“Activate Windows” Won’t Go Away?
I recently purchased a new PC a couple of weeks ago, and I have been seeing a persistent “Activate Windows” message in the bottom right corner of my screen, regardless of what I'm doing. I’ve read online that I might need to buy a new operating system, but shouldn’t my new PC have come with Windows already installed?
10 Answers
Hello,
This is a fairly common issue with new computers sadly. Sometimes the copy of Windows will not be activated when the PC is going through its quality checks. Normally you do not need to purchase anything additional and only need to run the activation wizard on the machine (I have included a link below to help you through this process). If for any reason the activation does not resolve your issue I would recommend reaching out to the manufacturer of the machine to get a new product key. I hope this helps!
Activation in Windows 10:
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/12440/win…
Geek Squad Agent John H.
Badge # 41201
PC Double Agent Specialty Coach | Geek Squad Social Media Team
5/23/17
Some PC’s have a Windows key on a label on the PC, usually the bottom. If so you can wipe off the hard drive and reinstall windows with that key.
Jan 30, 2025
You didn’t indicate if this computer is new or purchased from a private party. If new, then you must activate Windows 10. If this computer is used and purchased privately, then the copy of Windows may be pirated and likely can’t be activated without a license.
There is a tag it looks like this it has a scratch off section on some open setting update and security scratch the tag if it has a scratch off
And enter the number! If it still won’t go away after you enter it or it’s not provided .
Return the unit!
You either have not activated your windows yet OR you have a pirate copy or Windows. If you bought your computer from a legitimate source then you don’t have to worry about the software being stolen pirate windows.
You didn’t state what version of WIndows you have. But I assume it’s Win 10 since it’s a new computer. So click the Cortana search, type in the word ACTIVATION then click the ACTIVATION link and take a look at what it says. If it has an activate link, then click it to activate. (or another way is click start, click settings, click update and security, click activation)
If you bought your computer from a shady person, then you have a pirate copy of Windows and you will need to either take the computer back to that person OR buy a legal copy of Windows.
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