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URGENT: Activation of DSP license on PC that already has Windows 11 Home digital license - Keeps Losing Activation

Description:

We are experiencing a critical issue with Windows 11 Pro DSP licenses on three laptops, and require urgent assistance.

Background:

  • We purchased three new laptops pre-installed with Windows 11 Home digital licenses.

  • Subsequently, we acquired three sealed Windows 11 Pro DSP licenses (Retail) to upgrade these machines to Windows 11 Pro.

  • We performed clean installations of Windows 11 Pro on each laptop, utilizing the purchased DSP licenses for activation.


Initial Activation and Issue:

  • Initially, we successfully upgraded to Windows 11 Pro using the generic key VK7JG-NPHTM-C97JM-9MPGT-3V66T while offline, followed by activation with our purchased DSP licenses after a reboot. This resulted in the successful digital license activation of Windows 11 Pro.

  • However, after the Windows 11 24H2 update, all three laptops lost their Windows 11 Pro activation.


Troubleshooting and Current State:

  • We attempted to repeat the initial activation process (generic key followed by DSP license activation) to resolve the issue.

  • Unfortunately, this time, the purchased DSP licenses are being rejected as "invalid."

  • The machines are now showing that they are not activated.


Questions and Requests:

  1. License Validity:

    • We require confirmation on the validity of our purchased Windows 11 Pro DSP licenses.

    • Why are these licenses now being rejected as "invalid" after previously activating successfully?

  2. Resolution:

    • We request a definitive solution to reactivate our Windows 11 Pro licenses without requiring the purchase of new licenses.

    • What steps must be taken to prevent this issue from occurring again after future Windows updates?

  3. Root Cause Analysis:

    • Please provide insight into the potential root cause of the license deactivation following the Windows 11 24H2 update.

    • Is there a known compatibility issue between the 24H2 update and DSP licenses activated in this manner?

  4. Support Expectation:

    • We request that Microsoft provide proper support for its licensing agreements, and honor the purchased DSP licenses.

    • We expect a timely resolution to this issue, as it is impacting our operational efficiency.


System Information:

  • Operating System: Windows 11 Pro (originally Windows 11 Home)

  • Update Version: Windows 11 24H2 (Please request more specific version information if needed.)

  • Laptop Manufactures and Models: Asus Pro i9, 32GB, 1TB

We look forward to your prompt response and assistance in resolving this matter.

Sincerely,

Tobias JF Mostert

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Hi Tobias,

Please note that this public forum is staffed by users like you and me, not Microsoft employees, but I can give you an early workaround.

It appears that the Windows 11 24H2 update may have reverted your system’s activation from the upgraded Pro edition back to the original Home digital entitlement. The next step is to use the built‐in Activation Troubleshooter to reapply your DSP license.

Please open Settings, navigate to System and then Activation, and select the Troubleshoot option. This tool is designed to detect that your system isn’t activated for Pro and will prompt you to enter your purchased DSP key again so the correct digital license can be reestablished.

This method has proven effective in similar scenarios where the update inadvertently conflicts with the prior activation process. If this does not resolve the issue, further assistance may be needed through Microsoft Support.

Let me know how it goes!
Francisco Montilla

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Question Info

Last updated April 17, 2025 Views 28 Applies to: