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How to activate Windows
Running your desktop PC or a top laptop without activating Windows is not a good idea. You end up seeing an annoying watermark and pop-up messages to activate Windows, and you lose out on some personalized settings as well. Thankfully, activating Windows on your PC doesn't require much time.
In most cases, Windows activation is usually tied to a digital license linked to your Microsoft account. That way, you simply need to sign in with your Microsoft account to reactivate your license when you switch devices. But if you make changes to a PC, like swapping hardware or building your own desktop from scratch, you might have to reactivate or activate Windows the old-fashioned way.
How to activate Windows during setup
As long as you own a proper license for Windows 11 Home, Windows 11 Pro, or any Windows 10 edition, it's easy to activate in a few simple steps. You can do it online or by phone on Windows 11 and Windows 10.
If you've set up Windows for the first time on a new PC or laptop that you're building yourself, a virtual machine, or any machine that doesn't have an existing Windows license, you can activate Windows as part of the setup. Here's how:
- Select a language, time, and keyboard input on the Windows Setup screen.
- Click Install Now.
- You'll see the Activate Windows page.
- Enter the 25-digit product key. If you're unsure, you can choose I don't have a product key and add it later with any of the steps below.
How to activate Windows after setup on Windows 11
Before we start, let's check your PC's Windows activation status.
- Head to Settings and move to the System menu.
- Select Activation and find your status next to Activation.
You may find one of the following messages.
- Windows is activated: The software is activated, but your Microsoft account isn't linked.
- Windows is activated with a digital license: Windows is activated, but your Microsoft account isn't linked to your digital license.
- Windows is activated with a digital license linked to your Microsoft account: The messages says it loud and clear.
- Windows is not activated: You are not activated.
In most cases, Windows 11 should activate automatically once you connect to the internet and sign in with your Microsoft account. But if you find that Windows 11 isn't activated for some reason, it's easy to activate it manually using one of the methods below.
Activate Windows via the Settings app.
It is one of the easiest ways to activate Windows on your PC or laptop. First, connect your Windows PC to an active internet network and follow the steps below.
- Open the Windows 11 Settings App with Windows Key + I on your keyboard.
- Choose System in the sidebar.
- Choose Activation.
- If you're sure you don't need a product key and are still having issues, click the Troubleshoot option and follow the steps on your screen. Windows will attempt to resolve the issue for you.
- If you still see an error code, your PC doesn't have an active license. Click the Go to Store link to purchase a valid Windows 11 license from Microsoft and follow the steps on your screen.
- You also can choose Change Product Key to enter the 25-digit product key you might have purchased or the one included on the sticker on the bottom of your laptop or PC.
Activate Windows by calling Microsoft
If you don't have internet, you can still activate Windows by using your phone. Go through the steps below.
- Press the Windows + R keys to open the Run menu. Type slui 4 and hit Enter.
- Select your country or region and click Next.
- Call the mentioned toll-free number, and an automated phone system will ask for your installation ID (IID).
- Give the installation ID on a call and note down the confirmation ID that you receive on your call. Click Enter confirmation ID.
- Enter the same from the following menu and click Activate Windows.
Activate Windows via Command Prompt
Terminal (Admin) or PowerShell (Admin) also offers a straightforward way to activate Windows on your machine. You can check our dedicated guide to activate Windows with Command Prompt.
Use Windows activation troubleshooter
Do you still face issues with activating Windows on your PC? It's time to run the built-in activation troubleshooter to fix the problem. First, make sure you are signed as an administrator and follow the steps below.
- Head to Windows Settings by pressing the Windows + I keys and go to the System > Activation menu.
- Select Troubleshoot and let Windows handle the licensing issues.
The Troubleshooting option disappears once Windows is activated.
How to activate Windows 10
Windows 10 activates similarly to Windows 11 with either a digital license or a product key. In most cases, it should automatically activate for you. But if you find yourself having trouble, here's what you can do:
- Open the Windows 10 Start Menu. Search for Settings and launch it.
- Select Update and Security.
- Select Activation.
- If you see an error code, try the Troubleshoot option. Windows will attempt to activate it automatically.
- If the troubleshooter fails, it means you're going to have to buy a license. Choose the Go to the Microsoft Store or choose Change product key to activate Windows with a key you own.
Use Windows to its full potential
That's all there is to activate Windows 10 and 11. Activation is done through the settings application. We hope your Windows is now up and running, as running an activated version of Windows will ensure you get the latest security updates and give you more ways to personalize your device.
