While deploying Windows 11 Pro 24H2 (Build 26100.6584) to a system, we encountered a puzzling error:
All activation attempts failed - this included retail keys, generic keys, and even keys verified to work on other machines.
Running slmgr /dlv returned “Error: product key not found”, with no license data at all.
The system was running the correct edition (Windows 11 Pro), and the same ISO successfully activated over 1,000 other PCs.
This clearly wasn’t an issue with the key, edition, or image - something deeper was broken.
What Fixed It: Reinstalling the License StoreWe resolved the issue with this command:
cd %windir%\system32 cscript slmgr.vbs /rilcWhat does it do?The /rilc flag stands for Re-Install License Files. It tells the Software Protection Platform (SPP) to:
Reload default licensing files (e.g., tokens.dat)
Rebuild the local activation store from scratch
Restore the OS’s ability to accept and validate keys
After running this, the system accepted a product key and activated normally.
Why It WorkedThe root cause was a corrupted or missing licensing store.
This often happens when:
The Windows image was captured from an evaluation build
Licensing components were cleaned too aggressively during sysprep or servicing
Key files (like tokens.dat) were removed or invalid
When this store is missing, Windows has no way to validate or store a product key - hence the cryptic “product key not found” error.
Re-running /rilc restores those baseline files, reinitializing the activation stack and re-enabling key validation.
How We Diagnosed the ProblemHere’s the step-by-step we followed:
Confirmed edition and build:Used winver and Get-CurrentEdition to verify the system was indeed running Windows 11 Pro.
Tried multiple product keys:None worked - even known good ones - ruling out key or SKU mismatch.
Checked license status:slmgr /dlv returned no data at all. That’s a big red flag - normally, this command shows licensing channel, status, etc.
Concluded the activation store was corrupted or missing.
Ran:
cscript %windir%\system32\slmgr.vbs /rilcImmediately afterward, we were able to activate Windows successfully.
Tips for Future CasesIf you're troubleshooting Windows activation and see “Error: product key not found”, follow these steps before considering a reinstall:
sfc /scannow DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth net stop sppsvc net start sppsvc cscript %windir%\system32\slmgr.vbs /rilcStill stuck? Then consider an in-place repair using retail Windows 11 media to preserve settings and applications while rebuilding corrupted system components.
Final TakeawayThe problem wasn’t the product key - it was a broken licensing system.By running /rilc, we reinstalled the core license files and re-enabled activation on a system that otherwise seemed fine.
If you’re an IT pro deploying Windows at scale, this trick might se you hours of head-scratching the next time activation silently fails.