The issue of reinstalling Windows and encountering the 'Windows is not activated' message is quite common among current Windows users. This is just a basic error, and users can retrieve their license key and reactivate their Windows license legally. And of course, if you don't know what your Windows license key is, the following guide will show you how to do it.
Retrieve and Reactivate Windows License
Guide to Retrieve and Activate Windows License
1. Guide to Retrieve Windows License Key
To retrieve your Windows license key if you don't remember, we'll use a simple yet effective tool called ShowKeyPlus. Download ShowKeyPlusto your computer here.
Step 1: After downloading ShowKeyPlus to your computer, proceed to extract this tool using WinRAR or any compression tool you have on your machine.
Step 2: Within ShowKeyPlus after extraction, it will be divided into 2 directories: X64 and X86. If you are using Windows 10 64 bit, extract X64; if using Windows 10 32 bit, extract X86.
Step 3: Next, delve deep inside to find the ShowKeyPlus tool, right-click here > select Run as Administrator.
Step 4: Here, the ShowKeyPlus interface appears, providing all the information you need to know about your Windows 10 license.
- Product Name: What version of Windows 10 does your product belong to?
- Version: Version code accompanying the current OS.
- Product ID: Identification code of the operating system in use within Windows 10.
- Installed Key: Installation key of licensed software.
- OEM Key: Machine's license key, notable as it cannot activate licenses on other machines.
- OEM Edition: The original operating system when you purchase the machine, including the initial version.
Step 5: Additionally, ShowKeyPlus allows users to check other license keys to see their specifications.
2. Reactivate Genuine Windows
Step 1: Once you have the Key, activating the license key is straightforward. First, press Windows key + I to open Windows Settings, then select Update & Security.
Step 2: Go to the Activation section and click on Activate to reactivate your Windows license.
Step 3: Enter the Key you retrieved above to proceed with activating the license.
Step 4: Afterwards, check again; you will see Windows is activated with... status indicating successful retrieval and activation of your Windows license.
Above is the guide on how to retrieve and reactivate the Windows license applicable to machines that have purchased Active Windows 10 Pro, Home licenses, or are pre-integrated but not activated. Additionally, with this method, we can rest assured with pre-integrated machines as the Active Windows 10 Pro, Home key is only suitable for that specific machine.
Moreover, readers should also consider using genuine Windows 10 to receive the best support from Microsoft, and utilizing Windows 10 ensures smooth operation of your computer or laptop.
