How to Activate Windows 11 or Windows 10

Before You Begin

You need your product key (format: XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX) which was sent to your email after purchase.

Step 1: Open Activation Settings

1. Click Start → Settings (gear icon).
2. Go to System → Activation (Windows 11) or Update & Security → Activation (Windows 10).
3. You'll see your current activation status.

Step 2: Enter Your Product Key

1. Click "Change product key".
2. Enter your 25-character product key.
3. Click Next, then Activate.
4. Windows will connect to Microsoft's activation servers and verify your key.
5. You should see "Windows is activated" confirmation.

Alternative: Activate via Command Prompt

1. Right-click the Start button and select Terminal (Admin) or Command Prompt (Admin).
2. Type: slmgr /ipk XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX (replace with your key).
3. Press Enter. Wait for the confirmation dialog.
4. Type: slmgr /ato and press Enter to activate online.
5. You should see "Product activated successfully".

Verify Activation

Go to Settings → System → Activation. The status should show "Windows is activated with a digital license" or "Windows is activated".

Troubleshooting

• "This product key didn't work" — Ensure you're entering the key for the correct Windows edition (Pro key on Pro, Home key on Home). If you have a Pro key but Home is installed, you need to upgrade the edition first.
• "We can't activate Windows on this device" — Try phone activation: run slui 4 from an admin command prompt and follow the automated phone system.
• Activation lost after hardware change — If you replaced your motherboard, use the Activation Troubleshooter in Settings → Activation, or contact our support for a replacement key.