Activate Windows with a Product Key or Digital License

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Activate your copy of Windows and link it to your Microsoft account

Co-authored by Michael Thompson-Brown and Travis Boylls

Last Updated: December 12, 2025 Fact Checked

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Activating Online

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Activating by Phone

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Linking Activation to a Microsoft Account

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FAQ

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According to tech expert Michael Thompson-Brown, product activation tells Microsoft's servers that you have purchased a legitimate Windows license.^{[1]
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Expert Source

Michael Thompson-Brown
Tech Expert

Expert Interview} If you don't activate Windows, you won't have access to all features. You can activate Windows online using a product key or a digital license, or activate over the phone. This wikiHow teaches you how to activate Windows 10 & 11.

How do you activate Windows?

Open Windows Settings and click System > Activation > Upgrade your edition of Windows.
To use a product key, click Change next to “Change product key” and enter the key.
To buy a digital license, click Open Store and follow the prompts to purchase Windows.

Section 1 of 4:

Activating Online

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To do so, click the Windows Start button, and then click the icon that resembles a gear.
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Click System on Windows 11 or Updates & Security on Windows 10. On Windows 11, it’s the first option in the menu bar to the left. On Windows 10, it’s the icon that resembles two circular arrows.

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Click Activation. This will open your product activation options.
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Click Upgrade your edition of Windows (Windows 11 only). If you are using Windows 11, you’ll find the options to activate Windows under this option.
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Activate Windows. You can activate Windows using a product key or a digital license. If you purchase a new PC that came with Windows, a box copy of Windows, or a copy of Windows from an authorized retailer, you should have a product key that came in the box or documentation. If you have a volume licensing agreement, you can get the product key through the web portal of your program. If you are upgrading or purchasing a new copy of Windows, you will get a digital license. Use one of the following steps to activate Windows:^{[2]
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Microsoft Support
Technical support and product information from Microsoft.

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- Product key: To activate Windows using an activation key, click Change or Change product key. Enter the product key and then click Next. Then click Activate.
- Digital License: If you don’t have an activation key, you can purchase a digital license. To do so, click Open Store in the Activation Settings menu, then click the option to purchase or upgrade Windows. Follow the prompts to complete the transaction. Once you have purchased Windows, you will have a digital license associated with your Microsoft account. You will be able to access all Windows features as long as you are signed in with that account.
To ensure that your product key has not been used on another device, you must remain connected to the Internet to finish activation. If you do not have an Internet connection, you can activate over the phone.

Section 2 of 4:

Activating by Phone

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Open Run. To do so, press Windows Key + R to open Run. If you are using an unsupported version of Windows or do not have an internet connection, you can activate Windows over the phone.
This opens a helper that can provide a number for you to call, along with your Windows ID.
Use the drop-down menu to do so. Then click Next.
This will connect you to the Microsoft activation center.
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Dial the CAPTCHA number provided. As a measure against spam, only human callers are allowed to proceed to activate Windows.
To do this, you will have to enter one group at a time. Each group is separated by spaces.
This will be on your computer screen.
Then choose Activate Windows. This will finish activation.

Section 3 of 4:

Linking Your Activation to Your Microsoft Account

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Verify that you are signed into Windows as an Administrator. If you are signed into Windows with a Microsoft account as an administrator, you can link your Windows license to your Microsoft account. This will allow you to easily reactivate Windows if you need to reinstall it or if you upgrade your computer hardware. If you are not signed in as an administrator, you will need to contact the administrator or make yourself an administrator. Use the following steps to check if you are signed into Windows as an administrator:
- Click the Windows Start menu.
- Click the Settings/Gear icon.
- Click Accounts.
- Click Your Info.
- Make sure it says Administrator and lists an email address under your name.
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Open the Windows Activation Settings menu. Use the following steps to do so:
- Click the Windows Start menu.
- Click the Settings/Gear icon.
- Click System on Windows 11 or Update & Security on Windows 10.
- Click Activation.
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Click Activation Status. It’s the first option at the top of the page. It should say “Active” next to this option if your current Windows installation has been activated.
- If it says “Windows is activated with a digital license linked to your Microsoft Account,” your account is already linked, and you don’t need to do anything else.
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Click Add an account. It’s below the “Activation Status” option.
- If you don’t see this option, there is probably already an account linked to the Windows digital license.
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Sign in with your administrative Microsoft account. Enter the email address and password associated with the Microsoft account you are signed in to. Once you are logged in, it should say “Windows is activated with a digital license linked to your Microsoft Account” below the Activation Status option. If you ever need to reinstall Windows, you can activate it by signing in to your Microsoft account during the setup process.

Section 4 of 4:

Frequently Asked Questions

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What happens if I don’t activate Windows? You can use Windows 10 and 11 indefinitely without activating them. However, certain features may be limited. You can expect the following from an unactivated version of Windows:^{[3]
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- Lack of Personalization options: You will not be able to set your own wallpapers, change the colors, or set custom lock screens.
- Limited Updates: You will still receive security updates and bug fixes on an unactivated version of Windows, but you may not get optional updates or feature updates.
- Watermark: There will be a persistent watermark on your desktop reminding you that you need to activate Windows.
- Pop-ups: You will receive frequent pop-ups reminding you that your version of Windows has expired or is about to expire and giving you the option to activate Windows.
- No access to insider builds: If you are interested in receiving early access builds through Microsoft’s insider program, you won’t be able to do that with an unactivated version of Windows.
- Legal trouble with Microsoft: If you are using an unactivated version of Windows (particularly for business purposes), you may get in legal trouble with Microsoft.
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Why can’t I find the product key in my computer box? Many newer computers come with the product key injected into the motherboard. It is not necessary to activate Windows with a product key.
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How do I check my Windows activation status? Open the Windows Settings menu and go to System (or Update & Security on Windows 10) > Activation. Check the Activation status. If it says “Active,” your version of Windows is activated.
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Can I get a digital license with a product key? Yes, you can do so by linking your activation to your Microsoft account. If you haven’t already done so, it’s recommended that you do so.
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Why do I need to activate Windows after upgrading my PC? If you perform significant hardware updates to your computer, such as changing your motherboard, you may need to reactivate Windows. If you have a digital license associated with your Microsoft account, you can reactivate Windows when you sign in to your Microsoft account.
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How can I find my product key in Windows? Use the following steps to do so:
- Click the Windows Start button.
- Type cmd.
- Open the Command Prompt.
- Type wmic path SoftwareLicensingService get OA3xOriginalProductKey and press Enter.
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Where can I purchase a product key that isn’t so expensive? Some online retailers sell product keys for various software. Check Whokeys or vip-scdkeys to see what they have available. Use third-party retailers at your own risk.
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Can I activate Windows without a Product key or digital license? Not legally. You can try using an activation script. Do so at your own risk.