However, 2021 LTSC tries to use the key and fails with a message that the key did not work, error code 0x80041014.Windows 10 has several editions, all with varying feature sets, use cases, or intended devices. I ignored the error because 2016 LTSB also showed me the same error and it went away after I entered the key. Initially, the status showed it couldn't connect to organization's activation servers. It rebooted, I completed the setup, connected to Wifi, and went to activation. This time it was completed without any problems. So I disabled my network connection and launched setup again. Looking for a fix, I found some articles explaining there's a Windows Setup problem with integrating updates during installation, and I should install with Internet disconnected. Was it wrong? Should I keep them to ensure the activation upgrade? Anyway, the install process worked almost till 70%, and then it suddenly popped up a small message box with the text: 'Windows 10 installation has failed'. I opted for a clean install removing personal data and applications. Then I launched the en-us_windows_10_enterprise_ltsc_2021_圆4_dvd_d289cf96.iso installer from within Windows. It accepted the license key and activated it without any problems, so we can assume the key itself is good. I obtained en_windows_10_enterprise_2016_ltsb_圆4_dvd_9059483.iso and reinstalled it clean. So, I decided to step back and do an in-place upgrade.

This was my mistake, I should perform an in-place upgrade, as suggested. I would like to upgrade to the latest LTSC, so I have obtained en-us_windows_10_enterprise_ltsc_2021_圆4_dvd_d289cf96.isoĪccording to some articles, I should be able to install the update for free because: 'During the life of a LTSC release, you can upgrade your devices to the next or latest LTSC release free of charge using an in-place upgrade.'Īnd LTSC is just renamed LTSB and essentially the same thing.Īt first, I did a clean install of Windows 10 Enterprise 2021 LTSC, and it did not accept the key. Also, I was able to extract the product key. Its activation status says it's a 'digital license' (not linked to a Microsoft account). I have bought a used Intel Compute Stick stk2m364cc that doesn't come with Windows from the factory (no OEM), but the previous owner has installed Windows 10 Enterprise 2016 LTSB on it. The summary of the issue: Windows 10 Enterprise 2021 LTSC doesn't recognize a valid Windows 10 Enterprise 2016 LTSB license key and shows error code 0x80041014.

Windows 10 enterprise 2016 ltsb