Windows 10 can't be activated

kriyze said:

Alright so, like I mentioned I bought the key from Microsoft

No, you did not mention that you bought it from Microsoft. This is what you posted:

kriyze said:

OKay guys, I just bought a windows key and it doesnt work!

https://gyazo.com/943d0217a014a968d27adacd7cd8c213

That's why, thinking this whole case of yours and its background, I assumed you had bought another "cheap" key.

I know very little about keys and such, but does the red message maybe indicate the existing key is a Business key, and it needs to be de-activated before the new legit MS key is activated? Pardon my lack of all the right words.

kriyze said:

So basically I bought a pirated key before and know its no longer activated, so I bought myself a legit key from Microsoft but it doesn't work when I try to change my product key.

I do not know. I am speculating. Someone with far more knowledge of this process may answer. I'm only going by what I see. And, to me, it just doesn't look normal at all. Conflicting data.

Perhaps if you wipe clean and start fresh with a clean install, it will take your new MS key.

First, uninstall current invalid product key using Windows Software License Manager. In an elevated Command Prompt, enter the following command to remove the key from system:

slmgr /upk

Enter following command to clean all key related registry entries:

slmgr /cpky

Enter following command to reset licensing status:

slmgr /rearm

Restart computer and try to activate.

Kari

From one of your earlier posts:

"I originally got the key from my friend I think, remember this was a long time ago! Think he had it over from school or something"

IMO, you are gonna go in circles unless you wipe the entire system drive crystal clear clean, and do a fresh clean install with the new purchased MS key.

Clean Install Windows 10 | Windows 10 Tutorials