Activating Windows

S

StageOne

Bit poster
So, I'm using 17.1.1 on an M1 MBA. Following the new option to have it automatically install Windows gives me the ARM version of Win 11, as expected.

In order to activate -- I already own a retail version of Win 10 Pro. If I use that product key to activate the ARM Win 11 inside Parallels, will it activate as Win 11 Pro?
 
Really? It doesn't work for me. So I tried System->Activation->Troubleshoot and got this:
"Edition doesn't match Windows edition on the devices listed below don't match the Windows edition installed on the device you're using right now.
MYNAME0100
Windows 10 Home
Parallels Software International Inc."
When I installed Parallels on my MacBook Pro with M1 processor, I had to use Windows Insider Program to install WIndows11. Now I'm trying to activate a license using my Windows10 key but, since I no longer have Windows10 installed, Microsoft gives me the error above. Since I can't run Windows10 on an M1 device, I don't see how I can ever upgrade my license key.
 
GregT5 said:
Really? It doesn't work for me. So I tried System->Activation->Troubleshoot and got this:
"Edition doesn't match Windows edition on the devices listed below don't match the Windows edition installed on the device you're using right now.
MYNAME0100
Windows 10 Home
Parallels Software International Inc."
When I installed Parallels on my MacBook Pro with M1 processor, I had to use Windows Insider Program to install WIndows11. Now I'm trying to activate a license using my Windows10 key but, since I no longer have Windows10 installed, Microsoft gives me the error above. Since I can't run Windows10 on an M1 device, I don't see how I can ever upgrade my license key.
Click to expand...
You dont need to upgrade license key. As long as its key for Pro (because ARM64 Insiders are based on that version) it will work. Microsoft made preinstalled image for their HyperV stuff so obviously Windows install will show up as unactivated in form of an activation error. As you navigated to correct place, have you considered pressing Change activation key and providing the one you have?
 
Yes, I tried that and get "The product key you entered didn't work..." Windows actually works fine except for the regular reminders I get that it's not licensed.
 
I have a very similar issue; i just upgraded from intel MBP to M1 MBP and during parallels installation also selected the option to install windows 11; now when i try to activate windows i get this error:
upload_2021-12-13_13-54-25.png

oddly, the windows 11 version in M1 mac is home (lower than the pro license i have in my win 10 pvm)
upload_2021-12-13_13-55-51.png

i tried all options and nothing worked; any help will be welcome.
 
GustavoF2 said:
I have a very similar issue; i just upgraded from intel MBP to M1 MBP and during parallels installation also selected the option to install windows 11; now when i try to activate windows i get this error:
View attachment 18903

oddly, the windows 11 version in M1 mac is home (lower than the pro license i have in my win 10 pvm)
View attachment 18904

i tried all options and nothing worked; any help will be welcome.
Click to expand...
Hi, kindly contact with Microsoft support and check if you current activation key is eligible for activating Windows 11.
 
The error code 0xC004F050 usually means the product key is invalid or not compatible with the installed Windows edition. Since you're using Parallels Desktop Pro Edition on an M1 Pro Mac, make sure:

  1. You're using Windows 11 ARM - Standard x86/x64 Windows keys won't work on the ARM version.
  2. Your key matches the edition - If you have Windows 11 Pro installed, the key must be for Windows 11 Pro ARM.
  3. You're connected to the internet - Activation requires online verification.
If the key is still not working, try getting a fresh retail Windows 11 Pro key at Hypest-key on Google. That's how I solved my problem
 
After installing Parallels 26 voor macOS i bought a license for Windows11 Pro. I did a new installation of my my Macbook Pro M4 of macOS 26 and also a fresh installation of Parallels 26 for macOS. I installed Windows11 Pro but it reports that this version of Windows11 Pro is not activated. I payed for the Windows11 Pro license via Apple Pay. I got an e-mail from myparallels.com confirming the order 9299662571 on May 16th 2026. Though it doesn't show a license key. The website myparallels.com is not responding (host error). The product Windows11 Pro is also registered on my Microsoft product website and there is a vrtual arm64 machine. Also there is no license key. Question how can I obtain my license key for Windows11 Pro?
 
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