Windows 11 Pro "not activated"

Run the Windows Activation troubleshooter first, then use the resulting error code or hardware-change option to select the correct reactivation path.

Run the Activation troubleshooter

1. Connect the PC to the internet.
2. Sign in with a Windows administrator account.
3. Open Start → Settings → System → Activation.
4. Select Troubleshoot.
5. If offered, select Activate Windows → Activate.

The Troubleshoot option appears only while Windows is not activated. The tool diagnoses common licensing problems and may restore an existing digital license automatically.^1^

If it does not activate

Note the exact error code now shown under Settings → System → Activation, because the appropriate next action depends on that code.^2^

• 0xC004F211 or 0xC004F213, after replacing the motherboard or making another major hardware change:
  Run Troubleshoot, select I changed hardware on this device recently, sign in with the Microsoft account previously linked to the digital license, select this PC, and choose Activate.^3^
• 0x803F7001 or 0x800704CF:
  Windows cannot find a valid license. If you own a Windows 11 Pro product key, select Change product key on the Activation page and enter the 25-character key. Otherwise, select Go to Microsoft Store to obtain a digital license.^2^
• 0xC004F212:
  The installed edition does not match the license. Let the troubleshooter identify the licensed edition and follow its instructions. A Windows 11 Home digital license cannot activate Windows 11 Pro.^1^
• “Your Windows license will expire soon”:
  This can indicate a volume-license installation normally managed by an organization. If this is a personal PC purchased from a retailer, contact the retailer for the correct consumer license rather than buying another unusually inexpensive key.^2^

If the error is not listed, or the troubleshooter cannot restore a previously valid license, use the Contact support option referenced on Microsoft’s activation-troubleshooter page. Keep proof of purchase available, but do not post the full product key publicly.^1^

References

1. Windows 11
2. Windows 11
3. Windows 11