Windows 10 activation error with code 0x80041023

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During Windows 10 activation, you may come across error 0x80041023. Some users see this code when activating a fresh copy of Windows, others – after upgrading from an old version of Windows to the top ten. In this article, we will look at how you can get rid of this error. It is worth warning in advance that this material will be useful only for owners of a licensed version of Windows 10.

Causes of activation error 0x80041023

In the case of this code, there are only two reasons.

  • OEM license cannot be activated. Holders of the OEM license, be aware: you will not be able to use your old key on a Windows system that has been updated to the “dozen”.
  • Windows is trying to use a key in the BIOS. There is a possibility that your computer’s BIOS still has a key to the home version of Windows. In this case, you simply will not be able to activate the system using traditional methods. You need to use SLMGR to overwrite the old key.

Methods for solving error 0x80041023

0x80041023

Upgrade with OEM licenses

Before you try to do anything, you need to know some important details about OEM licenses. These keys are not intended to activate a system that has been upgraded from an older version of Windows to Windows 10. They can only be used on freshly installed Windows.

Let’s imagine that you are trying to install Windows 10 Pro on a computer that previously had Windows 10 at home. Entering your key will lead you to an activation error 0x80041023. And, actually, why? But because first you need to install the home version of Windows 10, activate it with your key, and then only update the system to the pro version through the Store.

Let’s look at a slightly different scenario. Let’s say you purchased Windows Pro from the original manufacturer. To avoid the error, you need to reinstall Windows 10 Pro on your computer and only then activate the key that came with Windows Pro on it.

If you encounter error 0x80041023 outside of the above scenarios, then try the methods below.

Method # 1 Using SLMGR to activate

If you receive error 0x80041023 while activating the Windows 10 Pro key, then the problem is most likely caused by the old key from the home version of Windows saved in the BIOS of your computer. This is a fairly common situation among users who bought computers with pre-installed Windows and subsequently tried to install another system. However, they do not know that after installing a new system, the old key stored in the BIOS will be used for activation.

In this case, you can use the following steps:

  1. right-click on Start;
  2. select “Command line (administrator)”;
  3. run the following commands:
    • slmgr / ipk ;
    • slmgr / ato;
  4. after successful key replacement, restart your computer.

If this method did not work, then you can use the following.

Method # 2 Contacting Microsoft Support

Still unable to activate your Windows 10? Are you still pestered by error 0x80041023? Why not then contact Microsoft technical support for help. Specialists in technical support in a fairly short time will help you with the activation of the operating system, and on a completely free basis.

Go to this link and find the number you want. The support agent might ask a few questions related to your copy of Windows, but it shouldn’t take long. Once again, the call should be absolutely free. Also keep in mind that this method is only useful for owners of a legal copy of Windows.

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