Brand new laptop running Windows 11 S Mode - can not activate Windows to disable S Mode

Question

Brand new laptop running Windows 11 S Mode - can not activate Windows to disable S Mode

Stephanie Dirk 0

I have just bought a completely brand new laptop (Lenovo Ideapad Slim 3) that runs Windows 11 in S Mode, I would like to turn off S Mode, but upon going to the activation settings I receive error "0xC014C780" and am unable to activate Windows which I need to do before turning off S Mode.

EmilyS726 269K Reputation points Independent Advisor

2026-09-14T16:24:29.75+00:00
It is not normal for a brand new laptop to come without activation.

How long ago did you purchase this device? Is it refurbished or brand new brand new?

Launch Powershell (note, it is not Command Prompt, but Powershell), and run this code to see if you have an OEM license on the motherboard. No need to tell me the key. I just need to know if it gives a key. Yes or no answer will do.

(Get-CimInstance -ClassName SoftwareLicensingService -Property OA3xOriginalProductKey).OA3xOriginalProductKey
Neil D 34,320 Reputation points Volunteer Moderator

2026-09-14T18:21:08.5633333+00:00

A Lenovo laptop would normally come activated using the OEM licence embedded in the bios. You shouldn't need to do anything to activate.

You may need to contact Lenovo.

1 answer

Your answer

EmilyS726 269K Reputation points Independent Advisor

2026-09-14T16:24:29.75+00:00

It is not normal for a brand new laptop to come without activation.

How long ago did you purchase this device? Is it refurbished or brand new brand new?

Launch Powershell (note, it is not Command Prompt, but Powershell), and run this code to see if you have an OEM license on the motherboard. No need to tell me the key. I just need to know if it gives a key. Yes or no answer will do.

(Get-CimInstance -ClassName SoftwareLicensingService -Property OA3xOriginalProductKey).OA3xOriginalProductKey
Neil D 34,320 Reputation points Volunteer Moderator

2026-09-14T18:21:08.5633333+00:00

A Lenovo laptop would normally come activated using the OEM licence embedded in the bios. You shouldn't need to do anything to activate.

You may need to contact Lenovo.

Answer 1

Stephanie Dirk 0

Problem seemingly fixed itself while I was asleep? Or maybe doing the Powershell command to see the key fixed it, I don't know but when I opened settings again Windows had activated.

EmilyS726 269K Reputation points Independent Advisor

2026-09-15T00:53:15.01+00:00

Oh good. Glad it was resolved. I think it could be a conenction glitch to the activation server.