Share this article

Improve this guide

FIX: This Product Key Cannot be Used to Install a Retail Copy of Windows

3 min. read

Updated onOctober 4, 2023

updated onOctober 4, 2023

Share this article

Improve this guide

Read our disclosure page to find out how can you help Windows Report sustain the editorial teamRead more

Do you want to learn how to get rid of theerror messageThisproduct keycannot be used to install a retail copy of Windows? If the answer is yes, then follow the instructions listed below to find out how to quickly resolve this issue and get your Windows 8 orWindows 10working again.Usually the message “Thisproduct keycannot be used to install a retail copy of Windows” appears when you try toinstall the Windows 10 operating systemon a new device perhaps newly bought. So, if you want to use a retail version of theoperating system, you can very easily do this in a few minutes of your time.

SOLVED: This product key cannot be used to install a retail copy of Windows

SOLVED: This product key cannot be used to install a retail copy of Windows

After doing the above steps, you will see now that you key has been activated and you can use your Windows 8 orWindows 10as you wish. If you have any questions regarding the matter, let us know in the comments below.

Quick note:Scouring Microsoft’s forums, we noticed that many users who bought an OEM laptop complained about this issue. Keep in mind that if it’s an OEM embedded key, you cannot use it on anotherPC. In other words, you cannot transfer OEM keys from onePCto another.

RELATED STORIES TO CHECK OUT:

More about the topics:All the Windows 10 tips you need to Know,windows 8.1 tips

Ivan Jenic

Windows Hardware Expert

Passionate about all elements related to Windows and combined with his innate curiosity, Ivan has delved deep into understanding this operating system, with a specialization in drivers and driver troubleshooting.

When he’s not tackling diverse driver-related problems, Ivan enjoys watching good movies and spending time hiking with his family and friends.

User forum

0 messages

Sort by:LatestOldestMost Votes

Comment*

Name*

Email*

Commenting as.Not you?

Save information for future comments

Comment

Δ

Ivan Jenic

Windows Hardware Expert

Ivan has delved deep into understanding the Windows OS, with a specialization in drivers and driver troubleshooting.