Activation helps verify that your copy of Windows is genuine and hasn’t been used on more devices than the Microsoft Software License Terms allow. This article will help you troubleshoot and fix common …

Tip: Having problems activating Windows? Try the troubleshooting steps at Get help with Windows activation errors. Activation is a technical process that pairs the product key or digital entitlement with …

To activate Windows 11 using an internet connection: As Windows 11 will automatically activate if you are connected to the internet, you can confirm your activation status by selecting Start > Settings > …

Oct 5, 2025 · Lists resources that provide information about best practices for volume activation, and information about troubleshooting activation issues Learn how to use volume activation to deploy & …

Activation helps verify that your copy of Windows is genuine and hasn’t been used on more devices than the Microsoft Software License Terms allow. If you're unable to activate Windows 11, the Activation …

Learn how to prepare your Windows device for a hardware change and find help reactivating Windows after a hardware change is complete.

Locate your product key for Windows 10 or Windows 11 Depending on how you got your copy of Windows 10 or Windows 11, you'll need either a 25-character product key or a digital license to …

Jul 17, 2025 · This will initiate the activation process, and Windows will attempt to activate your copy of Windows 10/11 using the product key or digital license associated with your Microsoft account.

Activation helps verify that your copy of Windows is genuine and hasn’t been used on more devices than the Microsoft Software License Terms allow. When you get a message that says Windows can't be …

Oct 5, 2025 · Lists resources that provide information about best practices for volume activation, and information about troubleshooting activation issues Learn how to use volume activation to deploy & …

Dec 22, 2024 · Run the Activation Troubleshooter Windows has a built-in activation troubleshooter that can help fix any activation problems: Go to Settings > Update & Security > Activation.

Mar 31, 2023 · I cannot activate a Windows 10 PC. I have replaced a SSD in a Windows 10 PC. No other hardware has changed. I still have the original License key. The PC is connected to the …

Nov 24, 2025 · If you purchased Windows 10, the key should be in your confirmation email or on the packaging. If your device came with Windows pre-installed, the key may be embedded in the …

Jun 22, 2025 · Hi, I am Dave, I will help you with this. 1 Where did you get your Windows Pro Retail licence did you purchase a full retail Windows licence directly from Microsoft or from a 3rd party …

Nov 2, 2025 · Windows may need to connect to Microsoft servers to activate. Use the Activation Troubleshooter: In the Activation settings, if you see an option for Troubleshoot, click on it. This can …

Dec 18, 2020 · Copy the product key then enter it on your Activation Settings, follow the steps below: Open the Start Menu and search for Settings. Select Open Activation in Settings. Click Change …

Aug 7, 2025 · Based on your message, it appears you initiated the upgrade through Settings > System > Activation and completed the purchase via the Microsoft Store - which is the standard in-place …

Nov 19, 2025 · To activate Windows on a computer that was previously working, you can follow these steps: Check Activation Status: First, check if your Windows is already activated. You can do this by …

Nov 8, 2025 · KMS Activation Issues: If your computer is trying to activate via a Key Management Service (KMS) server and cannot connect to it, activation will fail. Check your network settings to …

Feb 27, 2018 · These agreements include Windows upgrade benefits and other benefits related to value-added software and services. Microsoft Volume Licensing customers use Volume Activation …