8 Ways to Activate Windows 10 & 11
By Timothy Tibbetts |
Having trouble activating Windows 10 or 11? Two scenarios allow you to activate Windows 10 or 11.
Digital License
If you have a Digital License, there is no product key, and Windows should be activated.
Digital License applies if:
1: You upgraded to Windows 10 or 11 for free from an eligible device running a genuine copy of Windows 7 or Windows 8.1.
2: You bought genuine Windows 10 or 11 from the Windows Store and successfully activated Windows 10 or 11.
3: You bought a Windows 10 Pro upgrade from the Windows Store and successfully activated Windows 10 or 11.
4: You’re a Windows Insider and upgraded to the newest Windows 10 or 11 Insider Preview build on an eligible device that was running an activated previous version of Windows and Windows 10 or 11 Preview.
Product Key
5: You bought a copy of Windows 10 or 11 from an authorized retailer. In this case, your product key is on a label on the Windows 10 or 11 box. A digital license, as mentioned above, will be given to your device based on the key you enter.
6: You bought a digital copy of Windows 10 or 11 from an authorized retailer. Typically this is done online, and you should have an email or an account with the information.
7: You have a Volume Licensing agreement for Windows 10 or 11 or MSDN subscription which is available through your web portal.
8: You bought a new device running Windows 10 or 11. Sometimes these are already activated, otherwise or check your device packaging. It could also be included on a card or on the Certificate of Authenticity attached to the device.
Similar:
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How to Activate After Reinstalling Windows 10
Will Windows 10 Receive Windows Updates if It's Not Activated?
Windows Keeps Asking to Activate Repeatedly
Can I Have Multiple Windows 10 or Microsoft Office Keys One One Account?
Digital License
If you have a Digital License, there is no product key, and Windows should be activated.
Digital License applies if:
1: You upgraded to Windows 10 or 11 for free from an eligible device running a genuine copy of Windows 7 or Windows 8.1.
2: You bought genuine Windows 10 or 11 from the Windows Store and successfully activated Windows 10 or 11.
3: You bought a Windows 10 Pro upgrade from the Windows Store and successfully activated Windows 10 or 11.
4: You’re a Windows Insider and upgraded to the newest Windows 10 or 11 Insider Preview build on an eligible device that was running an activated previous version of Windows and Windows 10 or 11 Preview.
Product Key
5: You bought a copy of Windows 10 or 11 from an authorized retailer. In this case, your product key is on a label on the Windows 10 or 11 box. A digital license, as mentioned above, will be given to your device based on the key you enter.
6: You bought a digital copy of Windows 10 or 11 from an authorized retailer. Typically this is done online, and you should have an email or an account with the information.
7: You have a Volume Licensing agreement for Windows 10 or 11 or MSDN subscription which is available through your web portal.
8: You bought a new device running Windows 10 or 11. Sometimes these are already activated, otherwise or check your device packaging. It could also be included on a card or on the Certificate of Authenticity attached to the device.
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