Windows 11 Setup has Failed to Validate the Product Key [Fix]

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Updated onOctober 4, 2023

updated onOctober 4, 2023

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Users who attempted to do an in-place update using the Windows 11 ISO were presented with the error notice Setup has failed to validate the product key during the installation of Windows 11.This can occur for a variety of reasons, including the presence of an unpacked installer in the temporary folder or the interference of an antivirus application from a third party, among others.Regardless of the underlying problem, we will walk you through the process and demonstrate how to fix the error message in question relatively easily in this post. But first, let’s see in more detail what could have caused the problem. Follow along!

What caused the Windows 11 Setup failed to validate product key error?

We’ve put together a list of possible causes to the Setup failed to validate product key error in Windows 11, however, keep in mind that there can be other causes to this as well:

Without further ado, let’s conclude this with troubleshooting the Setup failed to validate product key error in Windows 11. Follow along!

How can I fix Setup failed to validate product key in Windows 11?

1. Disable your antivirus

Note that not all antivirus software cause issues with the product key activation process or any other system activities. One of them isESETwhich provides high-quality antivirus and antimalware protection without interfering with internal procedures.

2. Create missing Config File

3. Perform a Disk Cleanup

For more information and potential solutions,take a look at our post on what to do if you can’t activate your copy of Windows 11.Alternatively,check out how to fix a Windows 10/11 activation key that doesn’t workin order to find more solutions and explanations to this error.And as a bonus, users found it helpful after theyread how to activate Windows 11 on a virtual machine. Don’t miss out on it as well!In order to improve our future posts, leave us a comment in the section below and tell us what you think about our solutions. Thanks for reading!

Windows 11 Setup has Failed to Validate the Product Key [Fix]#

What caused the Windows 11 Setup failed to validate product key error?#

How can I fix Setup failed to validate product key in Windows 11?#

1. Disable your antivirus#

2. Create missing Config File#

3. Perform a Disk Cleanup#