- WINDOWS 8 PRO ACTIVATION KEY DOES NOT WORK HOW TO
- WINDOWS 8 PRO ACTIVATION KEY DOES NOT WORK INSTALL
- WINDOWS 8 PRO ACTIVATION KEY DOES NOT WORK CODE
Only critical updates and security patches can be downloaded from Windows Update, and Windows will regularly remind you to fix the problem and activate your operating system. The desktop background may also turn black. If activation fails or you exceed 30 days without activating on Windows 7 or Vista, you’ll see a message saying you’re using a non-genuine version of Windows at the bottom-right corner of your screen. In some cases, Windows XP seems to have a 60 day grace period instead. On Windows XP, the operating system will be unusable after 30 days or if activation fails. The OEM activation process only works when you use the copy of Windows that came with your computer or restore that original copy of Windows.ĭifferent things happen on different versions of Windows when activation fails or when you exceed the grace period without performing Windows Activation.
WINDOWS 8 PRO ACTIVATION KEY DOES NOT WORK INSTALL
If you install a different copy of Windows on a PC that came with an OEM Windows key, you’ll have to go through the standard Windows Product Activation process. You can replace much of the hardware in the computer without triggering a reactivation. When you buy a PC with Windows preinstalled, Windows automatically activates over the Internet using the OEM (original equipment manufacturer) product key. PC manufacturers insert a digital product key into a Windows PC’s BIOS during manufacturing. The OEM Activation feature helps ensure that most people will never have to deal with Windows activation.
WINDOWS 8 PRO ACTIVATION KEY DOES NOT WORK HOW TO
RELATED: Beginner Geek: How to Reinstall Windows on Your Computer Microsoft hasn’t explained exactly which hardware changes will trigger this. For example, if you swap out multiple components on your PC at the same time, you may have to go through the activation process. “Significant” hardware changes can also trigger the Windows activation process again. For example, if you’re moving Windows to a new computer, you may have to talk to a real person and explain the situation before they’ll allow Windows to activate. You can also talk to a real person, which is useful if the activation process is failing.
WINDOWS 8 PRO ACTIVATION KEY DOES NOT WORK CODE
Windows provides a code you type in over the phone, and you’ll have to enter the code it responds with into your computer. Windows can also be activated with a phone call.
If your Windows product key is non-genuine (in other words, a pirated key) or is being used on another computer, the activation process will fail. When you activate over the Internet, your copy of Windows checks in with Microsoft and reports its product key. Windows will prompt you to activate with Microsoft after you install it.