


How to fix 'Windows could not find the Microsoft Software License Terms'
Jul 12, 2025 am 12:24 AMWhen encountering the "Windows could not find the Microsoft Software License Terms" error, it is usually caused by the system not finding the authorization agreement file. Solutions include: 1. Re-download the official ISO and verify the integrity, and re-create the boot disk using the Media Creation Tool; 2. Enter the BIOS to modify Boot Mode and close Secure Boot; 3. Manually copy the Licenses folder from normal Windows to the installation disk Sources directory; 4. Replace the USB drive or USB interface to troubleshoot hardware compatibility issues.
When you encounter this error "Windows could not find the Microsoft Software License Terms", it usually occurs during installation or upgrading the Windows system. The core of the problem is that the system cannot find the authorization agreement file, which makes it impossible to continue the installation process. Although this problem seems scary, there are actually many common and feasible solutions.

1. Check whether the installation media is complete
The most common reason is that the installation USB drive or ISO image file is corrupt or incomplete. If you are using a boot disk made through a third-party tool (such as Rufus), you may have an error during the writing process.
- Re-download the ISO file : Get the latest official image from Microsoft's official website to ensure that the file has not been tampered with or damaged.
- Use verification tools to check : for example, use Hash Checker to check the SHA256 value to confirm file integrity.
- Re-create the boot disk : It is recommended to use the official Microsoft tool Media Creation Tool, which has better compatibility.
If the image was downloaded from the Internet before, it is likely that the line was disconnected in the middle or the server was unstable, resulting in file corruption. Repeating it again will often solve the problem.

2. Modify BIOS/UEFI settings
Sometimes the system boot method does not match the installation media, which will also lead to the failure to find the relevant files.
- Enter the BIOS (usually press F2, Del or Esc keys when powering on)
- Check out Boot Mode settings:
- If it is UEFI mode, try changing to Legacy
- Or, in turn, try UEFI-only
- Turn off Secure Boot option at the same time
The ways to enter the BIOS of different brands of motherboards are slightly different. It is recommended to check the shortcut keys corresponding to your computer model in advance. After modification, save and restart and try the installation process again, and often you can continue smoothly.

3. Manually add license files (advanced operations)
If you are sure that the installation media is fine but still prompt that the license terms cannot be found, you can try adding the missing files manually.
- On another Windows computer that is running normally:
- Open the path
C:\Windows\System32
- Find a folder named
Licenses
(possibly hidden) - Copy this folder to the
\Sources
folder in the root directory of your installation USB disk
- Open the path
This step requires you to have a certain file management ability, especially to display hidden files. After the operation is completed, try to install again, and the system may find the required license information.
4. Replace the USB port or USB drive to test
Sometimes the problem lies at the hardware level. Some old or incompatible USB drives will experience reading failure during installation.
- Try changing a USB drive (preferably USB 3.0 or above)
- Plug into the USB port on the back of the host (usually more stable than the front)
- Avoid using hubs or extension cords
Some laptops have poor USB port support in PE environments, especially USB drives that are adapted to Type-C ports, which may have compatibility issues.
Basically these common methods of handling it. In most cases, re-creating the installation USB drive or adjusting the BIOS settings can be done. If you accidentally get stuck here, don’t be too nervous. Start the simplest investigation first and just take it step by step.
The above is the detailed content of How to fix 'Windows could not find the Microsoft Software License Terms'. For more information, please follow other related articles on the PHP Chinese website!

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