Upgrading to Windows 11 for free from an eligible device running a genuine copy of Windows 10, Windows 8.1 or Windows 7 Your activation method depends on how you got your copy of Windows 11. What you'll see is PRODUCT KEY: XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX.Īfter determining which activation method you use, follow the steps in the corresponding Activate using a digital license or Activate using a product key. Without one of these, you won't be able to activate your device.Ī digital license (called a digital entitlement in Windows 11) is a method of activation in Windows 11 that doesn't require you to enter a product key.Ī product key is a 25-character code used to activate Windows.

Methods of Windows activationĭepending on how you got your copy of Windows 11, you'll need either a digital license or a 25-character product key to activate it. 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.Īfter your Microsoft account has been added, on the Activation page you’ll see Windows is activated with a digital license linked to your Microsoft account. If you don’t yet have a Microsoft account, see How to create a new Microsoft account. If not, you’re logged in with a local account. If an email address is displayed, this is a Microsoft account. If you’re not an administrator, see Create a local user or administrator account.Ĭonfirm that the administrator account is also your Microsoft account by checking to see if an email address is displayed above Administrator. Under your name, you’ll see Administrator. To confirm you're using an administrator account, select the Start button, then select Settings > Accounts > Your info.

Sign in as an administrator to add your Microsoft account. To link your Microsoft account, follow these instructions: If you have purchased a license for this device already and still receive an error message, continue to Methods of activation. If you need to purchase a license for your device, see 'Purchase a Windows 11 license.' You might need to purchase Windows 11 to activate. You will see an error message explaining the failure. Your Microsoft account is already linked to your digital license. Windows is activated with a digital license linked to your Microsoft account Your Microsoft account is not linked to your digital license. Windows is activated with a digital license You'll see one of these activation status messages on the Activation page:įollow instructions in Linking your Microsoft account. Your activation status will be listed next to Activation. To check activation status in Windows 11, select the Start button, and then select Settings > System and then select Activation.

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