Windows comes with a built-in backup solution. However, if it failed because of an internal error, you will encounter an error message saying, “The backup application could not start due to an internal error, Server execution failed (0x80080005)”. When you get this kind of error, it means that it did not start and the process failed with a Server execution error. If you got this kind of error worries not for this post will guide you in fixing the problem in your Windows 10 computer. The Windows Backup service is an excellent feature in Windows that only works on the NTFS file system and if you want to use this make sure that you have formatted your files system to NTFS. It is performed by the Volume Shadow Copy, all you have to do is right-click on any folder and if you see the “Previous versions” option, this means that a backup process runs from time to time and can bring back old files when needed. To resolve the “The backup application could not start due to an internal error”, here are two suggestions you can check out.

Option 1 – Check if the Volume Shadow Copy service is running and restart it

The first thing you need to do is check if the Volume Shadow Copy service. To do that, refer to the following steps:

• Click on Start and type “cmd” and right-click on Command Prompt from the search results.
• Then select the “Run as administrator” option to open Command Prompt with admin privileges.
• After that, type “net stop sdrsvc” and hit Enter to execute the command in stopping the Volume Shadow Copy service.
• Next, type the “net start sdrsvc” command and hit Enter to start the service again.

Note: You can also restart the service using the Windows Services Manager.

• In the Cortana search box, type “services” and click on the Services icon to open the Services Manager. Alternatively, you can also tap the Win + R keys to launch the Run prompt and then type “services.msc” in the field and hit Enter to open the Services Manager.
• From there, look for the Volume Shadow Service (sdrsv) from the list of services. Its Startup type should be set to Manual by default.
• Restart the service and if you don’t encounter any error while you turn it on, re-run the backup service and see if the backup process runs successfully.

Option 2 – Try to run the Volume Shadow Copy Service in a Clean Boot State

If the first option didn’t work and the service still keeps on failing even though the service is running, you can try putting your computer in a Clean Boot State and then try to run Windows Backup again.

• Log onto your PC as an administrator.
• Type in MSConfig in the Start Search to open the System Configuration utility.
• From there, go to the General tab and click “Selective startup”.
• Clear the “Load Startup items” check box and make sure that the “Load System Services” and “Use Original boot configuration” options are checked.
• Next, click the Services tab and select the “Hide All Microsoft Services” check box.
• Click Disable all.
• Click on Apply/OK and restart your PC. (This will put your PC into a Clean Boot State. And configure Windows to use the usual startup, just simply undo the changes.)
• Now try to run the Volume Shadow Copy service again and see if the process goes smoothly.

Note: You might also want to delete all the files in the backup solution if you want to start fresh with the backup solution. Just go to C:/System/Volume/Information/Windows Backup and take ownership of the folder. After that, make sure to stop the Volume Shadow Copy service and then delete all the files inside it.

Error Code 0xc004f210 – What is it?

Error code 0xc004f210 occurs when Windows 8 users fail to activate their Windows operating system. Users will be able to identify error code 0xc004f210 because of the following common symptoms which occur:

• Inability to activate Windows 8 operating system
• Message box with error code 0xc004f210

Solution

Error Causes

If you enter an invalid product key or do not have a digital entitlement for the edition of Windows you are attempting to activate, you may experience error code 0xc004f210. Since this error usually occurs due to these main reasons, you will most likely find success resolving this issue by ensuring you use a valid product key or activate an appropriate edition of Windows based on the edition of your digital entitlement.

Further Information and Manual Repair

Error codes can be resolved through manual repair procedures that seek to fix the underlying issues causing the error. In the case of error code 0xc004f210, you should be able to resolve this error by using the methods below. You may also consider contacting a Windows repair technician if you have difficulty resolving the error code.

Method One: Enter Valid Product Key

To successfully activate your operating system and resolve error code 0xc004f210, you will need to enter a valid product key in the Update & security section of Windows. Follow the instructions below to enter the product key.

• Step one: Click the Start button then select Settings
• Step two: Select Update & security then Activation
• Step three: Click the Change product key
• Step four: Enter a valid product key

If the issue causing error code 0xc004f210 is related to the use of an invalid product key, you should be able to successfully activate your Windows operating system. Should the problem persist, however, you will need to attempt the next manual repair method explained below? Note: Failure to fix this error code might result in other Windows 10 error messages.

Method Two: Ensure Edition of Windows Matches Your Digital Entitlement

Digital entitlement allows Windows users to access activation without using a product key. This digital entitlement only affects Windows 8 users who are attempting to activate versions of Windows 10 that include Windows 10 Pro. Once you are using a genuine copy of Windows 8.1 and your edition of Windows matches your entitlement, you may proceed with the instructions below.

• Step one: Click the Start button then select Settings
• Step two: After selecting Settings, click Update & Security
• Step three: Select Windows Update then the Check for updates tab
• Step four: Click activate Windows 10 update

You should be able to activate your Windows update once you follow the instructions above. Remember error code 0xc004f210 is an activation code related to product keys or your digital entitlement so once these issues are rectified, you should have no problem activating your operating system of choice and enjoying the benefits it offers. If, however, the problem remains unresolved after you have attempted both manual repair methods, there may be unusual issues affecting your system. Contact Microsoft to rectify the issue or get help from a Windows repair technician.

Method Three: Download an Automated Tool

If you wish to always have at your disposal a utility tool to fix these Windows 8 and other related issues when they do arise, download and install a powerful automated tool.

The Event Viewer in the Windows operating system is used to troubleshoot any computer issues. It is one of the most useful tools that keep logs of both security and system events. It also monitors for both software and hardware problems in the computer. This tool is the only one with amazing features that maintain logs about everything that’s going on in the computer system. It keeps track of all the information to the point where going over them will take a lot of time. Luckily, the Event Viewer tool now allows users to create custom views where you can set the filters and sort the data recorded to limit the information details to only what you’re interested in seeing. For instance, if you want to troubleshoot with one hard drive, you can just create a special custom view to display only the hard drive warnings in the security logs. This will save you hassle and time. Take note that the logs in the Event Viewer are divided into two main categories namely the Window logs and the Application and Services logs. You can just set the filter to the logs by their event id, specific date, and many other events when you have to troubleshoot some problem in your computer. So if you are trying to troubleshoot a problem in your Windows 10 computer and you’re checking the Event Viewer, read on as this post will guide you in creating custom event views in the Event Viewer. To get started, refer to the instructions given below. Step 1: Go to the Start menu and in the search box, type “event viewer” and then click on Event Viewer from the search results to open it. Step 2: After opening Event Viewer, click on Custom Views located in the left pane of the window. Step 3: Next, click on the Administrative events under the Custom View to create special log views. Step 4: Then on the right side of the window, click on Create Custom View to open the Create Custom View window. Step 5: There is a logged drop-down list under Filter. From there, you have the option to choose an appropriate predefined time or use a custom time range for your Custom log views. Step 6: After that, select an appropriate event level for your custom view. You have fine entry-level options to choose from such as critical event level, error, warning, information and verbose.

• Critical – select this if you want to see the events that require your immediate attention in the custom view.
• Error – select this if you want your Event Viewer to display the events that are less critical but hints at the problems.
• Warning – select this event-level if you want to see the event with the potential problem but may not bound to happen.
• Verbose – select this if you want to see detailed information about all the events.

Step 7: After you’ve selected the event level, you now have to select how you want the events to be filtered. They can either be filtered By the log or By the source.

• By the log – you can select two options called Windows log and, Application and Service logs. The Windows logs allow you to filter the logs created during events like setup, security, applications, and system events. While the Application and Service logs filter the log created by the installed applications in your system.
• By the source – select this if you want your Custom View to search for information in event sources. It allows you to view events in detail for various applications and devices.

Note: You have the option to further customize the event logs with more filters like Event IDs, task category, keywords, User, and Computer. Using these additional filters, you can choose to filter the events in the special views by specifying event id numbers in the Event IDs, entering predefined Windows words in the Keyword, specify the user accounts in the User field, as well as choose the system from the server to maintain logs in the Computer field. Step 8: Once you’re done customizing the log filter, click on OK to apply the changes made. Step 9: After that, a Save Filter should be displayed in the Custom View window. Just enter the Custom View name and select the Event Viewer folder where you want to save the Custom view. The folder name should be Custom View by default. And if you want, you can also create your own folder if you want your custom views to be visible to all the system users. Step 10: Next, check all the Users box located in the lower corner of the window and then click the OK button after you’re done. You should now see the customized filter you just created on the left side of the window. Just click on it to check your filtered events in the center of the Event Viewer window. And for you to save the custom view logs, simply right-click on the Custom views you created and then click on Save All Events in the Custom View As from the drop-down menu. Then put a name on the file and select the appropriate location where you want to save the logs and click on the Save button. Note that the log file is saved with the “.EVTX” file extension and when you double click on it, it will open the file in the Event Viewer.

It is no secret that a few days ago Facebook has been breach and tons of user accounts have been compromised. These kinds of things are very unpleasant experiences for both users and the company itself. User trust lowers significantly in the company and it can greatly increase the chances of users migrating to another platform. This just shows how much a hacker or security breach can produce damage to the business. Sadly we can not offer you guidance or assistance in recovering your stolen data nor can we provide you with removing your data from the hands of the attacker. What we can do is to provide you with information has your data been stolen. Threat actor released the personal information for 533,313,128 Facebook users on a hacking forum, including mobile numbers, name, gender, location, relationship status, occupation, date of birth, and email addresses. This data was originally sold in private sales after being collected in 2019 using a bug in the 'Add Friend' feature on Facebook. Facebook had closed this vulnerability soon after it was discovered, but threat actors continued to circulate the data until it was finally released practically for free. Since then, Troy Hunt has added the leaked data to his Have I Been Pwned data breach notification service to help users determine if a Facebook member's data was exposed in the leak. Go to the site and enter your email address to check and see if your data has been compromised.

Code 33 - What is it?

Code 33 is a typical Device Manager error. This error code occurs when Windows is unable to start a device that you are trying to use on your PC. The error code 33 is usually displayed in the following format:

“Windows cannot determine which resources are required for this device. Code 33”

Solution

Error Causes

Error code 33 may be triggered due to two reasons. One reason can be the translator's failure to find the correct resource for the device driver.

And since this error code is associated with the Device Manager, another reason can be an outdated or corrupted device driver. In most cases, the underlying problem for Device Manager error code is outdated/corrupted drivers.

The good news is that Device Manager error code 33 is not detrimental. However, if the error is not resolved timely, it can lower the functionality and the performance of your PC. You may not be able to use the hardware device.

Further Information and Manual Repair

To resolve code 33, you don’t need to be technically sound or hire a professional computer programmer. Just like any other Device Manager error code, code 33 is also easy to repair.

To help you fix this issue on your system, below are some of the best, easy, and effective DIY solutions.

Method 1 - Configure Hardware Device

Properly configure the problematic hardware device to fix error code 33. It is important to understand that when you install a device that is not plug-and-play, the resource settings are not configured automatically.

This means for such devices you will have to perform device configuration manually.

For device configuration, here’s what you should do:

1. Go to the start menu
2. Click Control Panel, then click Performance and Maintenance, and then System
3. Now on the hardware tab, click on Device Manager and then double click the device you wish to configure
4. Click the resources tab and then click on the check box next to the Use Automatic Setting
5. After that click, the ‘Setting Based On’ and then click the hardware configuration you wish to change
6. Press the ‘Resource Type’ you will like to configure in the ‘Resource Settings’ box
7. Now go to the Change Settings tab and type a new value for the Resource Type

Method 2 - Update the Problematic Drivers

Code 33 can also be generated due to driver problems. In such a scenario, it is recommended to update the outdated or corrupted drivers.

Identifying all problematic drivers and updating them individually can be frustrating and time-consuming. Therefore to save time and avoid the hassle involved in updating drivers manually, it is advisable to download DriverFIX.

Method 3 - Download DriverFIX to Update Drivers Automatically

DriverFIX is a next-generation and user-friendly program compatible with all Windows versions.

This software is exclusively designed to repair and resolve device driver-related problems and error codes.

Once installed, its intelligent and intuitive programming system detects all outdated, corrupted, and misconfigured device drivers on your PC. It automatically updates all the problematic drivers in a few seconds. It makes sure that the driver versions are the latest and compatible with your operating system.

Furthermore, it also ensures that drivers are continuously updated whenever new versions are available. So, you don’t have to worry about keeping device drivers up to date.

Click here to download DriverFIX to resolve Device Manager error code 33 today!

One of the issues with external storage devices is that unplugging them right away without using the “Safely Remove Hardware” feature is not safe and doing so could lead to data corruption and data loss. However, in some cases, even when you use the “Safely Remove Hardware” feature, you could get an error that says:

“Windows can’t stop your ‘Generic volume’ device because a program is still using it. Close any programs that might be using the device, and then try again later.”

It is possible that the system is still using the external device – for instance, a copy operation might still be in progress, or Windows is still indexing the contents of the drive in the background or it could also be that the drive is not configured to be quickly removed. To fix this error, there are a couple of suggestions you can try. You can try to close all the open programs and file explorer windows, or you could also configure the Device Removal Policy or change its file system to FAT32. In addition, you can also try to change its drive letter or use the DISKPART utility to get the drive to be offline or simply manage the hogging process that prevents it from being safely removed. Follow each one of the given potential fixes below to resolve the error when using the Safely Remove Hardware feature.

Option 1 – Close all the open programs and File Explorer windows

The first thing you have to do to resolve the error is to close any open programs as well as File Explorer windows. This is because there are some programs and File Explorer instances that could be using the external device in the background which explains why you’re getting the error when you try to safely remove your device.

Option 2 – Try to configure the Device Removal Policy

The next thing you can do is to configure the Device Removal Policy. How? Refer to these steps:

• Open File Explorer and right-click on the drive where you encountered the error.
• Next, select Properties from the context menu.
• After that, navigate to the Hardware tab and select the disk drive where you got the error under the “All disk drives” section.
• Then select Properties under the Device Properties section. This will open a new mini window and from there, select Change Settings on the bottom portion of the window.
• Now navigate to the Policies tab and select the “Quick Removal (default)” option under the Removal Policy section.
• Click on the OK and Apply buttons to save the changes made and then see if the error is now fixed.

Option 3 – Try to manage the hogging process

You could also try managing the hogging process to get rid of the error.

• Tap the Ctrl + Shift + Esc key combination to open the Task Manager.
• Then look for the running processes and programs that are hogging your USB storage device. If there is a program that’s using your device, it will hog on some Disk or CPU while transferring data and interacting with the device which is why you’re getting an error when you safely remove the device.
• Next, select the concerned processed and right-click on each one of them, and then select the End Task or End Process option. You can also restart the Explorer.exe process and see if that helps.

Option 4 – Try to change the drive letters

• Tap the Win + R keys to open the Run utility and then type “diskmgmt.msc” in the field and click OK or tap Enter to open Disk Management.
• Next, look for your USB storage device using the drive letter that’s assigned to it. Right-click on your device and select the “Change Drive Letter and Paths…” option.
• This will open a mini window and from there select the drive letter you want to change and click on the Change button.
• After that, another smaller window will appear where you’ll have to select the new drive letter from the drop-down menu.
• Click OK and if you got a warning prompt, just click on Yes.
• Now restart your computer.

Option 5 – Try using DISKPART utility to get the drive to be offline

The next thing you can try to resolve the issue is to use DISKPART. Refer to the given steps below to do so.

• Tap the Win + R keys to launch Run and then type “cmd” in the field and tap Enter or click OK to open an elevated Command Prompt.
• Next, type and enter this command to execute it: diskpart
• The command you entered will initiate the DISKPART utility. After that, type and enter this second command: list disk
• Next, type and enter this third command: list volume
• The commands you just executed will help you in either listing all the Disk connects or all the partitions on those disks formed and from there, you need to select one command depending on the “list” command you entered. You can execute either of the two following commands:
  • select disk #
  • select volume #

• After that, it will select the Disk or Partition you want to select.
• Now type either one of the following commands:
  • offline disk #offline volume #
• The command you entered will mark the selected disk is Offline. Afterward, try to safely remove your USB Storage device. Just remember that when you plug it back in again, you have to carry out the same method except for the last given command as this time you will have to enter either of these commands in order to get your USB storage device back online:
  • online disk #
  • online volume #

Option 6 – Try to change the file system to FAT32

If you keep getting this error on a particular USB device, you might have to format the disk and change its file system to FAT32. Make sure that you copy its contents safely into another location before you format the disk. Keep in mind that formatting the disk will remove all the contents of your drive.

• Open File Explorer and right-click on the drive where you got the error and then select Format from the context menu.
• Next, in the newly opened mini window, select the FAT32 (Default) option from the drop-down menu under File System.
• Now check the Quick Format checkbox and then click on the Start button to start formatting your drive.

The euphoria around Windows 11 is not dying and reveal that Android apps will work natively inside Windows 11 has raised many emotions and questions. So, Microsoft has announced that Android apps will run natively inside Windows 11 OS and that they will reside alongside your other installed ones as icons, etc. It is no secret that many users have been using emulation software to run Android apps inside Windows so far, so what is the difference?

It is still emulation

Whatever you would like to believe it is still emulation and Android apps are at the end of the day still Android apps running inside emulated environment. This time we will not need third-party emulation software running inside Windows, we will have third-party emulation services running inside Windows. Intel has teamed up with Microsoft in order to integrate Intel bridge algorithms in order to run Android apps, meaning that yea, pretty much we have emulation services running in order to run the application. The problem with this kind of approach is that well emulation software is running and consuming system resources only when we start it, this kind of service is always running and always consuming resources and for someone who really does not care about Android apps at all, this is just a waste of resources.

Android store

The store is another issue here, instead of the Google play store we will have the Amazon app store integrated inside the new Microsoft store. This means that any kind of for example game progress or login information from Google store cannot be transferred into Windows 11, add to that information that in the Amazon app store there are tons of missing applications like SLACK, TRELLO, BitWarden, etc and we might have a serious question here about the use of this feature.

Android apps that do not use Android services

If you even look past that it is still emulation and that it is available on the Amazon app store there is still concern about applications not using Google services for their running. Many Android apps are relying on Google services like location or optimize their use of on-device resources, handle in-app purchases, etc. that cannot be found on this system. Uber is a prime example that uses Google location service to determine your location and for its mapping data, with that application, is useless. Other like Guardian will even pop up message that says Google play service is required in order to even work.

Android apps without Eero system

Amazon Eero system for enhanced internet access is not even yet available in its own app store which brings us to missing some key players like Bank of America, Chase mobile, Bueller, etc. And across the board, the apps that are present in the Amazon Appstore are often as good as abandoned. Lots of titles are numerous versions behind their up-to-date Play Store counterparts, and plenty of programs you encounter in the Amazon environment clearly haven't been touched in years.

Conclusion

Many new Windows 11 features are quality features that I personally consider good but although this one seems innovative and good I simply cannot stand back it up. Android apps were already inside Windows with emulation software which used google services and was working just fine, this was not needed in my opinion.

User32.dll Error Code - What is it?

User32.dll is a Dynamic Link Library file. Windows stores instructions for graphical elements such as dialog boxes and Windows in this file. This file is a crucial file, necessary to run Windows operations. If this file is damaged, deleted, or removed from the system you may not be able to run the programs on your system that use and share the User32.dll file thereby causing you inconvenience. The User32.dll file error is displayed in the following format:

“This application has failed to start because USER32.dll was not found. Reinstalling the application may fix this problem.”

Or

“[Program] illegal system DLL relocation”

Program here refers to the name of a program that caused the User32.dll error message.

Solution

Error Causes

User32.dll errors are triggered by the following reasons:

• Missing and damaged .dll files
• Viral infection
• Registry corruption

User32.dll error is also referred to as C0000135 blue screen of death error. When the User32.dll error occurs it not only locks you out of your desired program but also turns your computer screen blue. If the error is not repaired timely it may expose your PC to serious threats such as abrupt system shutdowns, system failure, and crash.

Further Information and Manual Repair

To resolve the User32.dll error on your PC, try the following solutions:

1. Reinstall Programs Causing User32.dll errors

Sometimes User32.dll error may occur due to missing DLL files.  This happens when you delete a program from your PC and accidentally the DLL file also gets deleted which is shared by other programs on your system. Therefore to resolve this first find out what programs on your system use User32.dll to load and run on your system. To do this use the Tasklist command-line tool. It displays the names of all the programs that currently use the User32.dll file. After this, reinstall the programs that use User32.dll files on your system. This will hopefully resolve the error.

2. Install and Run Restoro

If it doesn’t, then this probably means that the damage is deep-rooted. It is related to the damaged DLL files, registry corruption, or viral infection. To resolve all of these causes in one go, it is best to download Restoro instead of downloading 3 different software to resolve each cause for the error separately. This is basically an advanced, innovative, and multi-functional PC repair tool embedded with multiple powerful utilities including a registry cleaner, and a system optimizer. It is a one-stop solution for all your PC-related problems including the User32.dll error. The registry cleaner wipes the clutter and obsolete files damaging the hard disk and simultaneously repairs the DLL files and the registry. The antivirus feature removes all the viruses on your system while the system stability utility boosts the PC speed significantly. It is safe, user-friendly, and compatible with all Windows versions including Windows Vista, XP, Windows 7, 8, 8.1, and 10. Click here to download Total System Care to resolve the User32.dll error right away.

ActiveX Controls are plugins you may constantly come across when working with Internet Explorer. An illustration of these kinds of control is the MICROSOFT IE Flash Player. They frequently result into significant problems for the Computer, yet they're vital for IE to operate correctly. You shouldn't ever overlook that after you install Active Controls in your Personal Computer, you effectively provide them with access to other areas of your PC. The ActiveX Controls not only tracks your search routines, but in addition puts malicious software, which might possibly be hazardous to your Computer.

Solution

Error Causes

ActiveX Controls make your Internet Explorer work as required and are usually great and beneficial to your own Computer. Yet, they can function as a source of problems because of the following factors.

• You should stop installing  ActiveX Controls from Un Trustworthy Resources

In the event they are installed by you from un trustworthy resources new threats are likely introduced by ActiveX Controls to your PC. One of the more regular types of ActiveX Controls worth necessary for installation is Flash Player. Yet, never be in a hurry to install these Controls from resources that you don't trust.

• Limit The Number of ActiveX Controls You Install on your PC

Prevent installing java/oracle ActiveX controls, because of its weak security measures which could make your Personal Computer and any additional information there in, open to attacks. Limit to the variety of ActiveX Controls that you install on your PC as these could increase the vulnerability canvas on your computer.

Further Information and Manual Repair

You can manually fix any malfunction that springs up from ActiveX Controls. Yet, more than mending the harm, produce the setting that ensures you never have troubles from them to start with. Just how do you do that?

a) Stop installing or downloading ActiveX Controls from Un Trustworthy Sources

This has been mentioned above, but it's worth repeating because it's the most common reason behind ActiveX Controls malfunctions. You might anticipate that for this kind of obvious reason for ActiveX Controls malfunctions, PC consumers would be extra cautious, however that is never true.

b) Limit ActiveX Controls Softwares

You can restrict ActiveX controls from running automatically on your PC. To limit them, head to Tools in Internet Explorer, and choose Internet Options. Proceed to the Security tab, and select Customs level Browse completely down before you get to the area designated "ActiveX". Subsequently, mark "Prompt" under every choice that you encounter. But don't mark the choice indicated "Run ActiveX Controls and Plug-Ins", together with, "Script ActiveX Controls Marked Safe for Scripting". By performing the measures emphasized above, you happen to be in substance stating that, you will not permit any installation of ActiveX Controls, without express authorization by you. In this manner, you have better control over different forms of ActiveX Controls you permit to be installed, therefore reducing potential threats to your PC.

Prompted For A Product Key – What Is It?

Some Windows 7 or Windows 8/8.1 users are having a hard time upgrading to Windows 10 as they are being prompted for a product key. By default, the Windows 10 operating system does not require a product key and users should not be prompted for one, given you upgraded your computer from an activated Windows 7 or Windows 8/8.1 license or from the Windows 10 Preview build. However, there are some users encountering this problem and there are several reasons for this.

Solution

Error Causes

There are a few reasons why some users are being prompted for a product key when upgrading to Windows 10:

• Windows 7 or Windows 8/8.1 license is not activated.
• You’re upgrading to Windows 10 final release from a preview build.
• There are broken operating system files.
• Activation servers get overwhelmed due to the high volume of upgrades.
• The Windows 10 copy you downloaded does not correspond with the current Windows system you are upgrading from.

Further Information and Manual Repair

Before you can fix this problem, you need to know why you’re being prompted for a product key. Some things you should know about Windows 10 product key activation are the following:

• You cannot activate Windows 10 using your Windows 7 or Windows 8/8.1 product key. Windows 10 has a unique product key.
• Error codes such as 0x8007232b, 0XC004E003, 0x8007007B, or 0x8007000D might pop up during system upgrade especially when the activation servers get overwhelmed with the high volume of upgrades.
• You don’t really need to know your Windows 10 product key.

Now, if ever you’re prompted for a product key when you’re upgrading to Windows 10, you can apply the following methods:

Method One: Give It A Few Days

If you’ve been prompted for a product key upon upgrading to Windows 10, you should click on the “Do this later” option. Wait for a few days then Windows 10 will get activated automatically.

Method Two: Download A Copy of Windows 10 Corresponding Your Current System

One of the reasons Windows users are being prompted for a product key when upgrading to Windows 10 is that they have downloaded a wrong edition of Windows 10 and do not correspond with your current system.

• Users of Home Basic, Home Premium, Windows 7 Starter, Windows 8.0 Core, and Windows 8.1 Core should download Windows 10 Home ISO.
• Users of Windows 7 Ultimate, Windows 7 Professional, Windows 8.0 Pro, and Windows 8.1 Pro should download Windows 10 Pro ISO.

NOTE: Users of Windows 7 Enterprise, Windows 8.0 Enterprise, and Windows 8.1 Enterprise are not eligible for the free upgrade offer.

Method Three: Ensure Windows Is Activated

If your Windows 7 or Windows 8/8.1 is not genuine or activated, you will get prompted for a product key. You need to make sure first your current system is activated.

1. Click on Start then right-click Computer. For Windows 8 and up users, you can simply press on Windows key + X then select Choose Properties.
2. When the Properties window appears, check if the Windows you’re running is activated.

Method Three: Reset License Status

1. Press on Windows key + X.
2. Select Command Prompt (Admin).
3. Once the command prompt window appears, type vbs –rearm then press Enter.
4. Exit Command Prompt then restart your PC.
5. Input the product key by following the instructions given.

Method Four: Force Activation

1. Press on Windows key + X
2. Select Command Prompt (Admin).
3. Once the command prompt window appears, type vbs –ato then press Enter.
4. Exit Command Prompt then restart your PC.

Method Five: Run System File Checker

Another thing you can try doing is to run the system file checker utility to scan if there are any broken operating system files. In doing so, you’ll be able to detect problems that might be preventing the product activation of your Windows 10 upgrade.

Method Six: Contact Microsoft Activation Center

If in case you’ve exhausted all your resources and you are still being prompted for a product key when upgrading to Windows 10, you can try contacting the Microsoft Activation Center for further details. Check here for the appropriate telephone numbers to contact.

Method Seven: Download An Automated Tool

If you still experience the error after doing the methods above, you might want to try a powerful and trusted automated tool to fix the job.