Need help with Windows activation?
Need help with Windows activation?
I understand this might not be the ideal spot, but I recently installed Windows on my newly built PC using a USB drive and logged in with my old Microsoft account. Although I’ve never owned a PC before, I used a laptop and it reported that Windows detected a hardware change, prompting me to purchase a new license. Now I’m trying to get a product key so I can activate Windows on this new machine.
The license key is restricted to one device at a time, meaning you cannot apply the same key to both your laptop and desktop. The original source of your "new" license key was unclear—it appears Windows identified it as a counterfeit or previously owned key.
Access the Microsoft Store app to discover and install various applications.
I tried and the woman kept insisting on a product key instead of a license, which left me confused about what to do next. She probably didn’t grasp the situation.
Based on your notes, the activation code appears to be: (0) (800) 018 8352
Was your key initially a Windows 7/8 key? If so, it's a known issue since Microsoft stopped allowing activations with such keys. I have a ticket opened with Microsoft about it. Will be interesting to see if they will honour those who have already activated Windows 10/11 with those keys. I understand them blocking new activations, but blocking re-activating for existing users would be rather scummy. No one expects a simple hardware upgrade or in my case, a BIOS update, would then cost me a new Windows license.
I think you're asking how to open a ticket with them. Could you clarify which organization or service you mean?
I used the Get Help feature in Windows. You entered "Activate Windows," then went to Contact Support, chose the appropriate options, and were prompted to enter a phone number for a support representative to reach out.