Windows 11 activation issue

Shadow Monarch 20 Reputation points
2025-12-03T18:12:20.5933333+00:00

Hello,

I have installed Windows 11 Home {25H2} on a newly purchased laptop. In order to migrate my retail license from the old laptop, I have run "slmgr /upk" in CMD, followed by "slmgr /cpky" to also clear the key from the registry. The older device had Windows 10 installed. Then I have tried to activate the new device with that product key, but every time it fails. Could somebody kindly help me fix this issue?Activation error

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Licensing and activation
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Answer accepted by question author
Igor Leyko 112.4K Reputation points Independent Advisor
2025-12-03T19:14:53.19+00:00

Unfortunately, Windows 8.1 key cannot be used for Windows 10/11 activation since 2023.

You may try to clone old Windows 10 to a new laptop, reactivate it and then upgrade to Windows 11. Thes schema may or may not work.

Otherwise, you need new Windows 11 license.

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  1. Igor Leyko 112.4K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2025-12-03T18:53:00.2966667+00:00

    Hi,

    does your key end with 8HVX7? If yes, this key cannot be used for an activation.

    Did I understand you correctly, when you bought old laptop, in addition you bought retail Windows license for ~$200?

    If not, how did you purchase retail license and what version is it?

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