Windows 10 is activated after reinstallation. Additional troubleshooting steps

One day it may turn out that Windows 10 has become inactivated again. This happens for a reason. The reasons lie in both the replacement of PC hardware and failed update Windows.

Reasons why Windows 10 activation expires

Windows 10 activation may have failed for the following reasons:

• you upgraded from Windows 7/8 to 10 or reinstalled Windows 10. After such Windows actions must require a product key. This is done to prevent the same copy of the OS from being used on an unlimited number of PCs/laptops/tablets. After installation, you need to immediately activate Windows 10 over the network;
• you upgraded your PC by changing the processor, motherboard or RAM. Unlike Windows XP/Vista/7/8/8.1, where you could enter one activation key on any PC an unlimited number of times, Windows 10 is “tied” to the computer ID (by hardware), which is formed based on a set of components. Any replacement changes the PC ID. To fix the problem, you will have to contact Microsoft technical support.

Restoring Windows 10 activation

There are several ways to resolve the issue of failed Windows 10 activation:

• contacting the service Microsoft support and reactivate Windows 10 over the network or by phone;
• participation in Windows program 10 Insider Preview. This method is suitable for people who constantly monitor latest updates Windows;
• Windows 7/8 update to 10s Windows applications Media Creation Tool (before this you should reinstall and activate the previous version of the system).

Restoring lost Windows 10 activation by reactivating

After reinstalling the OS, activation is checked again. If the connection disappears or freezes at this moment, the license key verification fails. If automatic activation malfunctions, then do the following:

1. Give the command “Start” - “Computer Settings”. Go to computer settings
2. Select settings Windows activation 10.
   Check if Windows is activated
3. Enter the Windows 10 product key you already have.
   Enter the key included with this copy of the OS

Windows activation will be checked and restored if you already have an account Microsoft entry, and the Windows 10 key is valid. If there is no account, Windows will prompt you to create one. Return to the previous OS settings window, select “Accounts” and follow the instructions in the Windows wizard to register a new user with Microsoft.

Enter your details, for example, e-mail or Skype login

Return to the familiar Windows 10 activation window and try again by entering the correct Windows key.

Activating Windows 10 using the Slui.exe software module

The application and its process of the same name slui.exe is an auto-running software module built into Windows that maintains the OS in the “system activated” status.

The Slui program works in background. It starts and shuts down on its own (controlled by the Windows Task Scheduler and built-in levels of protection).

It is not always possible to find Slui in the Task Manager, but every user can independently launch the process C:/Windows/System32/slui.exe and see how this program works.

The Slui icon is original, so it is easy to find it in system folders

Do the following:

1. Run the slui.exe file in the C:/Windows/System32 folder.
2. Select the country or region where you live.
   Click the Next Steps button in the Windows 10 Activation Wizard
3. Provide your Microsoft support representative with the installation code. This random number - serial number, according to which copy of Windows 10 will be checked.
   Dictate the installation code to the activation service employee
4. Enter the key you received from your support representative. This is an alphanumeric cipher generated by Microsoft security.
   Write down and enter the code received from the Microsoft operator
5. Exit the Slui program by clicking the end activation wizard button.
   The Windows 10 Activation Wizard will exit after you click Finish.

The goal of any activation method is a Windows 10 system registered with Microsoft and ready for full functionality. Give the command “Start” - “Settings” - “Update and Security” - “Activation”.

Check the status of your copy of Windows 10

Means Windows security 10 will indicate successful activation.

Calling 8–800–200–80–02 is free from any phone from anywhere in Russia. This method, including OS activation over the Internet, has been known to users since the days of Windows XP. A variety of options for activation methods “unloads” Microsoft employees: there are billions of Windows users, so it makes more sense to keep an automatic activator.

Termination of activation after changing Windows 7/8 to 10

If the previous Windows 7 activation key, which could have worked on Windows 10, was lost, then until January 16, 2018, you could do the following:

1. Reinstall the version of Windows 7 that you had before upgrading to Windows 10.
2. Switch to Windows 10 through the loyalty program (for people with disabilities).

Immediately after the free upgrade period to Windows 10 ended, a website was created designed for users with disabilities. However, it ceased operation on January 16, 2018.

Reinstall Windows 7/8 again from the same source (DVD media, installation flash drive or memory card) by going through the standard Windows 7/8 activation procedure by calling Microsoft support. Then perform a standard update to Windows 10 using the Media Creation Tool application, available on the official website of the corporation.

In case of system crash, write Windows 10 to external media. Upgrade from Windows 7/8 to 10 with its help.

To update the system without a flash drive or external drive, do the following:

1. Start your Windows 7/8, download and launch Windows 10 Media Creation Tool.
2. Select "Update this PC now."
   Select "Update this PC now"
3. Accept the terms of the agreement with Microsoft.
   Confirm your agreement with the rules from Windows publisher 10
4. Keep your personal Windows 7 files and apps compatible with Windows 10.
   Choose to save personal data and programs in the Media Creation Tool
5. The Media Creation Tool wizard will download a licensed copy of Windows 10 (currently this is build no lower than 1703 Creators Update). Wait until the installation program finishes.
   Wait for Windows 10 Media Creation Tool to finish
6. Wait until the image is unpacked and Windows 10 is installed “on top” of Windows 7/8.
   The installer will copy Windows files 10 to drive C
7. Wait until the Windows 10 Welcome screen appears.
   Click the Continue button to complete the wizard. Windows settings 10
8. Enter your old password previously set in Windows 7/8 (if any).
   Enter your password set back in Windows 7/8

The Windows system has been updated to "ten". Right-click on Start and select System. Review your Windows build and license activity information.

Explore Windows 10 system information

This is the most affordable and guaranteed way to update the system without losing the key of the previous product (Windows 7/8). If you decide to just copy necessary files on an external drive and “clean” install the “patched” Windows 10 (1709) Fall Creators Update, then you don’t have to follow the above instructions.

Video: how to restore activation of Windows 10 using a utility from Microsoft

Get Windows 10 through Insider Preview

Getting Build 1709 Fall Creators Update from using Windows Insider Preview requires you to register on the insider.windows.com server. This may require a Microsoft account.

1. Click Start - Settings - Update & Security - Windows Insider Program and click the Start button (it will change to a Stop receiving Insider Preview builds button).
   Windows Insider Preview lets you evaluate the new builds of the “tens” and decide whether to stay with them
2. Microsoft will ask you to log in. Without logging into your account, the update to the latest build of Windows 10 will not occur.
   Select download the latest build of Windows 10
3. Choose the late access option (the ability to “roll back” to a previous build if you don’t like this one).
   The late access option will allow you to evaluate the latest build of the “ten” without making significant changes to the OS
4. Restart Windows 10 and give the command “Start” - “Settings” - “Update and Security” - “Center” Windows updates».
   The latest build of Windows 10 can be downloaded and installed while the PC is running

Windows 10 updates will not affect the key of the OS itself. You can continue to work as before, having at hand timely updated functionality, programs and Windows components 10. You can opt out of receiving further updates at any time by going to the familiar Windows 10 Insider submenu and clicking the “Stop receiving Insider Preview builds” button.

The main thing is to understand the cause of the problem. Sometimes Microsoft itself becomes the culprit of the error. But whatever the reason, restoring Windows 10 activation is easy if you know how.

Windows 10 is the latest version of the OS from Microsoft. And it seems that it will stay on computers for a long time: some even say that all subsequent ones will only be its updates. The more relevant it becomes to activate Windows 10. Let's be honest, not everyone uses legal methods for this, such as buying in a store, when there are Windows activator 10 .

Below I will talk about various methods activation. And also about what to do if Windows 10 does not activate.

1. Why activate Windows 10

Why even fool yourself with some kind of activation? Old versions somehow worked without it. Indeed, in the “top ten” such a mode is also provided. But let's see what happens if you don't activate Windows 10 and try to continue working.

Light cosmetic changes like resetting the desktop background and a constantly looming notification about the need for activation can be called flowers. The lack of official support is also unlikely to be much of a nuisance. But inability to properly customize personalization Already makes me fidget in my chair. But the most unpleasant thing is the constant automatic reboots after a few hours of work. And who knows what else Microsoft engineers will come up with in the next updates. So it’s better to solve the activation issue as soon as possible.

To activate, the operating system requires the use of a digital license or a 25-digit key.

Digital license allows you to get activated Windows without entering a key at all. This method is relevant when upgrading for free from a licensed “seven” or “eight”, when purchasing a “ten” in the Windows Store, as well as for participants in the Insider Preview testing. In this case, the system is activated automatically after establishing a connection to the Internet and processing data on Microsoft servers.

If buy a key for Windows 10, then during installation this key will need to be entered when prompted by the system. Activation is performed automatically after connecting to the World Wide Web. Authentication is performed in the same way for a clean installation.

Attention! Manual key entry and activation is required only when installing a specific edition on the device for the first time. The Microsoft server will remember it and will activate the OS automatically in the future.

2.1. Activating Windows 10 by phone

If there is no connection to the Internet or the Microsoft servers are too busy and do not respond (this also happens), it will work Windows 10 activation by phone. I’ll say right away that searching for the corresponding item in the menu and settings takes longer than doing this:

• Click Win+R, type slui 4 and press Enter.
• A window will appear asking you to select your country, enter yours and click Next.
• All that remains is to call the number that the system will show and clearly follow the instructions from the answering machine. It’s better to immediately get ready to write down what will be said.
• Then enter the Windows 10 activation code you received and click Activate Windows.

As you can see, nothing complicated.

2.2. How to buy a key for Windows 10

If you need a product key for Windows 10 license key Old versions of OS like XP will not work. You will need exactly the current 25-character code. Here are the ways to get it: along with a boxed OS (if you decide to go to the store to buy a disk), along with a digital copy of the OS (the same thing, but in the official online store, for example on the Microsoft website), or as part of corporate license or MSDN subscriptions.

The last of the legal options is a key on a device that is sold with a “ten” on board. If necessary, you will simply need to enter it when prompted by the system. To be honest, this is not the cheapest option - unless you really need a new Windows tablet or smartphone.

2.3. How to activate Windows 10 without a key

And now I will tell you how to activate Windows 10 if there is no key– that is, in the good old pirate manner. Please note that according to the license agreement you are not supposed to do this, and by law too. So proceed at your own risk.

So, if you are looking for how to activate Windows 10 without a key and without purchasing a license with your hard-earned money, then you will need an activator. There are many of them online, but choose carefully. The fact is that scammers have adapted to disguise real viruses as them. If you try to use such an “activator”, you will only infect the system, you may lose your data, and in the worst case, you will recklessly enter your bank card details and lose all your savings from it.

3. Programs for activating Windows 10

Good program to activate Windows 10 will effectively bypass the protection mechanism and make the OS obedient, like a tame dog. A good program will not show you ads or slow down the system. A good program is first and foremost. Firstly, it is constantly updated and improved. Secondly, it really solves the question of how to activate Windows 10 for free and forever. Well, or until Microsoft learns to block it, and until it comes out new version activator Thirdly, the creator of the Ratiborus program maintains a huge topic on the ru-board.com forum, where he answers questions and posts current versions their achievements.

For Windows 10 KMS activator can safely be called the best remedy. Firstly, it has been in development for a very long time, so the author has a lot of experience. Secondly, it is simple for ordinary users. Thirdly, it works quickly.

Activating Windows 10, the most convenient, in my opinion, version of the program, copes effortlessly. Please note that it may require the .NET Framework to function properly (many computers already have it).

I will list its main features:

• Very simple program, does not require special knowledge to use;
• there is an advanced mode for those who need fine-tuning;
• free;
• checks activation (what if everything is already working for you, but you didn’t know);
• supports the entire line of systems from Vista to 10;
• supports server versions of OS;
• at the same time it can activate MS Office current versions;
• uses a whole set of means to bypass the activation mechanism, and by default chooses the optimal one.

It also comes with instructions in several languages, including Russian. It describes in detail the intricacies of working in different modes and other advanced information.

So, how to use it. Here are the step-by-step instructions.

1. First, of course, download and install. If you don’t want to install, download the portable version.

2. Run the program with administrator rights: right-click on the icon - select Run as Administrator.

3. The main window will open, in which there are two buttons - Activation and Information.

4. The information will show you the status of Windows and Office. If you want, make sure that activation is required.

5. Click Activation. The utility itself will select the optimal method and carry out activation. And then it will write the results in the output field just below the buttons. Make sure it says activation is complete.
Now let's set up automatic activation bypass - install our KMS service. This is a special service that replaces the corresponding security system from Microsoft, so that keys are checked on the local machine. In other words, your computer will think that it has checked the activation from Microsoft, although in fact this, of course, is not the case.

6. Go to the System tab.

7. Click the Install KMS-Service button. The text on the button will change to “Running”, then the utility will report a successful installation. Done, the system is activated and will now contact the service installed by the activator to check the status.

If you don't want to install an additional service, you can configure Windows Scheduler. Then he will independently fire a “control shot” (reactivate if necessary) after the specified number of days. To do this, on the System tab, in the Scheduler section, click the Create task button. The activator may warn that it will create a task in the program folder - agree with it.

And now a few words about the advanced mode. If you go to the About tab and click the Professional Mode button, several more tabs with settings will appear.

After replacing or upgrading PC components, such as motherboard, hard drive or the Windows 10 processor will not be able to correctly detect your computer, and as a result, the operating system will not activate.

Previously, if your Windows 10 installation lost its activation due to a hardware change, you had to go through the tedious process of contacting Microsoft support to reactivate it, which is not an ideal solution.

However, Microsoft has now simplified the process. Starting with the Windows 10 Anniversary Update, it was possible to link your Microsoft account to a Windows 10 digital license on your device. New feature Lets you quickly activate the Activation Troubleshooter to reactivate your copy of the Windows 10 update.

This guide will walk you through the entire activation process (and activation options) for linking your Microsoft account and digital license, plus steps to use the Activation Troubleshooter to reactivate operating system.

Once the process is complete, you will see the message “Windows has been activated by the digital license associated with your Microsoft account” on the activation page, indicating that the digital license has been successfully attached to account Microsoft.

Note! If you used MSA (Managed Service Accounts) when upgrading to Windows 10, your account and digital license will be automatically connected and you will see "Windows system activated with a digital license linked to your Microsoft account."

In this case, you can skip the previous steps and proceed to the instructions below.

How to use the troubleshooter to reactivate Windows 10

After linking your Microsoft account to your digital license, you can use new tool Activation Troubleshooter to reactivate Windows after you make changes to your computer.

1. Use your Windows keyboard shortcut + I to open the Settings app.
2. Click Updates & Security.

   

3. Click "Activation".

   

4. If you see an activation status message: Windows is not activated, you can click Troubleshoot to continue. (Your account must have administrator rights to complete this process.)

   

5. Click "I changed the hardware on this device recently."

   

6. Enter your Microsoft account information and click Sign in.

   

7. You'll need to enter your local account password if you don't have a Microsoft account added to your computer. Click Next to continue.
8. This will launch a list of devices associated with your Microsoft account. Select the device you want to reactivate.

   

9. Check the "This is the device I'm using now" checkbox and click the "Activate" button.

   

Note! If you want to see other devices associated with your account, you can click the "View other devices associated with your Microsoft account" link. On this page you will see a list of devices divided into three categories.

Additional troubleshooting steps

In case your device is not shown in the list, the below tips will help you.

First, make sure you're signed in with the Microsoft account you previously associated with your Windows 10 digital license.

If you are using the correct Microsoft account, you will have to investigate the reason why you cannot activate.

Here is a list of possible problems:

Important! If, after using the Activation Troubleshooter, you are unable to do so, you may need to contact the Microsoft Customer Support Center for assistance.

ActivationWindows 10 by phone.

Windows activation system

Since the first release of Windows 10 to the public, Microsoft has made many improvements, including in the activation process. However, there are still scenarios in which you may encounter activation issues, and the new tool should make it easier for users to update hardware computer without hassle.

It's important to note that Microsoft is providing a new activation troubleshooter with the Windows 10 Anniversary Update. Insider users can use this tool starting with Windows 10 build 14371 or later.

While this may be obvious to many users, remember that after replacing your hardware, you won't be able to reactivate Windows 10 until you add a Microsoft account to your computer. Additionally, the troubleshooting option will not be available if the operating system is not activated.

Finally, you've probably already noticed, but Microsoft is also renaming the Windows 10 version upgrade product key type from "Digital Entitlement" to "Digital license."

Free Windows license 10 works very differently than previous Windows licensing systems. All this requires a product key. Even modern Windows 8 and 8.1 PCs and new PCs shipping with Windows 10 have a Windows product key built into their UEFI firmware. If you buy new copy Windows 10, for example, to install it on a PC, you will also have a product key.

In this case, the product key will always serve to activate Windows. But Microsoft did not provide Windows 10 product keys for free upgrade to Windows 10. There is no way to find Windows 10 product key if you upgraded for free - you don't have it.

Free upgrade to Windows 10

The free Windows 10 license provided by Microsoft works in different ways. Microsoft will not issue you a Windows 10 product key. Instead, when you upgrade to Windows 7 SP1 or Windows 8.1, the upgrade process registers a unique identifier associated with your PC's hardware with Microsoft's Windows activation servers.

In the future, whenever you install Windows 10 on the same PC, it will automatically tell the server Microsoft activation. Microsoft will confirm that PCs with this specific hardware configuration are eligible for using Windows 10 and it will be automatically activated.

This automatic process only works if your PC has the same hardware as when you upgraded to Windows 10.

Keep in mind that a free Windows 10 license will only work on one PC. This creates a bit of an awkward situation for people who bought a full retail license rather than an OEM license - Windows 7, 8 or 8.1. Most people don't, although even people who build computers tend to buy OEM copies of Windows.

These retail licenses are portable between different PCs, so you can transfer them from one PC to another PC. You may have purchased a Windows 7 license and built your own computer. By collecting or purchasing new computer a few years later, you can install a Windows 7 license on it after you remove it from the first machine.

However, the free Windows 10 license you get when you upgrade from Windows 7 is tied to an individual PC. Even if you are upgrading from a retail copy of Windows 7, 8 or 8.1, you will not be provided with a retail copy of Windows 10. You simply will not be able to transfer this free license Windows 10 to another computer. Now that free update for Windows 10 is complete, you will have to buy a new copy of Windows 10 if you want to move it to a completely different computer.

This may seem a little inconvenient. But on the other hand, this Windows 10 license was just a free bonus. Windows 10 retail licenses you purchase can be moved between PCs in the same way.

Additionally

How to Create a Bootable USB Media Using the Media Creation Tool

You can use Microsoft tool Media Creation Tool for quick creation A USB drive that will boot the device using UEFI.

1. Download Media Creation Tool.

   

2. Double-click the MediaCreationTool.exe file to launch the tool.
3. Click "Accept".

   

4. Select Create installation media (USB drive, DVD, or ISO file) for another computer.

   

5. Select your Windows language, edition, and architecture, then click Next.

   

6. Select "USB Flash Memory Device".

   

7. Select the USB device you want to install Windows on and click Next.

   

8. Once these steps are completed, the installation will begin, taking approximately 30 minutes.

   

Congratulations, your bootable USB drive is ready!

Video - Activating Windows 10 after replacing the motherboard

You must use a valid product key to activate Windows 10 on your device that has never had a copy of Windows 10 activated on it.

The product key is also required when installing the operating system version Windows systems 10, which was not previously activated on this device. A valid product key, for example, is required to install and activate Windows 10 Pro on a device that was installed with Windows 10 Home.

During installation, you will be prompted to enter a valid product key. Once installation is complete, Windows 10 will be activated automatically online.

Start and then select Options → Update and Security → Activation.

Note: If you don't have a Windows 10 product key, you will have the option to purchase one during installation.

Activate a new Windows 10 device

If you bought a new device with Windows 10, the system will be automatically activated once the device is connected to the Internet. If the activation servers are busy, try waiting for a while.

To check the activation status, click the button Start and then select Options → Update and Security → Activation.

Note Note: In some cases, you may need to enter the Windows 10 product key that came with your device, or the card or certificate of authenticity that came with your device.

Activating the Windows 10 Insider Preview build

Windows testers who use Windows 10 Insider Preview builds, will automatically receive new builds that have been activated if the Windows device was activated before updating to the new build.

To check your activation status on Windows 10, click Start and then select Options → Update and Security → Activation.

To take part in Windows Insider Program:

Note Note: If you reinstall Windows 10 Insider Preview, your digital license will be automatically activated if you have already activated the same version of Windows 10 or Windows 10 Insider Preview (versions newer than 10240) on your device.

Activating Windows 10 after changing the configuration

If significant hardware changes have been made to the device (for example, replacing motherboard), you will probably no longer be able to activate Windows 10.

If you're using Windows 10 (version 1607 or later) and have a digital device license attached to your Microsoft account, you can use the Activation Troubleshooter to reactivate Windows.

Over time, file garbage accumulates in Windows 10, records from previously installed programs remain, auxiliary temporary files accumulate and for some reason are not deleted. Failures may also occur due to incorrect installation of system updates or computer device drivers. In addition, viruses or malicious software, can damage system files, thereby leading to errors in the operation of the system.

It is practically impossible to predict when failures will begin in the system, and what will trigger them, but at the most inopportune time, the computer may start to work somehow wrong, it will slow down, it will suddenly reboot, or problems with previously installed programs etc. In most such situations, it is almost impossible to find and eliminate the causes of the failure. More precisely, the effort that will have to be spent on finding an elimination of the cause will be significant, and no one can guarantee a positive outcome.

Therefore, it is much easier and faster to reinstall Windows 10, just as the failures in it are causing problems. You can completely reinstall Windows 10 in just an hour, everything will depend on the specific computer. Next, it will be worth making an image of the system partition, this will allow you to restore your computer in a significantly short time.

What you need to reinstall Windows 10

With "tens" output for Windows reinstallation 10, in general, practically nothing is needed except an Internet connection. If you had to look earlier installation files Windows, determine system activation code, prepare bootable USB flash drive or disk, now we only need an Internet connection.

Reinstalling Windows 10 while maintaining the license

To reinstall Windows 10 and save your license, you need to go to a certain Microsoft page: https://www.microsoft.com/ru-ru/software-download/windows10, here we will download a program that will help us reinstall Windows 10.

We are not considering any pirated software here, and we will not touch on activating Windows using various activators. Assumed you are legal Windows user 10. This means that you purchased Windows in a store or on the official website, or bought a laptop or computer in a store with a pre-installed system, or updated legal Windows 7.

In all these cases, your Windows 10 has a product key, that is, a license. Since we are reinstalling Windows 10 with an auxiliary program, the license will be preserved and there is no need to enter the key. Windows will be automatically activated.

With this program we can both update Windows 10 and create installation media for another computer. As I promised, we won’t look for complicated ways here, so we select “Update this PC now.” As soon as we click the “Next” button, the process of downloading files via the Internet will begin. The volume of these files is more than 4 GB. and the download speed will depend on your internet connection speed.

After downloading, the program will check the files and automatically create installation media. We are not talking about a flash drive or installation disk, the program will create a certain area on your hard drive, which will later be used to install Windows 10.

Installing Windows 10

As soon as everything is ready for Windows installation 10 and the installer will start. We accept the License Agreement again, after which the program will once again check for updates and, if any, download them to the computer.

After this, a window will open where you will define Windows version, which is installed on the computer. It is also suggested to save user files, where three options are offered:

1. Keep personal files and applications
2. Keep only personal files
3. Don't save anything

Depending on your preferences, select the desired item. I would prefer a clean installation, because it is the programs and applications that could cause the computer to crash. Therefore, the correct thing to do would be to remove everything and install the system from scratch.

However, before reinstalling Windows 10, you need to do backup copy files that are important to you. See article: How to back up your files. And so, we choose last point and click "Next". The system will check the availability free space. and will prompt you to start the installation process.

During the reinstallation of Windows 10, the system will reboot several times, and your intervention will not be required. After some time, our participation will be needed, where we will have to specify the Region, Language, Keyboard Layout Language and Time Zone.

In the next step, we will be asked to make settings or use standard parameters. We won’t talk about settings here, especially since we can do this after installation. Click “Use standard settings”, where you will need to enter your Email and password. If we are talking about confidentiality, then you should not enter anything, click “Skip this step.”

Here we will be asked to create a PIN code, also optional; if you create a PIN code, then click the corresponding button. If not, then "Skip this step."

At the next stage, we are asked to configure OneDrive. The default is "Save new files only on PC". We are asked here to save in cloud storage, all personal documents and images from standard folders. The option is of course dubious, but if desired, you can configure it later.

Next you will need to wait until the system is configured, this will take for a long time. When everything is ready, we will see a familiar worker Windows table 10. At this point, the installation process is not yet complete, and we will talk about what steps still need to be taken in the next article.