-
×InformationNeed Windows 11 help?Check documents on compatibility, FAQs, upgrade information and available fixes.
Windows 11 Support Center. -
-
×InformationNeed Windows 11 help?Check documents on compatibility, FAQs, upgrade information and available fixes.
Windows 11 Support Center. -
- HP Community
- Notebooks
- Notebook Software and How To Questions
- windows activation

Create an account on the HP Community to personalize your profile and ask a question
06-03-2025 11:22 PM - edited 06-03-2025 11:25 PM
Welcome to our HP Community forum!
Thank you for your question regarding Windows activation on your HP 255 G8 Notebook PC (Product ID: 1W9Z6AV).
If your Windows is not activated and you're asking for a product key, here’s what you need to know:
1. No Manual Product Key Needed (If Windows Came Preinstalled):
If your HP 255 G8 originally shipped with genuine Windows 10 or 11:
The product key is embedded in the BIOS.
Windows should activate automatically once connected to the internet, as long as the correct edition is installed (e.g., Home, Pro, or Single Language).
2. Check Your Activation Status:
Go to:
Settings → System → Activation
Look for the message:
✅“Windows is activated with a digital license” — all good.
❌“Windows is not activated” — check the error code (e.g., 0xC004F050 or wrong edition).
3. Reinstall with HP Cloud Recovery Tool (If Needed):
If Windows was reinstalled incorrectly (wrong edition), or your drive was replaced, you can restore the original factory OS using HP’s official Cloud Recovery Tool.
Here’s how:
On a working PC, go to: https://support.hp.com/in-en/drivers
Enter your product ID: 1W9Z6AV
Under Software – Recovery, download the:
HP Cloud Recovery Tool(If you don’t see it, try under “Software – Utility”)
Or use this direct HP link: Download HP Cloud Recovery Tool (SoftPaq SP144008)
Run the tool, enter your device’s serial number, and follow the steps to create a recovery USB (16 GB or larger).
- Note: This process will erase the internal storage. Be sure to back up any personal files before starting.
Once restored, Windows will auto-activate using the digital license stored in your system’s firmware.
4. Still Not Activated?
If the above steps don’t work:
Call HP India Support: https://www.hp.com/in-en/shop/contact-us?msockid=022a6a58a6f76af63da67c59a7a96bdb
Or visit: https://support.hp.com/in-en/contact
They can help confirm your system’s warranty and digital license status.
Kind Regards,
NonSequitur777