[FIXED] ‘We Can’t Activate Windows on This Device’ Error

If you can’t activate Windows 10 on your computer, this is no reason for despair.

You are not alone facing this obstacle, and quite a few tips have been tried and tested to help users fix the We can’t activate Windows on this device issue.

You will find them all in this article, so keep reading to get rid of the Windows 10 can’t activate problem as soon as possible. 

Why Activate Windows 10 On Your Computer?

With an impressive 71.11% market share, Windows 10 remains the most popular desktop OS worldwide – even though its end of support approaches swiftly.

There are several reasons users may refuse to switch to Windows 11, and perhaps one of them is why you want a full Windows 10 experience on your PC. And to have it, you need to first activate your Windows 10 OS. 

Related: Windows 10 in S Mode: Is it Worth the Switch?

Why Do You See We Can’t Activate Windows on This Device Right Now?

Hopefully, you have encountered no problems with Windows 10 installation, and activating the OS should be the final step before diving into it.

Unfortunately, the Windows 10 can’t activate issue often throws a spanner into works.

Here are possible reasons why your Windows 10 cannot be activated:

1. Your product key is invalid. If the frustrating We can’t activate Windows on this device right now issue has entered your life, your product key might be invalid. You will have to replace it with a valid key to activate your Win 10.

2. Your product key is designed for a different Windows version. If you can’t activate Windows, make sure you are not trying to activate your version of Win 10 with the key designed for another Windows version – this kind of switcheroo will not work. Indeed, it is better to work with the grain rather than against it.

3. A different product key / Windows version was used during repair. If you had your computer rebuilt or repaired, chances are you are running a different version of Windows now. Besides, a different key might have been utilized for rebuilding/repairing your PC, and this key might be blocked now due to its usage on multiple machines, causing the Windows 10 can’t activate issue.

4. Your product key was used on multiple computers. When facing the We can’t activate Windows on this device right now problem, make sure your product key has not been used on more PCs than allowed by your license terms – if it has, it is not valid for Windows activation any more.

5. You have performed significant hardware changes. Substantial hardware changes can cause the We can’t activate Windows on this device issue. In such a case, you might need to reactivate your Windows. Just read on to see how to do that.

6. Your new Windows is counterfeit. If you have a gut feeling that there is something wrong with your Windows, go to the Microsoft ‘How to Tell’ website. The sad truth is, if your Windows has proven to be fake, Microsoft will not let you activate it on your computer, sending you the We can’t activate Windows on this device message. Sorry, bad luck. There is nothing you can do but buy a new copy of Windows.

7. You have bought a used PC. If you happen to own a used computer, your Windows may reside on more than one machine. This means your product key might have been blocked in conformity with the Microsoft Software License Terms. If that is your case, ask your seller for the original Windows installation disk and product key. Otherwise, you will keep running into the Windows 10 can’t activate problem.

8. A malware infection is at work. Malicious software is destructive in many ways: for instance, it can cause your Windows 10 activation to fail. The world saw 5.5 billion malware attacks in 2022, so if you can’t activate Windows 10 no matter how hard you try, chances are high your PC has been infected.

9. Your computer has corrupted registry entries and/or damaged system files. Even a minor Registry issue can lead to persistent Windows 10 activation problems, like We can’t activate Windows on this device right now. And the same applies to your system files: if they are missing or corrupt, don’t get your hopes up – your attempts to activate your Win 10 are all but doomed to failure.

10. Your drivers are faulty / outdated. Outdated or faulty drivers are another common cause of the Error 0x803F7001. No doubt, driver issues are not something to turn a blind eye to. Just work your way down to figure out how to get them in tip-top shape.

How to Fix Windows 10 Can’t Activate

And now it is time to say goodbye to the We can’t activate Windows on this device message. However, a little foresight never hurts. Therefore, make a full backup of your personal files. Just in case. 

Here are our proven ‘Error 0x803F7001’ fixes:

Now let’s try them out one by one to get rid of the We can’t activate Windows on this device right now issue:

Fix 1: Re-enter your original product key

The following fix will work only if your Windows 10 had been activated before you got your PC repaired or rebuilt. So, if the error 0x803F7001 persists, find your original product key and try re-entering it.

To enter the original product key, do the following:

• Start -> Settings -> Update and Security -> Activation -> Change Product Key
• Enter your original product key -> Wait for the activation process to complete -> Reboot your PC

Fix 2: Try reinstalling your original Windows

This is another reportedly effective fix for the We can’t activate Windows on this device nuisance. Reinstall your original Windows and then upgrade to Windows 10.

If this maneuver works well, you will be able to activate your Windows 10 without much effort.

Also Read: How to Get And Use Windows 10 Media Creation Tool

Fix 3: Reactivate your Windows 10 after a hardware change

If you have carried out a significant hardware change, you may face Windows 10 activation problems, such as the We can’t activate Windows on this device right now issue.

To get your OS back on track, let’s reactivate it together.

Here is how to do that:

First, add your Microsoft account and link it to the digital license:

• Check what version of Windows 10 you are running: Start -> Settings -> System -> About -> Make sure you have Windows 10 (Version 1607 or later)

• Make sure you are using an Administrator account: Start Button -> Start menu -> Click on your account name \ icon

• Click on Change account settings -> Search for the word ‘Administrator’ under the name of your account -> If you can see it, you are using an Administrator account now

If you cannot see the word ‘Administrator’ under your account name, you are using a Standard account -> Log out of your current account and log on as an Administrator

• Start -> Settings -> Update & Security -> Activation -> Add an account
• Enter your Microsoft account and password -> You might also need to provide your local account password -> Sign in
• You will be sent to the Activation page -> You will see the ‘Windows is activated with a digital license linked to your Microsoft account’ message, which means you are on the right track.

Now it is time to use the Activation Troubleshooter:

• Start -> Settings -> Update & security -> Activation -> Troubleshoot
• Choose I changed hardware on this device recently -> Next
• Enter your Microsoft account and password -> You might also need to provide your local account password -> Sign in
• Choose the device that you’re currently using from the list -> Tick This is the device I’m using right now -> Activate

We hope your Windows 10 has been successfully reactivated and the We can’t activate Windows on this device right now issue bothers you no longer.

 No luck so far? The Windows 10 can’t activate problem may persist due to the following reasons:

• The edition of Windows you are trying to activate is not the one you have linked to the digital license.
• No Windows was ever activated on your computer.
• The device you are activating and the device you have linked to the digital license are of different types.
• Your Windows can be reactivated a limited number of times. You might have already reached that limit.
• Your Windows has already been reactivated by another administrator.
• If you use a computer managed by an organization, you may not be allowed to reactivate your Windows by yourself.

Also Read: Windows 10 Backup Guide: Backing Up to an External Hard Drive

Fix 4: Run a full malware scan

To get rid of the We can’t activate Windows on this device issue, you may need to perform a full malware scan of your OS. You can use any of the following methods for this:

• Run the built-in Windows Security tool: Settings -> Update & Security -> Windows Security -> Open Windows Security -> Virus & threat protection -> Scan options -> Full scan

• Utilize your main antivirus solution to strike hard at the malicious intruders
• Use a special anti-malware tool such as Auslogics Anti-Malware to detect and eliminate the stealthiest enemies: Scanners -> Deep scan -> Start Scan

Related: Auslogics Anti-Malware: Features and Reviews

Fix 5: Reinstall Your Windows 10

If the notorious error 0x803F7001 persists on your device, something might have prevented your OS installation from being a success.

Thus, we recommend you to re-install your Windows 10 – this might fix the Windows 10 can’t activate problem.

Related: [SOLVED] Main Problems With Windows 10 Installation

Fix 6: Run a complete system checkup

A problem like We can’t activate Windows on this device may stem from corrupt Registry keys, invalid Registry entries or damaged system files.

Therefore, your system needs a comprehensive checkup so that you can locate the culprits and deal with them.

You can diagnose your Windows manually by inspecting its sensitive parts and areas one by one (be careful when editing the Registry – no room for error!).

Alternatively, you can use a special tool like Auslogics BoostSpeed to undertake an in-depth examination of your system and ensure its smooth activation and performance:

• Download and install the BoostSpeed tool on your computer.
• You will be taken to the app’s main screen, where you should click on the blue Scan button.
• Then locate the See scan details link and click on it.
• Once the scan is over, click the Resolve Selected button to fix detected issues.
• Then check if the Windows 10 can’t activate problem is resolved.

Related: How to Fix Disk Errors in Windows 10 Using Windows Commands?

Fix 7: Fix your drivers

If you can’t activate Windows, you need to learn how to update your drivers – since they may be to blame for the We can’t activate Windows on this device problem on your PC. In short, as for your problematic drivers, you can:

• Troubleshoot them manually one by one
• Ask Windows Device Manager to help you out: Windows key + X -> Device Manager -> Update your drivers

• Fix them all in one click by using a special tool like Auslogics Driver Updater: Run the tool -> Wait until the scan is over -> Click Update drivers.

Related: Auslogics Driver Updater: Update Your Drivers in One Click!

Fix 8: Buy a new product key or a new copy of Windows

If all the above-mentioned fixes have been to no avail and the We can’t activate Windows on this device right now issue persists, you have no choice but to buy a new product key or a new copy of Windows from Microsoft:

• Open the Settings app by using the Windows + I keyboard combo.
• Click on Update & Security and then go to Activation. 
• Click on the Go to Store link. You will be taken to the Microsoft Store, where you can buy a new license.

Conclusion

Windows 10 is an intuitive OS, yet you may face activation issues after installing it.

From the wrong product key to recent hardware changes to malware infection, there are several possible culprits when it comes to the Windows 10 can’t activate problem.

To eliminate it, try re-entering your product key, reinstalling and reactivating your OS, scanning it for malware and other issues, and updating your drivers.

FAQ