How can I find my product activation key after reinstalling Windows 11?
Asked by
TechyExplorer93
I recently reinstalled Windows 11 LTSC on my Razer Blade 15 laptop, which originally came with a Windows license. I had switched to Linux for a while, and now I'm facing an issue because Windows is asking for an activation key that I don't have. I tried using a PowerShell command to retrieve it, but the key I got appears to be invalid. I suspect that this might have to do with the LTSC version, but I'm not entirely sure. I know I have a legitimate license since Windows was preinstalled on my laptop. Any advice would be greatly appreciated! My OS build number is 26100.1742, just in case that's relevant.
Answers
Keep in mind that Windows LTSC requires a different license type compared to standard Windows 11 Home or Pro. Usually, the license is embedded in the BIOS when the laptop is OEM preinstalled.
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When using the correct version of Windows, it should be able to retrieve the product key from the cloud. You can create a USB installation from a functional computer. If your key isn't stored in BIOS, you'll be prompted to select the version during installation, so make sure to choose the correct one. After installation, check the activation status.
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It's worth noting that Windows Home, Pro, and LTSC all have distinct licensing. Your previous key is tied to the hardware but won't work since it’s a different version now. To do it legally, you'd need to purchase a minimum of five licenses, as LTSC is generally meant for businesses.
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If you logged into your Microsoft account during the installation, Windows should link the activation to that account. Just install Windows 11 and select the option to activate later. When you log in to your account, it might automatically activate. I'm not certain if this applies specifically to LTSC, but it's worth a shot!
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CuriousNerd98: Yeah, just remember that the license is often tied to the hardware too, which could complicate things if it was a different edition before.