Windows 11 Pro activation issues

Question

Windows 11 Pro activation issues

Clive 0

I purchased a copy of Win 10 Pro back in 23/24, which I upgraded to 11 through MS updates. However, of late I have been suffering random PC crashes and with all the install/uninstalls since I built the PC I decided to do a full clean Install. I created the ISO with Windows Media Creation for Win 11 Pro and Rufus so that I could remove bloat ware and unnecessary privacy intrusions. This worked great and the install went really smooth (and before I reinstalled I went and grabbed a copy of my the Windows key via regedit).

The problem comes with activation as I've tried several routes but still nothing.

Settings > System > Activation
We can't activate Windows on this device because you don't have a valid digital licence or product key. if you think you have a valid licence or key, select Troubleshoot below. Error Code: 0x803FA067
Product Portal Activation.
I got my installation ID from cmd but when I input this into the portal I get a "sorry, your installation ID was unable to be validated."
My last resort was customer support and the wonder of the AI assistant which just had me running around circles and repeating 1 & 2.

I know it's very likely something I've done but any advice to get me out of this hole would be appreciated.

EmilyS726 279.7K Reputation points Independent Advisor

2026-11-11T17:29:46.01+00:00

Hello

Windows key from the registery is not a real key. It is a placeholder key, so it is not meant for activation.

You said you purchased the Pro license, please tell me -

Did you purchase from Microsoft, or from third party?

Did you purchase it as a full license, or an upgrade license. If you are not sure, you can tell me the price you paid, that would help me understand if it is full or upgrade license.

2 answers

Your answer

EmilyS726 279.7K Reputation points Independent Advisor

2026-11-11T17:29:46.01+00:00

Hello

Windows key from the registery is not a real key. It is a placeholder key, so it is not meant for activation.

You said you purchased the Pro license, please tell me -

Did you purchase from Microsoft, or from third party?

Did you purchase it as a full license, or an upgrade license. If you are not sure, you can tell me the price you paid, that would help me understand if it is full or upgrade license.

Answer 1

Rufus is likely causing issues. By checking the box to skip the Microsoft account in Rufus, the local account is created and Windows can't look up the digital licence linked to your MS account in the previous installation. Try logging into windows using the same Microsoft account (Settings > Accounts > Your info > Sign in with a Microsoft account instead), leave for a few minutes then return to activation and click Troubleshoot. If it still doesn't work, you should see a link that says “I changed hardware on this device recently”. Select your PC from the list. This should work.

The phone portal won't work because the installation ID is created from the dummy key Windows created. This only works once you have installed the real key.

If you have the email or receipt from when you bought pro, the real key should be in there. Just enter this in using activation > Change product key and it should work.

Answer 2

Shemuel Gopichund 0

Use a dummy activation key in offline mode. then activate with the activation key once back online

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