS100T2B0C-00PXH0 1TB
    Samsung SSD 860 EVO 1TB
    PSU
    750 Watts (62.5A)
    Case
    PowerSpec/Lian Li ATX 205
    Keyboard
    Logitech K270
    Mouse
    Logitech M185
    Browser
    Microsoft Edge and Firefox
    Antivirus
    Webroot SecureAnywhere CE 26.1
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 Canary Channel
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    PowerSpec G156
    CPU
    Intel Core i5-8400 CPU @ 2.80GHz
    Motherboard
    AsusTeK Prime B360M-A
    Memory
    16 MB DDR 4-2666
    Monitor(s) Displays
    23" Speptre HDMI 75Hz
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080
    Hard Drives
    Samsung 970 EVO 500GB NVMe
    Keyboard
    Logitek K270
    Mouse
    Logitek M185
    Browser
    Firefox, Edge and Edge Canary
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
glasskuter said:
This may be the website @john1955 is referring to.

Product activation for Windows - online & Microsoft Support Product Activation Portal - Microsoft Support

Learn how to activate Windows using an internet connection, automated system, or live support advocate.
support.microsoft.com support.microsoft.com
Click to expand...
I cheched my browser history and I did pass through that page and clicked where is says "please visit Product Activation Portal" I selected that just now but I did not follow it through to the end but it takes you to visualsupport.microsoft and then you play the captchaa game of moving the train to a certain place . . .
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 (up to date)
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Custom
    CPU
    Intel i5 12400
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte Z690 UA
    Memory
    Corsair Vengeance LPX 16GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    On Board the Z690
    Sound Card
    On Board
    Monitor(s) Displays
    43" Samsung tu7000
    Screen Resolution
    2560 x 1440
    Hard Drives
    SAMSUNG SSD 1TB NVMe M.2
    PSU
    Thermaltake smart 500w 80+
    Case
    LIAN LANCOOL_205M
    Cooling
    Bunch of fans . . . :o) (lights dont work)
    Keyboard
    Unicomp: Ultra Classic White Buckling Spring USB
    Mouse
    M510
    Internet Speed
    50mbps on Ethernet
    Browser
    Fire Fox
    Antivirus
    Windows
    Other Info
    Love this computer but I still prefer Win-7 like I love my old Lazy Boy Recliner . . . it just feels better.
  • Operating System
    WIN-7-64BIT and Win-11 pro for testing on unsupported hardware
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Home built
    CPU
    i5-3570K CPU @ 3.40GHz, 3801 Mhz, 4 Core(s), 4 Logical Processor(s)
    Motherboard
    GA-Z77-HD3
    Memory
    16 GB - Crucial Ballistick 4GB PC3-14900 DDR3-1333 MHz
    Graphics card(s)
    NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050
    Sound Card
    On Board
    Monitor(s) Displays
    ASUS VP278
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1080
    Hard Drives
    4 - internal Samsung 2.5" SSD, 1 WD HDD 7200 and some external drives
    PSU
    EVGA 550w
    Case
    Old Gygabyte Tower
    Cooling
    Yes
    Keyboard
    Unicomp - UNIOP4A USB (like the old IBM Model H that I started with)
    Mouse
    M510
    Internet Speed
    50mbps
    Browser
    Firefox
    Antivirus
    Windows
    Other Info
    The only thing it lack is USB-3.2 on the front face but it has 3.0 on the back
gunrunnerjohn said:
That would be incorrect. I took my laptop that had Windows 11 Home on it, told it to change the key to a new Windows 11 Pro key and it proceeded to upgrade the Windows Home to Windows Pro. All the applications and data were retained.
Click to expand...
They way I understand it is that by entering the Pro key it just activates the Pro features.
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro 25H2
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    PowerSpec B746
    CPU
    Intel Core i7-10700K
    Motherboard
    ASRock Z490 Phantom Gaming 4/ax
    Memory
    16GB (8GB PC4-19200 DDR4 SDRAM x2)
    Graphics Card(s)
    NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 TI
    Sound Card
    Realtek Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    #1. LG ULTRAWIDE 34" #2. AOC Q32G2WG3 32"
    Screen Resolution
    #1. 3440 X 1440 #2. 1920 x 1080
    Hard Drives
    NVMe WDC WDS100T2B0C-00PXH0 1TB
    Samsung SSD 860 EVO 1TB
    PSU
    750 Watts (62.5A)
    Case
    PowerSpec/Lian Li ATX 205
    Keyboard
    Logitech K270
    Mouse
    Logitech M185
    Browser
    Microsoft Edge and Firefox
    Antivirus
    Webroot SecureAnywhere CE 26.1
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 Canary Channel
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    PowerSpec G156
    CPU
    Intel Core i5-8400 CPU @ 2.80GHz
    Motherboard
    AsusTeK Prime B360M-A
    Memory
    16 MB DDR 4-2666
    Monitor(s) Displays
    23" Speptre HDMI 75Hz
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080
    Hard Drives
    Samsung 970 EVO 500GB NVMe
    Keyboard
    Logitek K270
    Mouse
    Logitek M185
    Browser
    Firefox, Edge and Edge Canary
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
Winuser said:
They way I understand it is that by entering the Pro key it just activates the Pro features.
Click to expand...
Well, you can state it anyway you like, but when you follow the process, you end up with Windows 11 Pro fully functional. It was a simple "update" run, but it did create a roughly 12GB previous version folder, and it downloaded a bunch of stuff in the process. However, it was just a "point and shoot" affair. My Win11 Pro key was a Stack Social key for that laptop.
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Win 11 Pro 25H2, Build 26200.8524
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Home Brew
    CPU
    Intel Core i5 14500
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte B760M G P WIFI
    Memory
    64GB DDR4
    Graphics Card(s)
    GeForce RTX 4060
    Sound Card
    Chipset Realtek
    Monitor(s) Displays
    LG 45" Ultragear, Acer 24" 1080p
    Screen Resolution
    5120x1440, 1920x1080
    Hard Drives
    Crucial P310 2TB 2280 PCIe Gen4 3D NAND NVMe M.2 SSD (O/S)
    Silicon Power 2TB US75 NVMe PCIe Gen4 M.2 2280 SSD (backup)
    Crucial BX500 2TB 3D NAND (2nd backup)
    Seagate 4TB Ironwolf, rotating HDD archive files
    External off-line backup Drives: 2 NVMe 4TB drives in external enclosures
    PSU
    Thermaltake Toughpower GF3 750W
    Case
    LIAN LI LANCOOL 216 E-ATX PC Case
    Cooling
    Lots of fans!
    Keyboard
    Microsoft Comfort Curve 2000
    Mouse
    Logitech G305
    Internet Speed
    Verizon FiOS 1GB
    Browser
    Firefox
    Antivirus
    Malware Bytes & Windows Defender Security
  • Operating System
    Win 11 Pro 25H2, Build 26200.8524
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Home Brew
    CPU
    Intel Core i5 14400
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte B760M DS3H AX
    Memory
    32GB DDR5
    Graphics card(s)
    Intel 700 Embedded GPU
    Sound Card
    Realtek Embedded
    Monitor(s) Displays
    27" HP 1080p
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080
    Hard Drives
    Crucial P310 2TB 2280 PCIe Gen4 eD NAND PCIe SSD
    Samsung EVO 990 2TB NVMe Gen4 SSD
    Samsung 2TB SATA SSD
    PSU
    Thermaltake Smart BM3 650W
    Case
    Okinos Micro ATX Case
    Cooling
    Fans
    Keyboard
    Microsoft Comfort Curve 2000
    Mouse
    Logitech G305
    Internet Speed
    Verizon FiOS 1GB
    Browser
    Firefox
    Antivirus
    Malware Bytes & Windows Defender Security
Winuser said:
They posted that they purchased through the MS Store and not a third party vendor.
Click to expand...
I was referencing @antspants post. Which is a good suggestion should OP get sick of MS' obfuscation while trying to sort this out, just understand the risk.
 
Last edited:

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    DIY
    CPU
    Ryzen 7 5800X
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte B550M Aorus Pro
    Memory
    GSkill 3200, 2x8GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    MSI RX 6800 XT Gaming Z
    Sound Card
    on-board Realtek
    Monitor(s) Displays
    MSI 180hz
    Screen Resolution
    1440p
    Hard Drives
    Samsung 980 Pro, Samsung 870 Evo, generic PCIe NVME, WD 1TB 2.5" laptop spinner
    PSU
    Corsair RM 650
    Case
    mATX
    Cooling
    BeQuiet 240mm AIO and a bunch of case fans
    Keyboard
    one that clacks softly
    Mouse
    logitech
    Internet Speed
    bunches of bps
    Browser
    Firefox
    Antivirus
    Windows' own
  • Operating System
    Win11 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    DIY
    CPU
    Ryzen 7 1700
    Motherboard
    GA-AB350M G-3
    Memory
    16GB DDR4
    Graphics card(s)
    RX-480
    Sound Card
    In-Built Realtek
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Samsung
    Screen Resolution
    1440p
    Hard Drives
    NVME/SSD's
    PSU
    Thermaltake BX1 550W
    Case
    Some junky thing
    Cooling
    ThermalTake Assassin(?)
    Browser
    FF/Edge
    Antivirus
    Whatever Windows does
    Other Info
    Secure Boot enabled updated to 2023 CA keys, TPM2.0 enabled with system drive Bitlocker'd.
idgat said:
OK, I just did a clean install W11 Home and used the following steps to upgrade for the already purchased and previously applied W11 Pro license

Again, I can't emphasise strongly enough, make sure the previous payment details are not stored in your MS account

Clean Install W11H (local account)
All updates completed
Settings > System > About > Product key and activation
(from here, you go through all the steps as if you're going to upgrade all over again)
Upgrade your edition of Windows
Upgrade in the MS App > Open Store
Upgrade to Windows 10/11 Pro > (click) "Get for $xxx" button
Sign in with your MS account and password
Use this account everywhere etc > click Microsoft apps only
STOP HERE
Cancel the payment window (X top RH corner)
Underneath should now appear a windows "Upgrade to W10/11 Pro" with the Install button
GO >>>>>
Now you can go back to Settings > Accounts > Your accounts and delete the MS account and continue with a local account, if required
Click to expand...

I have not done another clean installation yet of Windows because I would like to be more certain first that this can help solve the activation issue in my particular case before I go through that effort.

However I have tried going through the other steps described. I've gone into the Microsoft Store app (logged in with my Microsoft account that I had previously used to purchase Windows 11 Pro). Then I clicked on the option to buy Windows 10/11 Pro (after having previously already deleted all my stored payment methods). Subsequently I tried cancelling the payment entry menu at various different steps (before the payment is finalized). However unfortunately this has not resulted yet in an Install option appearing.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Lenovo

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Lenovo
tidozonoada said:
However I have tried going through the other steps described. I've gone into the Microsoft Store app (logged in with my Microsoft account that I had previously used to purchase Windows 11 Pro). Then I clicked on the option to buy Windows 10/11 Pro (after having previously already deleted all my stored payment methods). Subsequently I tried cancelling the payment entry menu at various different steps (before the payment is finalized). However unfortunately this has not resulted yet in an Install option appearing.
Click to expand...
Sorry to hear that.

You could try de-activating and uninstalling the key

how to deregister windows key at DuckDuckGo

DuckDuckGo. Privacy, Simplified.
duckduckgo.com duckduckgo.com
then repeat the steps above

Another option might be swap out the drive for a blank one, do a quick local account clean install + update, and then try the above. If it works, then that might indicate something "embedded" in your existing installation preventing Home > Pro upgrade. If it doesn't work, then maybe something wrong with your MS account, a call to MS probably the only remaining option.
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 2xH2 (latest update ... forever anal)
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    HP Slim S01
    CPU
    Intel i5-12400
    Memory
    8GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    NVIDIA GeForce GT730
    Sound Card
    OOBE
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Acer 32"
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080
    Hard Drives
    512GB KIOXIA NVMe
    1TB SATA SSD
    PSU
    OOBE
    Case
    OOBE
    Cooling
    OOBE
    Keyboard
    BT
    Mouse
    BT
    Browser
    Brave FFox Chrome Opera
    Antivirus
    KIS
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 Pro 2xH2 (latest update ... 4ever anal)
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    HP Pavillion 15
    CPU
    i7-1165G7 @ 2.80GHz
    Graphics card(s)
    Intel Iris Xe Graphics
    Hard Drives
    Samsung NVMe 512GB
    + numerous/multiple SSD Type C USB enclosures
    Internet Speed
    NBN FTTN 50
    Browser
    Brave
    Antivirus
    KIS
tidozonoada said:
I have read through that thread, but all solutions there seem to involve entering a product key at some point. I was never provided a product key by Microsoft after my Windows 11 Pro purchase in the Microsoft Store app.
Click to expand...
Check your email associated with your account. You would have gotten an email like this but a different price:

There is also an order number in the email as well as in the subject line.

I the email was put in spam that blue button should take you to your order.


1771973055372.webp
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 (up to date)
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Custom
    CPU
    Intel i5 12400
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte Z690 UA
    Memory
    Corsair Vengeance LPX 16GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    On Board the Z690
    Sound Card
    On Board
    Monitor(s) Displays
    43" Samsung tu7000
    Screen Resolution
    2560 x 1440
    Hard Drives
    SAMSUNG SSD 1TB NVMe M.2
    PSU
    Thermaltake smart 500w 80+
    Case
    LIAN LANCOOL_205M
    Cooling
    Bunch of fans . . . :o) (lights dont work)
    Keyboard
    Unicomp: Ultra Classic White Buckling Spring USB
    Mouse
    M510
    Internet Speed
    50mbps on Ethernet
    Browser
    Fire Fox
    Antivirus
    Windows
    Other Info
    Love this computer but I still prefer Win-7 like I love my old Lazy Boy Recliner . . . it just feels better.
  • Operating System
    WIN-7-64BIT and Win-11 pro for testing on unsupported hardware
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Home built
    CPU
    i5-3570K CPU @ 3.40GHz, 3801 Mhz, 4 Core(s), 4 Logical Processor(s)
    Motherboard
    GA-Z77-HD3
    Memory
    16 GB - Crucial Ballistick 4GB PC3-14900 DDR3-1333 MHz
    Graphics card(s)
    NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050
    Sound Card
    On Board
    Monitor(s) Displays
    ASUS VP278
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1080
    Hard Drives
    4 - internal Samsung 2.5" SSD, 1 WD HDD 7200 and some external drives
    PSU
    EVGA 550w
    Case
    Old Gygabyte Tower
    Cooling
    Yes
    Keyboard
    Unicomp - UNIOP4A USB (like the old IBM Model H that I started with)
    Mouse
    M510
    Internet Speed
    50mbps
    Browser
    Firefox
    Antivirus
    Windows
    Other Info
    The only thing it lack is USB-3.2 on the front face but it has 3.0 on the back
hader said:
@tidozonoada
You have to realize that Windows 11 Home and Pro are two different products. You can't upgrade from Home to Pro. You have to newly install Windows 11 Pro and use a valid Windows 11 Pro license key. The error message you are getting from the MS validation server "Error: 0xC004C003 The activation server determined the specific license is blocked" is due to the fact that this key has been used before and on so many occasions that the server is now blocking this key. You can't use your Windows 11 Home key license to activate Windows 11 Pro. You must buy a separate Windows 11 Pro license key. You said you have done that. Why is MS then talking about that Windows 11 Home key and you must buy a Windows 11 Pro key? Seems that the "bought" key is not an Windows 11 Pro license key. MS "sees" your Windows 11 Home license key which can't be used in combination with Windows 11 Pro installation; It's just saying "Install Windows 11 Home again....."

How to proceed from here? I would download Windows 11 24H2 or 25H2 from the Microsoft site. Use Ventoy or "burn" with Rufus (Rufus gives you some extra options to turn things on or off) it onto a USB stick. In case of Ventoy; start from that Ventoy USB stick and choose the ISO you want to install. Or boot from the Rufus stick and install Windows 11 Pro. Don't buy a complete Windows Pro 11 installation (seen an example earlier on in this thread; $145,-) Not necessary! There are a lot of online (trusted) sites where you can buy the license for arround $30,- (or less) Install Windows 11 Pro and activate the license.

I in the past bought Windows 10 Pro with a license and I could upgrade it to Windows 11 Pro for free. I also use a free method in order to activate Windows 11 Pro installations on my VM machines. My license is intended for the use on one OEM machine only. MS is seeing my PC and my VM as two machines.
Click to expand...
I purchased Windows 11 Pro directly from Microsoft (in the Microsoft Store app). And to the best of my knowledge (and I think I have really looked everywhere) I was never provided a key by Microsoft. The activation happened automatically last times after starting the upgrade process from Windows 11 Home to Windows 11 Pro from the Microsoft Store app.

Only right now the Microsoft Store app with my logged-in account is seemingly not recognizing anymore as it did in the past that I have a purchased Windows 11 Pro license.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Lenovo
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