FIX: Windows Cannot Find Microsoft Software License Terms
This tutorial contains instructions to fix the following Windows 10 installation error: "Windows cannot find the Microsoft Software License Terms. Make sure the installation sources are valid and restart the installation."
The Windows setup problem "Windows cannot find the Microsoft Software License Terms" was encountered when trying to install Windows 10 from a USB drive. The error appears right after selecting the destination (drive) to install the Windows 10 and the full error message was: "The installation was canceled. Any changes made to your computer won't be saved" followed by the error message "Windows cannot find the Microsoft Software License Terms. Make sure the installation sources are valid and restart the installation."
How to FIX the Windows 10 Setup Error: Windows cannot find the Microsoft Software License Terms.
Method 1. Install Windows 10 from DVD.
Method 2. Use a different USB Port.
Method 3. Create an 'EI.cfg file on USB bootable media.
Method 1. Install Windows from DVD.
I write this solution first, because in my case, the error "Windows cannot find the Microsoft Software License Terms" was resolved when the installation was performed from a Windows DVD installation media. So, proceed and by using the Media Creation Tool, download and burn the Windows.iso file, to a DVD media and then install Windows 10 from the DVD media. *
* Note: If you don't have a DVD device on your system, then create a new USB bootable media by using another USB flash drive (to make sure that the drive is not damaged).
Method 2. Use a different USB Port.
The second solution to bypass the "Windows cannot find the Microsoft Software License Terms" during Windows 10 Setup, is to plug the USB Media on another USB port and better on a USB v2.0 port (if your PC has a USB v.2.0 port).
Method 3. Create an 'EI.CFG' file * on USB bootable media.
* Info: The edition configuration file (EI.cfg) is an optional configuration file that can be used to to specify which Windows edition (OEM or Retail) to install.
1. Open Notepad.
2. In notepad copy and paste the following:
[Channel] OEM
3. Then go to File > Save as.
4. Save the file on your desktop, with the name: "ei.cfg"
* Notice: Don't leave out the quotes from the name, otherwise the file will be saved as a text file (e.g. ei.cfg.txt)
5. Copy the ei.cfg file in the root directory of the USB installation media.
6. Now try to install Windows 10. *
* Note: If you face the same error during installation, then try to copy the 'EI.CFG' file in the "\sources" folder (on the USB installation media).
That’s it! Let me know if this guide has helped you by leaving your comment about which method is worked for you. Please like and share this guide to help others.
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increddibelly
April 10, 2022 @ 9:22 am
for windows 11, the files must go into the sources folder.
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-hardware/manufacture/desktop/windows-setup-edition-configuration-and-product-id-files–eicfg-and-pidtxt?view=windows-11