OS will not activate

[MrKleen62]

I'm pretty sure Windows OS was activated when the laptop was purchased.  However, I have noticed showing as "Not Active" on the Activation page.  I have the Product Key, but it will not recognize or accept it when I type it in.  I am trying to run multipe screens, but it will not allow that without an Activated OS.  Any suggestions?

[BeemerBiker]

Run the show key app and post the results

Use show key plus to get the product key
https://apps.microsoft.com/detail/9pkvzcprx9nv?amp%3Bgl=US


Windows 11 and Windows 10: In most cases, Windows 11 and Windows 10 activates automatically using a digital license and doesn’t require you to enter a product key. Read about this here.

If you tried a windows restore / install and are asked for a key then possibly you are restoring window's "home" using the window's "pro" version. The product key will tell you what version is required.

Please provide the Product ID or Model name for better assistance. Preferably the full product ID including the characters after the # symbol. This code may be needed to find cloud recovery files. If your system is less than 5 years old you should be able to go here and install factory OS.

Example of Omen 30L motherboard that never had an OS. Note that there is no OEM key in the firmware and the license is retail. The motherboard was replaced and had to be reactivated with the purchased key (the installed one)

Note that currently the Microsoft policy for Windows 10 and 11 is that it can be used indefinitely but you will have to put up with a nag screen that reminds you to activate.

Let me know what you find out.