Activate Windows - Microsoft Support
Learn how to activate Windows using a product key or digital license, check your activation status, and link your Microsoft account.
Find your Windows product key - Microsoft Support
A Windows product key is a 25-character code used to activate Windows. It looks like this: PRODUCT KEY: XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX. Locate your product key for Windows 10 or Windows 11.
Upgrade Windows Home to Windows Pro - Microsoft Support
Activate Windows. Learn how to upgrade from Windows 10 Home to Windows 10 Pro or Windows 11 Home to Windows 11 Pro, including how to use a valid product key or the Microsoft Store.
Upgrade to Windows 10 Pro - Microsoft Support
If you're running Windows 10 Home, select Get Windows 10 Pro to upgrade your device. Was this information helpful? Learn how to upgrade Windows 10 Home to Windows 10 Pro to access more advanced security and networking features.
How to activate Windows 10 Pro for Workstations and Windows …
You can only enter a new product key by going to Settings > Update & Security > Activation and selecting Change product key. Command line tools like slmgr.vbs won’t allow a product key from either of these two editions to be injected into Windows.
Reactivating Windows after a hardware change - Microsoft Support
If you used a product key to get to Windows 10, then you’ll need that key again after the hardware change. To find out how to locate your key, see Find your Windows product key. For more info about product keys and digital licenses, see Activate Windows.
Get help with Windows activation errors - Microsoft Support
Learn how to update your device at update Windows. Use the Activation troubleshooter to resolve simple errors. For more info, see Try the Activation troubleshooter below. If you're still getting an error, check the list of error codes below and follow the suggested steps to resolve it.
Product activation for Windows – online & support telephone …
There are three methods to which you can activate your product: Online via the internet, by telephone using our automated systems, and by a live support advocate. Online: When you begin activation, Windows will try to use your internet connection to activate online.
Product keys for Windows - Microsoft Support
A product key is a 25-character code that's used to activate Windows and helps verify that Windows hasn't been used on more PCs than the Microsoft Software License Terms allow. Windows 11 and Windows 10: In most cases, Windows 11 and Windows 10 activates automatically using a digital license and doesn’t require you to enter a product key.
Difference between product key and activation code
An activation code (also known as an activation key) is used to activate the software after installation. Activation ensures that the software is genuine and legally licensed. Unlike a product key, which is entered during installation, the activation code is applied after installation.