MC1169914 – Activation keys for Windows 10 Extended Security Update might be incorrect

Product:

Windows

Platform:

Online, Windows Desktop, World tenant

Status:

Change type:

Admin impact

Links:

Details:

Some organizations might have received incorrect Multiple Activation Keys (MAK) for Windows 10 Extended Security Update (ESU) activation. These keys are visible in the Billing section, under Your products page, and then the Volume licensing tab.


Incorrect MAKs will be prefixed with the sequence ***DO NOT USE*** followed by a number. ESU keys without this sequence are not affected by this issue.


You should receive a new key by Monday, October 13. If you do not receive a new key by end of day Monday, please open a support ticket for quick resolution by visiting https://learn.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/commerce/licenses/contact-vl-support?view=o365-worldwide

Change Category:
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Scope:
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Release Phase:

Created:
2025-10-11

updated:
2025-10-11

Task Type

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Docu to Check

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MS Preperations

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MS Urgency

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MS workload name

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summary for non-techies**

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Direct effects for Operations**

Incorrect Activation Keys
Using incorrect Multiple Activation Keys (MAK) for Windows 10 ESU can lead to activation failures, resulting in systems being unprotected and vulnerable to security threats.
   - roles: IT Administrator, Security Officer
   - references: https://learn.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/commerce/licenses/contact-vl-support?view=o365-worldwide" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">https://learn.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/commerce/licenses/contact-vl-support?view=o365-worldwide, https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/p/?linkid=2244144

User Experience Disruption
If systems cannot be activated due to incorrect MAKs, users may experience disruptions in their workflow, including inability to access critical applications and services.
   - roles: End User, Help Desk Support
   - references: https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/p/?linkid=842054, https://learn.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/commerce/licenses/contact-vl-support?view=o365-worldwide" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">https://learn.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/commerce/licenses/contact-vl-support?view=o365-worldwide

Configutation Options**

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IT Security**

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explanation for non-techies**

Sometimes, when dealing with software licenses, organizations might encounter issues with activation keys. Imagine these keys as the unique passwords you need to unlock special features on your computer. In this case, some organizations received incorrect keys for Windows 10 Extended Security Updates. Think of it like getting a hotel room key that doesn't open your door.

The incorrect keys are easy to spot because they start with "DO NOT USE." If your key doesn't have this prefix, you're in the clear. However, if you do have one of these incorrect keys, it's like having a hotel key with a "do not enter" sign on it. You can't use it to access your room, or in this case, the security updates.

New, correct keys should be sent out by a specific date. If you don't receive your new key by then, it's similar to not getting a replacement key for your hotel room. In such cases, you need to contact support for help, much like you would go to the hotel front desk to resolve your key issue.

For assistance, you can reach out through the provided support links, which are like calling the hotel’s customer service to ensure you get the right key to access your room. This process ensures that you can continue to receive important security updates for your systems.