Activation guide
How to enter a Windows product key on Windows 10 and 11
Where to enter the Windows key
A product key is a 25-character code. You enter it in the Settings app, under Activation. You do not need to reinstall the system if it is already running on the PC.
The path differs by Windows version. Below are separate instructions for Windows 11 and Windows 10. If you are looking for a Pro key, see Windows 11 Pro keys or Windows 10 Pro.
Before you start: a short checklist
A few things make activation easier and save time:
- Make sure the PC is online, because Windows checks the key over the internet.
- Check in Settings which edition is installed and compare it with the edition your key is for.
- Copy the key carefully and do not mix up similar characters; the key has 25 characters.
- Keep the purchase document and the licence type information in case questions about its origin arise.
- After activation sign in with a Microsoft account and link the licence if the PC may be upgraded later.
Activation on Windows 11
Steps to enter the key on Windows 11:
Open Settings
Select Start, then Settings.
Go to Activation
Open System > Activation.
Choose to change the key
Select "Change product key", then "Change".
Enter the key
Type the 25-character product key and select "Next".
Finish
Follow the prompts. If the key changes the edition, the PC may ask you to restart.
Activation on Windows 10
On Windows 10 the path is slightly different:
Open Settings
Select Start, then Settings.
Go to Activation
Open Update & Security > Activation.
Change the key
Select "Change product key" and enter the key.
Confirm
Select "Next" and wait for the activation message.
Digital licence: activation without a key
Microsoft describes a digital licence (called a digital entitlement in Windows 11) as a method of activation that does not require entering a key. It is tied to the PC hardware and optionally to a Microsoft account.
After activating with a key, Settings normally shows that Windows is activated. With a digital licence you do not have to re-enter the key after reinstalling on the same PC.
After a hardware change: Microsoft account and the Activation troubleshooter
After a significant hardware change, such as replacing the motherboard, activation can be lost. If you linked the licence to a Microsoft account earlier, Microsoft says this lets you reactivate Windows using the Activation troubleshooter.
That is why it is worth signing in with a Microsoft account after the first activation and linking the licence. The troubleshooter is in Settings, under Activation.
Common problems and what to do
| Problem | What to check |
|---|---|
| Key does not match the installed edition | Check that the edition matches the key. A Pro key entered on a Home installation upgrades the edition to Pro, as we describe in the guide Windows 11 Home vs Pro |
| Activation stopped after a hardware change | Use the Activation troubleshooter; a licence linked to a Microsoft account helps |
| Error message when entering the key | Check that you typed all 25 characters correctly and that you are online |
| Doubts about the licence type | Ask the seller about the licence type (OEM, Retail, Volume); see also the licence guide |
Frequently asked questions
Short answers to the questions we hear most often.
Where do I enter a Windows 11 key?
In Settings > System > Activation select "Change product key", select "Change" and enter the 25-character key.
Where do I enter a Windows 10 key?
In Settings > Update & Security > Activation select "Change product key" and enter the key.
What is a digital licence?
According to Microsoft it is an activation method that does not require entering a key, tied to the PC hardware and optionally to a Microsoft account. In Windows 11 it is called a digital entitlement.
What should I do after replacing the motherboard?
If the licence was linked to your Microsoft account, use the Activation troubleshooter in Settings to reactivate Windows.
Will a Pro key work on a Home installation?
Entering a Pro key on Windows 11 Home changes the edition to Pro if the system is activated. Details are in the guide on upgrading from Home to Pro.
Where do I activate an Office key?
At office.com/setup after signing in with a Microsoft account. An Office key is not entered in Windows Settings.
Legal basis and sources
We checked licensing rules and support dates against official documents. Links open the publishers’ pages.
Licences for your company?
Business account, quotes on request and invoices in your customer panel.
