After installing Windows 8 RTM, I was facing an issue that says "Windows can't activate right now. Try activating Windows later". I tried it multiple times but couldn't figure out what was the actual issue here.


Later @LBugnion shared me the trick to resolve this issue which I am going to share here in my blog, so that you can find it useful.


After installing Windows 8 RTM, you may probably face an issue while activating your Windows OS which will say the following:
Windows can't activate right now. Try activating Windows later. If this issue persists, contact your system administrator or technical support department for assistance.

If you are one of them, no need to worry. Just follow the below mentioned steps:
    • Open "Command Prompt" under Administrative Privileges.
    • Enter the following in the Console Window: slmgr.vbs -ipk [PRODUCT_KEY] and then hit enter. Replace "[PRODUCT_KEY]" with your genuine Windows 8 Product Key that you received.

Once you are done with the above mentioned steps, your Windows 8 will activate with the license key. Make sure that, you are connected to the internet before activating Windows.


Don’t forget to connect with me on Twitter and Facebook for technical updates and articles news. Also subscribe to my blog’s Newsletter to get all the updates delivered directly to your inbox. We won’t spam or share your email address as we respect your privacy.


Kunal Chowdhury

About the Author

Solution Architect & Former Microsoft MVP

Kunal Chowdhury is an enterprise solution architect and former multi-year Microsoft MVP. He is the author of three technical books: Windows Presentation Foundation Development Cookbook, Mastering Visual Studio 2017, and the Mastering Visual Studio 2019.

He publishes technical articles on .