Microsoft Code Not Working? Security and Redeem Code Fixes

Microsoft security codes fail when they expire or a newer one was sent. Gift and product codes fail when used, mistyped or from another region.

Security codes

• Use the latest code; requesting another cancels earlier ones.
• Enter it within a few minutes.
• Check it was sent for the account you are signing in to.
• Authenticator codes need the phone clock set automatically.

If codes are not arriving at all, see Microsoft code not sent.

Gift card and product codes

Common redeem errors

• "Already redeemed": check order history; someone in your family may have used it.
• "Not valid in your region": the code was made for another country.
• "Code not found": a typo or an unactivated gift card.
• Microsoft codes are 25 characters and avoid confusing letters such as O and I.

Office and Microsoft 365 keys

A Microsoft 365 key links to one Microsoft account the first time you use it. After that, install Office by signing in with that account rather than typing the key again.

Windows activation

Windows keys must be for the edition installed, such as Home or Pro. A Pro key will not activate Home without upgrading. Digital licences linked to your Microsoft account reactivate after reinstalling.

Scams

Pop-ups saying your Windows is "locked" and asking you to call a number or buy gift cards are scams. Microsoft does not take payment in gift cards.

Still stuck

Contact Microsoft Support with the code, a photo of the card and the receipt. For security codes, try another method such as the Authenticator app or email.

Xbox players: see Xbox code not working.

If a security code keeps failing on one device, try signing in from another browser or a private window, which rules out saved data causing the problem.

Country of the code

Many Microsoft and Xbox codes only work in the country where they were sold. If your account region is different, the code fails with a region error, and changing your region is limited, so buy codes for your own country.

FAQ

Why is my Microsoft security code not working?

It may be expired or replaced by a newer code.

Why is my Microsoft gift card invalid?

It may be mistyped, unactivated, used, or for another region.

Where do I enter a Windows product key?

Settings › System › Activation.

Related: Microsoft code not sent · Xbox code not working · Microsoft account locked.