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BI
Can I activate my windows?
I have windows product key, and I will got this genuine windows with buying a laptop. But I have no windows backup, and now for some problems I want to format my pc and now if I reinstall windows 10 by downloading the iso file. So after the installation
can I activate my windows with the product key?
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Hello BinayGhosh,
I'm Jin, a fellow Windows 10 user and an independent advisor.
If you only formatted your device then yes you can use the same product key for activation. Also, re-activation should be automatic if Windows was previously activated on your device:
https://support.microsoft.com/help/4028407
However, if you made a major hardware change on your device, it will depend if your original license is a retail or OEM. If the Windows came pre-installed on your device then it's an OEM which is not transferable.
You can also review this article on how to activate your device after a hardware change:
https://support.microsoft.com/help/20530
If you are getting an error code during activation, you can search for the error code on the link below with it's corresponding fix:
https://support.microsoft.com/help/10738
Should you need more help with activation, it's best you contact Microsoft technical team for assistance at: https://support.microsoft.com/help/4051701
Kind regards.
I'm Jin, a fellow Windows 10 user and an independent advisor.
If you only formatted your device then yes you can use the same product key for activation. Also, re-activation should be automatic if Windows was previously activated on your device:
https://support.microsoft.com/help/4028407
However, if you made a major hardware change on your device, it will depend if your original license is a retail or OEM. If the Windows came pre-installed on your device then it's an OEM which is not transferable.
You can also review this article on how to activate your device after a hardware change:
https://support.microsoft.com/help/20530
If you are getting an error code during activation, you can search for the error code on the link below with it's corresponding fix:
https://support.microsoft.com/help/10738
Should you need more help with activation, it's best you contact Microsoft technical team for assistance at: https://support.microsoft.com/help/4051701
Kind regards.
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Question Info
Last updated January 30, 2021 Views 25 Applies to: