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Ostarari's avatar
Ostarari
Iron Contributor
Nov 05, 2025

I want to Clean install reactivation on Windows 11

I recently upgraded windows 11 home to pro using a key I bought from PC World (stacksocial). After faffing with telephone activation, I've finally got it activated. The activation screen looks like:

I believe the key is RETAIL:

If I do a clean install of windows 11 pro on this computer in the future, will I have to go through the activation process again?
Is the key now saved in EUFI similar to the digital licence that came with this dell laptop and that the previous version, 11 HOME was using?

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2 Replies

  • KapilArya's avatar
    KapilArya
    MVP
    Nov 06, 2025

    Usually, retail keys have ability to get reactivate multiple times. So if you clean install, you can use this same key when asked for activation, and it should activate. 

  • UriahParker's avatar
    UriahParker
    Iron Contributor
    Nov 06, 2025

    If activation doesn’t activate automatically:

    • Run Troubleshoot in the Activation settings.
    • Sign in with your Microsoft account if linked.
    • Use telephone activation if needed, following prompts.

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