New Windows key question.

Gunni Parker

Gunni Parker

Gunni Parker

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Hard for to explain, but any idea would be most appreciated.

I've built a new computer for my son. He was on windows 10, and as I've bought him all new parts I've bought a license key online for windows 11. On installation of 11, I formatted his hard drive that I am going to install his new system on. I used a downloaded version of the install on a USB and entered the key, installed and and eventually got to logging in. So I used his email that he had registered with his old computer and logged in. However, windows is now saying they the 11 key I am using has already been used.

My question is, is this anything to do with me using his email and the computer preventing me activating an 11 key e.g. Is the system thinking he's on win 10 still? Or is it I've just been sent a key that's already been used from the site I purchased it from? I hope this makes sense.
 
Had the key that you entered during installation been fully activated, before you logged in with the email address?

I wonder if it scrubbed the key you entered and tried re-use one from the Microsoft account instead, which was used on the old system.
 
If the system was already registered on windows 10 and using a retail licence which most keys are when purchasing online, then you didn't have to purchase a windows 11 key.

All you needed to do is download the windows 11 iso install the same version as windows 10 skip the serial part and when you sign into the hotmail account the windows 10 system was registered was on.

I would try and remove the new install from your hotmail account and try and activate it again.
 
Tetras said:
Had the key that you entered during installation been fully activated, before you logged in with the email address?

I wonder if it scrubbed the key you entered and tried re-use one from the Microsoft account instead, which was used on the old system.
Click to expand...

Thank you. I believed it had. This is my query.
 
Lord Alibaski said:
If the system was already registered on windows 10 and using a retail licence which most keys are when purchasing online, then you didn't have to purchase a windows 11 key.

All you needed to do is download the windows 11 iso install the same version as windows 10 skip the serial part and when you sign into the hotmail account the windows 10 system was registered was on.

I would try and remove the new install from your hotmail account and try and activate it again.
Click to expand...
Thank you for your reply, I purchased a new key as I bought a new cpu and mobo. I was in the belief that it wouldn't let me re register with a complete new build. How do I deactivate his old key from hotmail please?
 
I think it registers on your Microsoft account should be same as email. Im not at PC at the moment but you can try it this way. It might work it might not, if it does then try adding the key again. If it doesn't work a fresh install could fix it if not you might have to speak to Microsoft they should fix the issue.

Open a Command Prompt with administrative privileges and execute slmgr /upk
 
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I have just checked this and the option to remove a PC or even add one in add a device is no longer available. The option used to be there when you sign into your email address using the sign into local account but its gone.
 
Lord Alibaski said:
I have just checked this and the option to remove a PC or even add one in add a device is no longer available. The option used to be there when you sign into your email address using the sign into local account but its gone.
Click to expand...

So it's no longer a factor?
 
Its not there in mine anymore, try that command I put put up if that doesn't work just give them a ring I'm sure they will fix the issue.
 
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