To fix this error, you need either a product key or a digital license to reactivate your Windows install. If your computer or laptop comes with Windows preinstalled, then you can reactivate your Windows using a preinstalled product key. Reactivating Windows will resolve this issue, especially if you recently changed your motherboard. However, if you don’t remember your product key, you may need to purchase one. Alternatively, you could also use the old motherboard to copy the product key if you want to save money. The other main reason is Windows might forget the product key that comes in the preinstalled Windows with a new laptop or computer. If this situation is applicable to you, then you can activate your Windows with an old product key.
1. Activate Windows using a product key
The first method to fix this error is to activate Windows with a product key. This method requires the product key that you used to activate your Windows originally. If you don’t have it, you might need to buy it from the Microsoft store again. However, if you have a digital license, you can follow the other method.
2. Activate Windows using a digital license
If you activated your Windows install with a digital license, then you just need to log in with the Microsoft account that you used to purchase it. Digital licenses are automatically associated with your hardware and your Microsoft account. So once you log in with your Microsoft account, your Windows will automatically be activated. If this does not happen, make sure that you are logged in with the correct Microsoft account. If you are sure, then follow the next method. To check if your Windows is activated or not, follow the steps:
3. Run Windows Activation Troubleshooter
If you didn’t link your Microsoft account to the digital license before you upgraded the hardware, skip this method. However, if you did, then running the activation troubleshooter will activate your Windows. To do so, follow these steps:
4. Use preinstalled product key
If you bought a new system and Windows comes preinstalled on it with the product key, Windows might forget it, causing this error. To fix this error, you will have to re-enter the product key. You will need to reveal and copy the product key first with the help of commands. To do so, follow these steps.
5. Contact Microsoft support
If the problem persists, then the last solution is to contact a Microsoft support agent. To do that, follow the steps:
6. Purchase a new product key
If all methods fail, ensure the product key you have been trying is not being used on other devices because this is against Microsoft policy. However, if that’s not the case, and you have tried all the methods listed in this article, you might need to purchase a new product key.
