While you can call, it’s easier to just use the chat option if you have an Internet connection. Even if you’ve done everything right and Windows still won’t activate, it’s still worth contacting support. However, in cases where the hard drive or motherboard has failed and you’ve replaced it, you can usually get a customer support representative to help you activate Windows since it’s the same PC. Microsoft isn’t the most helpful when it comes to recovering product keys. Select your product and choose Product Keys to view the key. If you’ve downloaded Windows through MSDN (Microsoft Software Developer Network), you’ll need to log in to your MSDN account. You’ll need to contact the system administrator if you’re having trouble activating a new PC or reactivating an existing PC. In this instance, new downloads are activated automatically. Some schools use a volume licensing method. Your product key may also be included in your student account details on the purchase page. You’ll receive an email with the product key if you’re required to download or purchase it through your school. Students and educators often get free or discount access to Microsoft products, including Windows. Choose Licenses and select the correct product.

This applies for business copies of Pro and Enterprise.Īll licensing details should be listed on the business’s Microsoft account in the Volume Licensing Service Center page. The system administrators use a key management service for activations. Business or Volume Licensingīusinesses often use volume licensing agreements. The methods for businesses, campuses, and Software Developer Network installs are different. So far, the methods above work for most individual/personal installations. The type of Windows you use determines the best way to recover your Windows product key. This will guide you through deactivating Windows on this PC to avoid activation errors on your new PC. If you’re having issues and your old PC still works well, open the Activation window and click “Learn More” under Windows in the right pane.

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