Fix Windows 10 Activation - How to change Windows 10's Product Key & Activate

Introduction

In this tutorial, you will learn how to change the product key of Windows 10 and resolve activation issues, including the common error code 0x803F7001. The methods outlined here will guide you through various command line tools and settings to successfully activate your Windows operating system.

Step 1: Open Command Prompt

To begin, you need to access the Command Prompt with administrative privileges.

1. Press the Windows key.
2. Type cmd or Command Prompt.
3. Right-click on Command Prompt and select Run as administrator.

Step 2: Change the Product Key Using SLMGR

You can change your product key using the Software Licensing Management Tool (SLMGR).

1. In the Command Prompt, type the following command and press Enter:

   slmgr.vbs /ipk <Your-Product-Key>
   

   Replace <Your-Product-Key> with your actual product key.

2. After executing the command, you should see a confirmation message indicating that the product key was installed successfully.

Step 3: Activate Windows

Once you have changed the product key, you need to activate Windows.

1. In the same Command Prompt window, type the following command and press Enter:

   slmgr.vbs /ato
   

2. This command will attempt to activate your Windows product key online. Wait for a confirmation message that indicates whether the activation was successful.

Step 4: Use Changepk.exe If Needed

If you encounter issues with the previous methods, you can use the Changepk.exe tool.

1. In the Command Prompt, enter the following command:

   changepk.exe /productkey <Your-Product-Key>
   

2. Replace <Your-Product-Key> with your new product key and press Enter.

3. Follow the prompts to complete the activation process.

Step 5: Activation via SLUI

Another method to activate Windows is through the SLUI application.

1. Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog.

2. Type slui 3 and press Enter.

3. A window will appear prompting you to enter your product key. Input your key and follow the on-screen instructions.

Step 6: Use Windows Settings for Activation

If you prefer a graphical interface, you can change your product key through Windows Settings.

1. Go to Settings by pressing Windows + I.
2. Click on Update & Security.
3. Select Activation from the left menu.
4. Click on Change product key and enter your new product key.
5. Follow the prompts to activate Windows.

Conclusion

In this tutorial, you learned several methods to change your Windows 10 product key and activate your operating system. You can use the Command Prompt with SLMGR, Changepk.exe, SLUI, or the Windows Settings interface. If you encounter any issues, ensure that your product key is valid and that your internet connection is stable. If you continue to face problems, consider reaching out to Microsoft Support for assistance.