Windows lost activation

MouldyOldDough

400ixl said:

If you run slmgr /dli from a command window what results does it give you? Is it a retail, OEM or volume license key?

I will try tomorrow
Thanks 

facade

There was some publicity in October that Microsoft were turning off the server that allowed you to install windows 10 & 11 using a windows 7 or 8 key.

The free upgrade from win 7 to win 10 actually ran out in 2016 but we have been cheerfully using Windows 7 keys ever since.

Whether that only affects manually typing in a key or also affects re-authentication of a machine that has previously been running 10 or 11 from a 7 or 8 key I don't know.

Newcad

I believe that such an upgraded Win 7/8 machine was given a new Win 10 Digital Entitlement ( or Product Key).
AFAIK the original Win 7 key was only needed if you were entering it manually, and then a new DE or Key was issued.

This laptop that I'm typing on was upgraded from 8.1 to 10 and got a new Product Key.
I had made a note of the Win 8.1 key but was never asked to enter it, the upgrade it just read it from the machine.
(And oddly although originally the 8.1 was an OEM licence the new one I was given for Win 10 when updating is a Retail one).

MouldyOldDough

400ixl said:

If you run slmgr /dli from a command window what results does it give you? Is it a retail, OEM or volume license key?

it shows as a "non core" edition - whatever that means ?

could someone explain how a windows installation can downgrade itself from "home" to "non core" ?

MouldyOldDough

Rebuilt / refreshed laptop
No difference to message
Still won't let me activate it !!

facade

I'm resurrecting an old motherboard that had windows 10 on it, installed with a win 7 key, that claimed it was digitally activated.

When the case arrives (supposed to be Thursday, but I'll bet 10p that it arrives on Wednesday during the 1 hour window that The Dog is at the vets having her booster, and then it won't re-deliver until Friday...) I'll get it put in and try and install windows 10, and see if I get the same message.

Bonhomie

MouldyOldDough said:

400ixl said:

If you run slmgr /dli from a command window what results does it give you? Is it a retail, OEM or volume license key?

it shows as a "non core" edition - whatever that means ?

could someone explain how a windows installation can downgrade itself from "home" to "non core" ?

What does it actually state?

Newcad

I assume that you have tried the Activation Trouleshooter?
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/using-the-windows-activation-troubleshooter-d717cdff-cf19-9770-7198-40119c2a696c#ID0EBD=Windows_10

Is there an 'Activate by phone' option in Start > Settings > Update & Security > Activation > Activate Windows Now?

It may be time to phone Microsoft UK support anyway, I believe the number is still: 0344 800 2400

MouldyOldDough

Newcad said:

I assume that you have tried the Activation Trouleshooter?
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/using-the-windows-activation-troubleshooter-d717cdff-cf19-9770-7198-40119c2a696c#ID0EBD=Windows_10

Is there an 'Activate by phone' option in Start > Settings > Update & Security > Activation > Activate Windows Now?

It may be time to phone Microsoft UK support anyway, I believe the number is still: 0344 800 2400

This is where my problems start 
The trouble shooter doesn't help 
I am disabled and unable to speak on the phone 

gefnew

Have a look through this see if it helps.
Activate Windows - Microsoft Support