Learn how to activate Windows using a product key or digital license, check your activation status, and link your Microsoft account.
To activate Windows 11 using an internet connection: 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.
Learn how to activate Office that is pre-installed on new Windows 10 PCs or using a new product key.
Activate Microsoft perpetual products using the Product Activation portal Microsoft is modernizing the activation experience for perpetual licenses. Beginning , the traditional telephone-based product activation automation process has been moved from telephone to online. Customers will instead use the Product Activation Portal:
Not running Windows 11 yet? See Activate Windows or Activate Windows 7 or Windows 8.1. Run the Windows Activation troubleshooter If you are using a Windows 11 device, start by running the automated Windows Activation troubleshooter in the Get Help app. It will automatically run diagnostics and attempt to fix most of the problems.
To activate using your digital license, you'll need to install Windows 10 Home: Read the instructions on how to use the tool to create installation media for Windows 10 Home and how to do a clean installation.
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 is a method of activation in Windows 10 and Windows 11 that doesn't require you to enter a product key. Without one of these, you won't be able to activate your device.