I can not get my boot camp-based Windows 10 (latest version) to activate in Parallels Desktop for Mac 13 (latest version as of 11/14/17). If I boot in boot camp, Windows 10 shows that it is activated. But the VM in Parallels says it is not activated and no matter what I try, Windows reports "unable to access Windows activation servers". I have internet access. Help?
Hello edmartin123, this happens because the hardware is slightly different between native Mac hardware and virtual machine hardware. Please follow as suggested below: 1) Go to https://www.microsoft.com 2) Log in to your Microsoft account that was used to confirm Windows 10 upgrade. 3) Locate your license key on your account. 4) Reset the activation of your computer. 5) Use Windows 10 license key to activate your Windows 10 BootCamp virtual machine. At the end of this process, both native BootCamp and the virtual machine should be activated. Note: in case of any issues with license key reset, contact Microsoft support for assistance. Thanks!
Thans, Meena. I purchased Windows 10 digitally through the online Microsoft Store. Doing that, I don't get a license key... it's just an entitlement that activates Windows.
You're welcome. Glad to know that you were able to sort out the issue. Please get back to us for any further queries. Thanks!
No, I didn't solve it. What I meant was that I originally purchased the Windows 10 license digitally through the Microsoft Online store. So I do not and a license key and can not do the steps you suggested.
Hi @edmartin123, you may activate Windows in Virtual Machine and restart Windows. Make sure Windows is activated in Virtual Machine. 1. Restart your Mac and boot to Boot Camp directly. Go to Settings -> Update & Security -> Activation -> click on Activate button. 2. If it cannot be activated online - call Microsoft and activate Windows by phone, please tell Microsoft Support you have changes the hardware and need to reactivate Windows installed on your drive. Microsoft should not require using a separate Windows license key for a virtual machine based on Boot Camp partition. Reboot Windows in Boot Camp and make sure Windows is activated.
