Microsoft has taken quite different steps to ensure that the upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11 is as smooth for its users as possible. And perhaps one of the easiest parts is that it’s free. All you need, apart from the right compatibility, is your 25-character product key from Windows 10.
If you’re finding that this isn’t working, then don’t worry. In this article, we’ll be providing some fixes for a Windows 10 product key not working in Windows 11.
Fixes for Windows 10 Product Key Not Working in Windows 11
A non-functioning product key in Windows 11 can have a number of causes, from a software error to a license mismatch. We’ve added a wide array of fixes below to match this, and hopefully one of them is your solution.
Check Your License
If your Windows 10 product key doesn’t upgrade to Windows 11, then the first thing you should check is the nature of your license. There are two major types of licenses for the Windows OS:
- OEM – The Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) is tied to your original device and won’t transfer. If you’re switching devices and not succeeding with your product key, this might be the reason.
- Retail – This version of Windows isn’t tied to any device in particular, but can only be used to upgrade one device to Windows 11 at a time. This is to curb multiple uses of the OS.
Checking which version of Windows 10 you have is quite simple. Here’s what to do:
Step 1. Type “PowerShell” into the search bar, right-click the tool, and then click “Run as Administrator.”
Step 2. In PowerShell, type the following “slmgr /dlv” before pressing “Enter.”
Step 3. A new window will pop up. The nature of your license will be in “Description.”
Another important thing to check is the edition of your Windows 10. A Home key will not activate a Professional version of Windows 11. Be sure that the two editions of your operating system align.
Install Windows 10 First
If you’re trying to enter a Windows 10 product key for Windows 11, but on a new device (and you have a Retail License), then first ensure you have an activated version of Windows 10 installed beforehand. Some users report success only once, installing Windows 10 first, then making the upgrade to 11.
Activate via Command Prompt
If the standard input method isn’t working, you can try using Command Prompt to manually do things. Here’s how:
Step 1. Open the Run Dialog (Win + R) and type “cmd” into the box. Press (Ctrl + Shift + Enter) to run as Admin.
Step 2. Once in Command Prompt, type: “slmgr /ipk <product key>” and press “Enter.” The key should include the dashes in between each four characters.
Reset Your Activation
Sometimes the activation problem may lie with Windows 11. Short of reinstalling, your best bet for a clean slate is to reset the activation status. You can do this via Command Prompt, too:
- You can clear the product key from the Registry by typing “slmgr.vbs /cpky” and pressing “Enter.”
- To reset your Windows 11 back to a pre-activation state, enter “slmgr.vbs –rearm” and press “Enter.”
Both of these functions serve different purposes and should be tried separately. Reboot after each and try entering your product key again.
Contact Microsoft
If you’re still not having luck, try contacting Microsoft directly. Have your Windows 10 product key handy when you do, and be prepared to sign into your Microsoft Account if need be.
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Last updated on 15 November, 2025
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