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How to activate W11 after reinstalling W11 with Media Creation Tool from different laptop

Laney 0 Reputation points
2025-08-07T11:44:19.4966667+00:00

I wiped a W11 Pro laptop using a remote command sent via JumpCloud Admin portal - this totally wipes the laptop even the OS - Now I plugged a USB stick into another colleagues laptop that was using W11 Pro and made a W11 Media Creation Tool - once finished the user plugged it into the wiped laptop and reinstalled W11 - once it reinstalled W11 was not activated nor was it Pro, it was Home Edition - I have searched Regedit for the W11 Key in : Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\SoftwareProtectionPlatform and found a Windows Key in the file BackupProductKeyDefault but this doesnt work.

Any idea how to reactivate the laptop when previously it had W11 Pro installed?

Laptop is Dell Latitude - 5450

Many thanks!!!!!

Ian

Windows for business | Windows Client for IT Pros | Devices and deployment | Licensing and activation
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  1. Domic Vo 90 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2025-08-12T10:21:26.7766667+00:00

    Dear Laney,

    Regarding the remotely wiping a Windows 11 Pro laptop and reinstalling Windows using the Media Creation Tool, the system installed Windows 11 Home and is now not activated, despite previously running Windows 11 Pro. This behavior is common when reinstalling Windows on devices that originally shipped with Windows Home. The embedded OEM key in the system firmware automatically triggers installation of the Home edition unless overridden.

    Here are Recommended Steps to Restore Windows 11 Pro and Activation:

    1. Upgrade from Home to Pro

    You can upgrade the edition using your existing Pro product key:

    • Go to Settings > System > Activation.

    Click Change product key.

    Enter your Windows 11 Pro license key.

    The system will upgrade to Pro and activate if the key is valid.

    1. Use Generic Pro Key to Trigger Edition Switch

    If you don’t have the original key but the device was previously activated with Pro:

    • Use Microsoft’s generic Pro key to switch editions:

    This will not activate Windows but will allow you to install the correct edition.

    After switching, Windows may automatically activate if the digital license is recognized.

    1. Link Your Microsoft Account

    If your Pro license was linked to your Microsoft account:

    Go to Settings > System > Activation.

    Click Troubleshoot and select “I changed hardware on this device recently.”

    Sign in with your Microsoft account to restore activation.

    I hope this helps.

    Best regards,

    Domic Vo

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