My windows license digits does not work.

[AliAhmadi]

Hi. I used to have a preinstalled windows 11 on this device. After I had my laptop repaired, although I can see my original windows license digits through CMD but it no longer activates the windows. Is there any way to get my original windows back?

PS: -I bought the device from a retail shop so I have no hp purchase proof.

       - I did not link my windows license digits to my microsoft account.

        -I do not have a backup of the windows when it was activated.

Thanks.

[Alden4]

Hi @AliAhmadi,

Welcome to HP Support Community.

Thank you for posting your query, I will be glad to help you.

If your Windows license key is no longer activating Windows after repairs, it might be because the repair altered hardware components that affect the activation process, or the original license was tied to the preinstalled OEM version of Windows.

Steps to Recover or Reactivate Your Windows License

Check Digital License Activation:

• Windows 11 on most new laptops is activated via a digital license tied to your hardware, not a product key. This means the license is embedded in your device's firmware.
• To check if your device has a digital license:
  1. Go to Settings > System > Activation.
  2. Look for "Windows is activated with a digital license linked to your Microsoft account."
• If the license was not linked to your Microsoft account, it should still attempt to activate automatically after reinstalling Windows.

Use the Troubleshooter:

• Go to Settings > Update & Security > Activation > Troubleshoot.
• Follow the instructions. The troubleshooter might resolve activation issues if the key is valid for the installed version of Windows.

Reinstall the Correct Windows Edition:

• Ensure the version of Windows you are installing matches the original one preinstalled on your laptop (e.g., Home or Pro).
• If you’re unsure, check the version:
  1. Open Command Prompt as administrator.
  2. Type wmic path softwarelicensingservice get OA3xOriginalProductKey to retrieve the original product key.
• Use the HP Cloud Recovery Tool to restore the factory-installed version of Windows and drivers:
  • Download the tool from HP’s support site on another computer.
  • Create a bootable USB drive with the recovery image.
  • Use this USB drive to reinstall the original version of Windows.

Buy a New Windows License (Last Resort):

• If the above options do not work and you need Windows activated urgently, consider purchasing a new license.

I hope this helps.

Take care and have a good day.

Please click “Accepted Solution” if you feel my post solved your issue, it will help others find the solution. Click the “Kudos/Thumbs Up" on the bottom right to say “Thanks” for helping!

Alden4

HP Support