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Windows 10 1903 Sandbox needs activation. Host Windows 10 1903 is properly activated.

The host Windows 10 Pro was an upgrade from a Win 7 license, so it has a Win 10 digital license. Windows 10 1809 was recently clean re-installed on the PC (with the Win 7 license) After upgrade to 1903, Windows Sandbox shows "Windows is not activated". How do I get an activated Sandbox? I plan to leave the sandbox open long term for regular web browsing.
Hi Jac.c

My name is Andre Da Costa; an Independent Consultant, Windows Insider MVP and Windows & Devices for IT MVP. I'm here to help you with your problem.

Can you try exiting Windows Sandbox, restart the host then launch it again to see if it corrects the problem?

If not, in the Sandbox, click Start > Settings > Update & security > Activation
Click Troubleshoot
Let wizard diagnose the problem and determine what is the cause.
Best regards,
Andre Da Costa
Independent Advisor for Directly

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Ok, I just setup Windows Sandbox and I am also seeing the same error, but I believe this is due to it running a virtualized copy of Windows 10 Enterprise license.

Windows 10 Enterprise volume license clients are used by large organizations that deploy Windows 10 in bulk to hundreds or thousands of computers. Sometimes, users will copy these organization keys off the Internet and use them to install Windows 10 Enterprise, but they are blocked from activating because it can't reach appropriate KMS host (Server computer) which handles the activation request.

In this particular case, it doesn't need to be activated because its a Sandbox which is mean to validate the integrity of the application. You are not going to use this for day to day purposes.

You can't activate Windows 10 Enterprise either because its a volume license product. Besides, the Sandbox provides very little customization options.
Best regards,
Andre Da Costa
Independent Advisor for Directly

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If you believe it needs to be activated, please contact support:


https://partner.support.services.microsoft.com/...

You can also call support:
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/13948/...
Best regards,
Andre Da Costa
Independent Advisor for Directly

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Rebooting the host does not fix it.

The Sandbox activation troubleshooter wants me to login to MS, which I did. Then I'm told to logout and log back in on my MS account, after providing my PC's password. But that makes no sense because the Sandbox is an app, not a VM. But I give the login the host's password and get the message that the password is invalid - not surprisingly.

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Which edition does it list as installed in the Sandbox, Pro or Enterprise? Because mine says Enterprise and the host I have installed is Pro.
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Andre Da Costa
Independent Advisor for Directly

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Yes, Enterprise, but the host is Pro.

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So, this intended, because Windows 10 Enterprise a volume license product. but it appears Microsoft decided to use it the application.

Remember, its to test applications.

Normally, when you don't have an activated Windows installation, it displays a watermark on the desktop

I would also recommend you file a bug report; send me the short link so I can vote on it and bring it to the attention of the Windows engineers.

https://windows10.help/blogs/entry/54-how-to-su...

Information in the above link is sourced from a trusted Microsoft MVP blog.
Best regards,
Andre Da Costa
Independent Advisor for Directly

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Thanks. The link is https://aka.ms/AA55r0k

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Thank you Jac.
Best regards,
Andre Da Costa
Independent Advisor for Directly

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Last updated April 19, 2025 Views 7,994 Applies to: