Are you struggling with figuring out how to activate Windows on your PC or laptop? Whether you’ve just installed a fresh copy of Windows or are troubleshooting an activation issue, this guide will walk you through the process step by step. From using your product key to troubleshooting common errors, we’ve got you covered with simple and effective solutions to ensure your Windows is fully licensed and optimized for performance.
Have you purchased any version of Windows recently? Are you stuck on what to do with newly gifted notebook/pc? Are you looking for a step-by-step guide on how to activate any version of Windows? Don’t look any further. We have a detailed information on windows right here. Verifying that your copy of Windows is authentic and hasn’t been used on more devices than permitted by the Microsoft Software License Terms is made easier with activation.
Verifying the status of your Windows activation.
Windows 10:
First, you should check to see if Windows 10 is active and connected to your Microsoft account.
Connecting your Microsoft account to your device’s Windows 10 license is crucial. Every time you make a major hardware change, you can use the Activation troubleshooter to reactivate Windows by connecting your Microsoft account with your digital license.
Checking Activation Status
To check activation status in Windows 10, select the Start button, and then select Settings > Update & Security and then select Activation . Your activation status will be listed next to Activation.
The activation page will display one of the following activation status messages:
| Windows is activated | You are activated. Microsoft account is not linked. Follow instructions in Linking your Microsoft account. |
| Windows is activated with a digital license | You are activated. Your Microsoft account is not linked to your digital license. Follow instructions in Linking your Microsoft account. |
| Windows is activated with a digital license linked to your Microsoft account | You are activated. Your Microsoft account is already linked to your digital license. |
| Windows is not activated | You are not activated. You will see an error message explaining the failure. You might need to purchase Windows 10 to activate. |
A license for your device may need to be purchased; see “Purchase a Windows 10 license.“
Proceed to Methods of activation if you have already bought a license for this device and are still seeing an error message.
How to Link your Microsoft account to Windows.
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Sign in as an administrator to add your Microsoft account. To confirm you’re using an administrator account, select the Start button, then select Settings > Accounts > Your info . Under your name, you’ll see Administrator. If you’re not an administrator, see Manage user accounts in Windows to create an administrator account.
- Check to see if an email address appears above Administrator to verify that the administrator account is indeed your Microsoft account. This is a Microsoft account if an email address is shown. Otherwise, you are using a local account to log in. See How to create a new Microsoft account if you don’t already have one.
- Once you confirm that you’re an administrator and using your Microsoft account, go back to the Activation page, select Add an account, enter your Microsoft account and password, and then select Sign in.
You will see that Windows is activated with a digital license connected to your Microsoft account on the Activation page when your Microsoft account has been added.
Methods of Windows activation
Depending on how you got your copy of Windows 10, you’ll need either a digital license or a 25-character product key to activate it. Without one of these, you won’t be able to activate your device.
- A digital license (called a digital entitlement in Windows 10, Version 1511) is a method of activation in Windows 10 that doesn’t require you to enter a product key.
- A product key is a 25-character code used to activate Windows. What you’ll see is PRODUCT KEY: XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX.
After determining which activation method you use, follow the steps in the corresponding Activate using a digital license or Activate using a product key.
Purchasing Window 10 License
If you don’t have a digital license or a product key, you can purchase a Windows 10 digital license after installation finishes. Here’s how:
- Select the Start button.
- Select Settings > Update & Security > Activation .
- Select Go to Store.
This opens the Microsoft Store app where you can purchase a Windows 10 digital license.
Activate Windows using a digital license
There is nothing you need to look for on your computer because digital licenses are connected to your hardware and your Microsoft account. Once your computer is online and you have logged into your Microsoft account, you are ready to go.
You can use a product key to activate if you don’t have a digital license. Follow the instructions at Activate using a product key to find out how to do it.
First time Installation and Activation on a New Device.
If you are installing Windows on a new device or motherboard for the first time and you do not have a product key, select I don’t have a product key during the installation setup screens. When prompted, enter the Microsoft account you want to use to purchase a digital license for this device. Once the setup screens are completed and Windows has finished installing, go to activation settings: Select the Start button, and then select Settings > Update & Security > Activation. Then select Go to the Store to purchase a digital license to activate Windows.
Activate After Reinstalling Windows 10.
If you have a digital license for your device, you can reinstall the same edition of Windows 10 on this device without entering a product key.
Make sure that Windows 10 is activated before you try to reinstall it. To find out, select the Start button, and then select Settings > Update & Security > Activation . You’ll be able to confirm that your Windows 10 has been activated and that your Microsoft account is associated with your digital license.
Here are the possible messages that display on the Activation page:
| Activation status | Description |
|---|---|
| Windows is activated with a digital license | Your Microsoft account is not linked to your digital license. Follow instructions for Linking your Microsoft account. |
| Windows is activated with a digital license linked to your Microsoft account | Your Microsoft account is already linked to your digital license. |
For further information, see Get help with Windows activation issues if your device does not have Windows 10 enabled.
Follow the instructions under Checking your Activation status, Linking your Microsoft account if your digital license isn’t connected to your Microsoft account.
You can start the setup to reinstall Windows 10 after your account has been linked. Visit the Microsoft software download website to learn more about creating installation media for a Windows 10 reinstallation. Make sure you select the Windows 10 edition that corresponds to the one that is currently installed on your device when creating installation media.
If you are prompted to enter a product key during reinstallation, you can choose I don’t have a product key to bypass this step. When the installation is finished, Windows 10 will activate online automatically. Make sure to log in to the Microsoft account that is connected to the digital license if you have connected it to your Microsoft account.
Reactivate Windows 10 After Hardware Change.
If you replace the motherboard or make other major hardware changes to your device, Windows 10 may no longer be activated.
To be ready for hardware upgrades, make sure your digital license is linked to your Microsoft account. If you later make a major hardware change, the association allows you to reactivate Windows using the Activation troubleshooter. See Reactivating Windows after a hardware change for additional information.
Activate Windows using a product key.
A product key is a 25-character code, that looks like this:
PRODUCT KEY: XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX
During installation, you’ll be prompted to enter a product key. Or, after installation, to enter the product key, select the Start button, and then select Settings > Update & Security > Activation > Change product key.
First time Installation and Activation on a New Device or Motherboard.
To activate Windows 10 on a device that has never had an activated copy of the operating system installed, you will need to utilise a legitimate product key.
Additionally, if you’re installing a version of Windows 10 that hasn’t been enabled on the device before, you’ll need to use a valid product key. For instance, to install and activate Windows 10 Pro on a computer that already had Windows 10 Home installed, you will require a valid product key.
You will be required to input a valid product key throughout the installation process. Windows 10 will be activated online automatically after the installation is finished. To check activation status in Windows 10, select the Start button, and then select Settings > Update & Security > Activation.
Activate After Reinstalling Windows 10.
You will be prompted to enter a product key throughout the reinstallation process. You will get an activated version of Windows 10 after entering your product key.
You can still enter your product key even if you completed setup without doing so. After choosing Start, choose Settings > Update & Security > Activation > Change product key.
Reactivate Windows 10 After Hardware Change.
If you replace the motherboard or make other major hardware changes to your device, Windows 10 may no longer be activated.
You can click the Start button and choose Settings > Update & Security > Activation > Change product key if you don’t want to reinstall Windows. to turn your gadget back on. If not, you can enter your product key when Windows is being installed.
the computer should revive itself if the motherboard was replaced by the original hardware manufacturer (OEM). Your OEM may have supplied a COA card with a grey coating over a 25-character key if it doesn’t activate. To activate, take these actions:
- Select the Start button, and then select Settings > Update & Security > Activation .
- Select Change product key.
- Type in the product key found on the COA and follow the instructions.
FAQs How to Activate Windows
- Do I need an internet connection to activate Windows 10?
Yes, you need an internet connection to activate Windows 10 online.
- What happens if I don’t activate Windows 10?
If you don’t activate Windows 10, you might experience limited features and functionality, including a watermark on your desktop indicating that Windows is not activated.
- How can I check if Windows 10 is activated?
To check your activation status, go to Start > Settings > Update & Security > Activation.
- What if I get an activation error?
If you encounter an activation error, try re-entering your product key, checking your internet connection, or using the Windows activation troubleshooter.
- What if I bought a new PC with Windows 10 pre-installed, do I need to activate it?
If you bought a new PC with Windows 10 pre-installed, it should be automatically activated with a digital license linked to your Microsoft account.
- Can I transfer my Windows 10 license to a new computer?
Yes, you can transfer your Windows 10 license to a new computer under certain circumstances, but you may need to contact Microsoft support for assistance.
