Activate Windows - Microsoft Support
You’ll need to use a valid product key to activate Windows 11 on a device that has never had an activated copy of Windows 11 on it. You’ll also need to use a valid product key if you're installing an edition of Windows 11 that wasn’t previously activated on the device.
Find your Windows product key - Microsoft Support
Locate your product key for Windows 10 or Windows 11. Depending on how you got your copy of Windows 10 or Windows 11, you'll need either a 25-character product key or a digital license to activate it. A digital license (called a digital entitlement in Windows 10, Version 1511) is a method of activation in Windows 10 and Windows 11 that doesn't ...
Product activation for Windows – online & support telephone …
As Windows 11 will automatically activate if you are connected to the internet, you can confirm your activation status by selecting Start > Settings > System > Activation and looking under Windows. If online activation fails, first try the activation troubleshooting in Activate Windows .
Reactivating Windows after a hardware change - Microsoft Support
If you used a product key to get to Windows 11, then you’ll need that key again after the hardware change. To find out how to locate your key, see Find your Windows product key. For more info about product keys and digital licenses, see Activate Windows.
Redeem a gift card or code to your Microsoft account
Learn how to redeem a gift card, code, or Office product key and spend your balance at Microsoft Store online, on Windows, or Xbox.
Difference between product key and activation code
A product key is a unique alphanumeric code provided during the installation of Microsoft software (such as Windows or Office). It serves as a license key that validates your ownership of the software.
Get help with Windows activation errors - Microsoft Support
Enter a valid product key that matches the version and edition of Windows 11 installed on your device. If Windows is installed on a device that connects to a Key Management Service (KMS) server, contact your organization's support person for more info about how to activate Windows.
Using the Windows Activation troubleshooter - Microsoft Support
During setup for Windows 11 Home, you'll be asked to enter a product key. Because you already have a digital license for Windows 11 Home, you can skip this step and continue with the installation. Windows will automatically activate using your digital license when the installation is …
Ways to install Windows 11 - Microsoft Support
Learn how to install Windows 11, including the recommended option of visiting the Windows Update page in Settings.
Upgrade Windows Home to Windows Pro - Microsoft Support
Learn how to upgrade from Windows 10 Home to Windows 10 Pro or Windows 11 Home to Windows 11 Pro, including how to use a valid product key or the Microsoft Store.