How to activate Windows 10 and 11 Steps and short description
There are two ways to activate Windows 10 and 11, the first being through a product key and the second being a digital license.
A product key is 25-character code used for activating Windows of either version, visually represented as XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX format. It usually comes with a retail Windows box, confirmation email or pre-installed windows on a branded laptop/PC.
A digital license meanwhile is a method of activation and does not require product key, the Window license is tied to the device hardware and is linked to your Microsoft account. It automatically activates Window when signed online even after upgrades or hardware changes. Digital license is only activated when pre-installed on purchase of PC, upgrade from a genuine Windows version or windows bought from Microsoft store.
Here are the steps to activate Windows 10 / Windows 11 through product key
Step 1: Go to the settings menu by clicking the start menu and selecting settings
Step 2: For to the activation on Windows 11 click System in the setting menu and select activation, for Windows 10 select System then scroll down to About.
Step 3:
- For Windows 11
After the Activation is selected go to Upgrade your edition for windows, on the Change product key optionclick on Change it will enable you to enter the product key.
- For Windows 10
After selecting the About option, you will see right below options for Change Product Key or Upgrade you edition of Windows click on it, then below Upgrade product key click Change product key and it will enable you to enter the product key.
Step 4: On entering the product key click next for activation, Microsoft servers will verify the key through Windows. Then a message will pop up Windows is activated on successful activation.
Here are the steps to activate Windows 10 / Windows 11 using a Digital License
Step 1: Go to settings in Start menu
Step 2: Select systems on the top left menu
Step 3: Scroll down and click on activation
Step 4: Right below the Help with activation option select Linking Microsoft account to digital license, internet access is mandatory to access this site.
Step 5: After that you will be redirected to a web page enabling you to sign to a Microsoft account that is linked to your license.
Step 6: Once signed in Windows will activate automatically
