Window 10 activation issue

[EliasKb]

unable to activate my window

[NonSequitur777]

@EliasKb,

Welcome to our HP Community forum!

Dear User, when it comes to your HP EliteBook 840 G5, there are both eligible and non-eligible processors for Windows 11 according to Microsoft's official compatibility list.

Processor Compatibility in the HP EliteBook 840 G5:

Your model supports 8th Gen Intel Core processors (some late 7th Gen options too), including:

Eligible for Windows 11 (per Microsoft):

These are officially supported:

• Intel Core i5-8250U

• Intel Core i5-8350U

• Intel Core i7-8550U

• Intel Core i7-8650U

All the above are 8th Gen and are on Microsoft's supported CPU list for Windows 11.

Not Eligible for Windows 11 as per Microsoft:

Some configurations of the 840 G5 may come with 7th Gen Intel CPUs, which are not officially supported:

• Intel Core i5-7200U

• Intel Core i5-7300U

• Intel Core i7-7500U

• Intel Core i7-7600U

These CPUs do not meet the Windows 11 minimum requirements, even if TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot are present.

---

How to Check What You Got:

• Press Windows + R, type msinfo32, and press Enter.

• Look under “Processor” to see your exact CPU model.

• If you do have a 7th gen processor, you cannot upgrade it as the processor is soldered onto the motherboard.

 

Final Tip:

Even if you have a non-eligible CPU, you can still install Windows 11.

Meaning, if you like your notebook, and if you got a non-eligible processor installed, there are a number of reliable and effective methods developed which would allow you to almost effortlessly upgrade your so-called "unsupported device" to Windows 11, such as this easy-to-follow YouTube instructional video shows: https://www.youtube.com/watch?reload=9&v=lSrmhhigEhY&t=332s&ab_channel=Tips2Fix.

In the off chance you don't like W11, you have 10 days to roll back to Windows 10. After 10 days, unless you follow the steps outlined in this instructional video, you may need to do a fresh install of Windows 10. Either way, this video will show you what to do: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2v9_-4JCh_U&ab_channel=Tips2Fix.

Kind Regards,

NonSequitur777

[Paul_Tikkanen]

@EliasKb 

If your notebook came with FreeDOS from HP (some HP EliteBook 840 G5 did), there is no Windows product key in the BIOS and no one can help you activate Windows.  You need to use the Windows product key that was used to install W10.

If your notebook came with W10 from HP, then there should be a W10 OEM product key in the BIOS.

Download and install the free Showkey Plus app from the Microsoft Store.

ShowKeyPlus - Free download and install on Windows | Microsoft Store

When you run the report, if your notebook came with Windows, there will be an Installed product key and an OEM product key.

If the installed product key is different from the OEM product key, change the Installed key to the OEM product key in the PC settings menu and you should be able to activate Windows that way.

If you still have activation issues, I recommend you contact Microsoft support at the link below:

Activate Windows - Microsoft Support

[NonSequitur777]

@Paul_Tikkanen,

Interesting.  I mistakenly interpreted the question as meaning the OP couldn't activate Windows 11.

That happens sometimes when allowing tunnel vision.

Kind Regards,

NonSequitur777