How to Fix Windows 10 Activation Error 0x80041023

You may encounter the Windows 10 Activation Error 0x80041023 code when activating your Windows 10 license after upgrading from an older version or performing a fresh installation. Then, this article is here to see complete fixes to fix Windows 10 Activation error 0x80041023. Windows 10 activation errors are very annoying, and from time to time, users have been found reporting various activation errors on forum threads.

However, some Windows 10 users are also found to be reporting that they cannot activate their license and are getting the listed product key 0x80041023 not working error message. We’ll tackle this problem with urgency and resolve it effectively. So, follow the solutions below, which have worked for many users to fix Windows 10 Activation Error 0x80041023. But before moving on to the solutions, check the possible causes of Windows 10 activation errors. 

What is the Cause of the Windows 10 Activation Error 0x80041023

Well, if there is no reason responsible for the activation error. So, different scenarios trigger error code 0x80041023. So, let’s check some of them here.

  • Invalid product key: The Windows key you enter may need to be corrected. So make sure that the product key you are entering is correct.
  • BIOS Stored Key Cause: This is another reason because your system BIOS has a Windows Home key, and Windows OS uses the BIOS stored key.
  • Cannot activate OEM license: Check that you have an OEM license. If yes, you cannot use the activation key when upgrading from an older version.

These are some of the reasons responsible for Windows 10 error 0x80041023. Follow the few fixes below to resolve activation error 0x80041023 and activate your Windows 10 license.

How to Fix Windows 10 Activation Error 0x80041023?

Be sure to sign in with a Microsoft account before performing the fixes below so that the license up is associated with the task. It will directly reactivate your Windows 10 system.

Fix 1: Windows Product Key is Invalid

It is one of the possible reasons responsible for the activation error. If you are reinstalling Windows 10 and automatic Windows activation fails. Then, there is a possibility that the Windows key you were using before is wrong or has already been used, like an MAK key. The MAK key can be used only once and stops working once the system is formatted. So, if you bought Windows cheaply and it doesn’t work, the only option is to buy a valid key from Windows Store.

It will help you in fixing your Error 0x80041023. If not, your problem is different, so try the next solution. “Your Windows license will expire” is another error while activating Windows 10. If you are facing such an error, follow the other fixes in the article.

Fix 2: Utilize SLMGR to Activate

You get the error message “The product key you entered is not working 0x80041023” while activating the Windows 10 Pro Key. If the issue concerns the BIOS system, it still has the Windows Home key. And it usually happens when you buy a pre-activated Windows system and try to activate it with the available BIOS after resetting it.

Run the SLMGR command to resolve the issue by following the steps below:

  • Clicked Windows + R to open the Run dialog box, then type “cmd” and hit Enter. A Run dialog box is shown. When asked by the UAC (User Account Control) box, choose Yes for administrative rights.

How to Fix Windows 10 Activation Error 0x80041023

  • After typing the command below, press Enter after each command.
  • slmgr / ipk <Windows Key>
  • slmgr /ato

How to Fix Windows 10 Activation Error 0x80041023

  • Note: Replace “windows key” in the command with your license key

Restart your system when converted to an active license, and the new key is activated with startup. But if, still facing window 10 error 0x80041023, follow the next solution.

Fix 3: Upgrade OEM Licenses

The OEM license needs to be upgraded for only a few machines. If you install Windows 10 Pro on a Windows Home system, it will not work. Your window will get a Windows activation error code error 0x80041023 message. To fix the Error, install Windows 10 Home and upgrade Windows Store to Windows Pro. Otherwise, try another method to activate Windows 10 and avoid the error code. Fresh install Windows 10 Pro, and use the activation key.

Fix 4: Contact Microsoft’s Support Team

Even after following all the above fixes, you can still not activate the Windows 10 build and get Windows 10 error 0x80041023. So here, you need to contact the Microsoft support team and get help by calling the operating system again. You can check the list of toll-free numbers specific to your region or country here.

Also, it may take some time to connect with a live agent, and they will activate the license after verifying that you own the license or answering some security questions.

Conclusion

Hopefully, after following the given solutions, you have been able to fix Windows 10 error 0x80041023. The given solutions are easy to follow, enabling many people to activate the Windows system easily. Also, make sure to follow each solution carefully one by one. We welcome your comments, so don’t hesitate to contact us if you encounter any issues, have questions, or want to share your suggestions. WWe’reon Facebook, Telegram, and Twitter, too! If you want to stay connected with us, be sure to follow us. We’d love to stay in touch!

Updated: 13 December 2023 — 6:01 PM

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