FIX: Windows Server Not Accepting New Product Key in Windows 11 / 10

As we all know, Windows OS for PCs or Servers are not for free and must be purchased. Once you purchase, you will be provided an activation code of 25 digits. Once this activation code is verified successfully by Microsoft you will be able to use the genuine Windows copy in your system. However, at times, even when you buy a Windows Product key from Official channels and try to activate it, an error is seen. This issue is seen either when the system files are corrupted or there is a glitch in the software.

Also, note that some keys support activating licenses multiple times. In case you are using such keys, ensure that the key hasn’t reached the maximum limit for activation on the Windows server. In this article, we have covered fixes to the Windows Server not accepting new product key issues.

Fix 1: Activate the product using the slmgr command

Step 1: Using the keys Win+R, open the Run Utility.

Step 2: Enter the command ms-settings:about and press the Enter key.

 

Mssettings About



 

 

Step 3:  In the opening window, scroll down to the Windows Specification section and check the Edition.

 

Windows Specification

 

Step 4: Open the Run Dialog.

Step 5: Type cmd and hold the keys Ctrl+Shift+Enter.

 

Cmd

 

Step 6: In the User Access Confirmation dialog that opens, click on Yes.

Step 7: In the Command prompt window that opens, enter the below commands one after the other. Make sure to hit Enter after every command.

slmgr /ipk xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx
slmgr /ato

 

NOTE: Replace the x’s with your unique 25 character product activation code.

Also, if you get an error pop up at this point, it’s completely fine.

Step 8: Now, depending on your version, enter the below command

For Standard Edition, enter the below command and hit Enter

DISM /Online /Set-Edition:ServerStandard /ProductKey:xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx /AcceptEula

 

NOTE: Replace the x’s with your unique 25 character product activation code.

For Data Center Edition, enter the below command and hit Enter

DISM /Online /Set-Edition:ServerDatacenter /ProductKey:xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx /AcceptEula

 

NOTE: Replace the x’s with your unique 25 character product activation code.

 

Step 8: Finally, enter the below command once again to activate the license key

slmgr /ato

 

Step 9: You should be able to see a pop-up saying Product activated successfully.

If you are still seeing the error , then try the next FIX.

Fix 2: Run SFC scan and try activating again using the slmgr comand

Step 1: Open the Run Terminal. One can use the shortcut Windows and to do the same.

Step 2: Type cmd and hold the keys Ctrl+Shift+Enter to open the Command Prompt in Admin mode.

 

 

Cmd

 

 



Step 3: If you see any UAC popping up asking for permission, click on Yes.

Step 4: Type the below command and hit Enter.

sfc /scannow

 

Note that the scan might take some time to finish. So please be patient.

Step 5: Once, the scan finishes, Restart the system and check if the issue resolves.

Now, try Fix 1 again and check if that helps.

 

That’s All.

We hope this has been informative. Thank you for Reading.

Kindly comment and let us know the fix that helped you solve the issue.