5 Ways to Activate Windows 10 & 11

Microsoft has listened to user feedback and made the process of activating Windows as easy as possible. You can even use Windows 10 & 11 without activating, but you won't be able to personalize Windows 10. This tutorial simplifies the five ways you can activate Windows 10 & 11.

Be sure to check out the Similar links at the bottom of this tutorial. We have many articles on retrieving your product key, purchasing cheap keys, reactivating Windows, transferring your license, and more.

Since you're trying to validate that you believe you have a valid product key, we're assuming. Similar articles may help you get activated or address a specific activation problem.

Many computers now include a product key built into the BIOS or UEFI. In simple terms, this means the product key stays with the computer, or at least the motherboard. We love this way because every computer in the future should already have a product key, eliminating articles just like this.

1: Activate Windows 10 & 11 During Setup

There is no surprise or lessons learned here; we all know the best time to enter your product key is during the Windows 10 setup. Moving on.

2: Activate Windows 10 & 11 in Settings

Click on Start > Settings. If you see Windows isn't activated. Activate Windows now at the bottom, go ahead and click on it.

Click on Activate.

You can also go to Start > Settings > Update & security > Activation.

You can also change your product key here if you have one. Enter your product key and follow a couple of prompts to validate it and activate it.

4: Activate Windows 10 & 11 With Activation Troubleshooter

An activation troubleshooter is a good one to try, often diagnosing the problem and pointing you in the right direction.

Click on Start > Settings. If you see Windows isn't activated click on Troubleshoot in the lower-right.

Follow the prompts.

3: Activate Windows 10 & 11 in Command Prompt

Open Powershell or the Command Prompt and type in slmgr /ato and press Enter.

Hopefully, you should see Product key activated successfuly.

If you have a new or different product key, type in slmgr /ipk PRODUCT KEY, replacing PRODUCT KEY with your new key.

If successful, you will see Installed product key successfully.

5: Activate Windows 10 & 11 by Calling Microsoft

Press the Windows Key + R, type in SLUI 4, and click OK.

Select your Country.

A toll-free number will appear. Call that number and give the operator your Installation ID (IID).

Microsoft Support will take it from here.

Similar:

How to Use Slmgr to View, Install, Uninstall, Activate, or Extend Your Windows License

How to Transfer Your Windows 10 License to Another Computer

Do Cheap Windows 10 Keys Really Work?

How to Check if Your Windows License is Retail, OEM, or Volume

How-To Retrieve an Embedded Windows Key