This document is for HP and Compaq PCs and tablets with Windows 8.
note:If you are not using the latest version of Windows 8, some graphics and information in this document may vary. You can get the latest version from the Microsoft Store.
note:You must be signed in as an administrator to activate Windows 8.
note:Once Windows is activated, the Activate Windows tab no longer displays in PC settings.
note:
If you used discs to install Windows 8, you might find the product key on the disc packaging. If you bought Windows 8 over the Internet, the product number might be included in an email you received after the purchase and download of Windows 8. If you have the Windows 8 disc packaging, apply the Windows 8 Certificate of Authenticity label to your computer for easy reference in the future.
Error message
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What the error message means
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Possible solutions
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Windows isn't activated. This PC isn't activated anymore. If you reinstalled Windows or made changes to your hardware recently, you can contact support for help.
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Windows 8 is not activated on the computer for reasons such as changes in the hardware configuration or because Windows 8 was activated multiple times on the computer.
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Contact HP support for assistance.
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Activate Windows. You’re running Windows in safe mode. Restart Windows normally to get everything you need to activate.
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Windows 8 activation is not possible in safe mode.
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Restart in normal mode from Windows: Press the Windows
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For further assistance, Contact HP support.
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Activate Windows. There's a problem with activation. Please contact the manufacturer of your PC, or buy a new key.
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There is a problem with the product key.
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Contact HP support for assistance.
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Activate Windows. The product key on this PC didn't work. You might need to contact the company that built this computer, or buy a new key.
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There is a problem with the product key.
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Contact HP support for assistance.
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Windows isn't activated. The product key didn't work. Try a different key, or buy a new one.
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Windows is unable to process the product key due to a problem in manufacturing, a problem with the computer, an incomplete reinstallation of Windows 8, an invalid product key, or because the key was not entered correctly.
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Windows isn't activated. Your license to use this evaluation version of Windows has expired.
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The free trial for Windows 8 Consumer Preview or Windows 8.1 Preview has ended, and the license is no longer valid.
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Purchase the latest version of Windows 8, or restore the computer to a previous operating system using recovery or installation media. For more information. For more information, see:
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Windows isn't activated. This product key is already being used on another PC. Try a different key, or buy a new one.
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In most cases, Microsoft allows a product key to be installed on only one computer at a time.
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Windows isn't activated. This preinstalled version of Windows can't be activated. Contact your PC manufacturer for assistance, or buy a new key.
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Windows 8 is not activated on the computer for reasons such as changes in the hardware configuration or a problem in manufacturing.
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Contact HP support for assistance.
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Windows isn't activated. Enter a new product key to activate Windows.
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Windows 8 is not preinstalled on the computer, and no product key is configured.
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Contact HP support for assistance.
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Windows isn't activated. The product key doesn't match the region you're in, so try a different key.
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The product key is not for the region specified in your location settings.
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Windows isn't activated. The product key can only be used to restore Windows on PCs that have Windows pre-installed. You can activate Windows on the phone.
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The Windows 8 license installed on the computer does not match the type of key entered.
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Windows isn't activated. There are files on your PC that are preventing activation. You need to buy and reinstall a new version of Windows.
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There are files on the computer that are blocking Windows 8 from being activated.
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Windows isn't activated. Windows couldn't be activated right now. We'll keep trying to activate it for you.
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Windows is cannot connect with the online activation service.
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Windows isn't activated. If you want to activate online, you need to connect to the Internet—or you can call us.
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Your computer is not connected to the Internet.
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Connect to the Internet, or follow the instructions in Activate Windows 8 over the phone.
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Windows isn't activated. The version of Windows is expired. Install the latest version to activate.
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A trial or evaluation version of Windows 8 is installed, and the license is no longer valid.
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