How to activate Windows 11 (3 ways)
Activate your Windows eleven set up to unlock all of the options.
Reddit
Submit
Share
– To activate Home windows 11, open Settings > System > Activation, click on “Change,” and enter the product key. – Alternatively, throughout setup, on the “Activate Windows” page, enter the 25-digit product key that activates your purchased edition. – To reactivate Windows 11 after a hardware change, open Settings > System > Activation, click on “Troubleshoot,” choose the “I modified hardware on this system recently” possibility, select a computer, and click “Activate.”
– Can you activate Windows eleven with a Home windows 10 product key? Sure.
– Can you activate Home windows eleven with a Windows 7 or eight product key? No.
Up to date 10/5/2023: You possibly can activate a fresh copy of Windows 11 in at least two other ways, including coming into the product key throughout the installation setup or after utilizing the Settings app. You may also reactivate a Windows eleven set up after a hardware change.
Though you possibly can improve most computer systems to Home windows 11 without spending a dime, the operating system shouldn’t be technically free. As an illustration, when you’ve got a custom pc that never had Windows, you will have to buy a product key to activate the product and unlock all of the options.
On the other hand, when you have a laptop or desktop pc working Windows 10, the upgrade to Windows eleven is free – that is, after all, as lengthy because the hardware meets the minimal necessities.
You can additionally activate Windows eleven with a Home windows 10 product key even when installing the working system on the gadget for the first time. Nonetheless, Microsoft has closed the loophole that beforehand allowed customers to activate an installation of Windows 11 or 10 with a Windows 7 or eight product key.
This guide will train you the steps to activate Home windows 11 23H2, 22H2, 21H2, or some other version in your computer.
Activate Windows eleven from Settings (after set up)
Activate Home windows 11 from setup (throughout set up)
Activate Windows 11 after hardware change
Activate Home windows eleven from Settings (after install)
To activate Windows 11, use these steps:
1. Open Settings on Windows 11.
5. Click the Change button in the “Change product key” setting.
6. Type the 25-digit activation product key for the edition of Home windows 11. (Yes, you should utilize a Windows 10 key to activate Windows 11.)
7. Click on the Subsequent button.
8. (Optional) Click the Open Retailer button to open the Microsoft Retailer.
9. Click the Buy button to purchase an activation key.
10. Continue with the on-display directions to complete the license purchase and activate Windows eleven (if relevant).
Assuming you are using Home windows eleven with a Microsoft account, the license will link to your account as a “digital license” (digital entitlement) with the intention to later reinstall the working system with out needing reactivation.
Activate Windows eleven from setup (throughout set up)
To activate Home windows eleven in the course of the installation course of, use these steps:
1. Begin the Pc with the Windows eleven USB flash drive.
2. Press any key to continue.
3. Click the Subsequent button.
4. Click the “Install now” button.
5. On the “Activate Windows” page, enter the present 25-digit product key for the version of Windows 11. (Yes, you need to use a Windows 10 key to activate Windows 11.)
6. Click the Next button to confirm the license.
7. Continue with the on-display instructions to finish the set up.
Although you’ll be able to provide the product key to activate Home windows eleven through the set up, you can all the time skip this step by clicking the “I don’t have a product key” option. For those who plan to reinstall the operating system, the system will reactivate robotically utilizing an web connection after the installation. Nevertheless, you could activate the setup with the Home windows eleven Pro or Dwelling product key if that is a new set up. If the product key doesn’t match the version of Home windows, you might want to reinstall the working system yet another time with the proper version that matches the license.
Activate Home windows 11 after hardware change
After making important hardware changes to the computer (replacing the motherboard, processor, and reminiscence), the installation may lose its activation as a result of it thinks this is a new computer. Nevertheless, you need to use the activation troubleshooter to re-activate without spending a dime.
To reactivate Home windows eleven after a hardware change, use these steps:
1. Open Settings.
2. Click on on System.
3. Click on the Activation tab.
4. Click the Activation state setting (if relevant).
5. Click the Troubleshoot button next to the “Windows reported that no product key was discovered on your device. Error code: 0xC004F213.”
6. Click on the “I changed hardware on this system recently” choice.
7. Register with your Microsoft account credentials.
8. Choose the computer from the checklist to reactivate Home windows 11.
9. Click the Activate button.
When you complete the steps, Home windows 11 will reactivate permanently for free with out needing extra steps.
FAQ
Can I activate Windows eleven completely without cost?
Sure, only if the earlier installation was already activated. You cannot activate Home windows 11 without spending a dime on a brand new installation.
Does Windows 11 need to be activated?
No, you don’t must activate Windows 11. Nevertheless, with out activation, you should have many restrictions utilizing the operating system. For example, you won’t be able to customise the look and feel of the desktop, and you will note a watermark on the bottom-right corner of the display reminding you to activate it.
What’s the activation code for Home windows 11?
The activation code or product key is a 25-digit serial quantity that means that you can activate the version of Home windows eleven you purchased. You can not use a product key for Home windows eleven Pro to activate a Home windows eleven Home installation. If the activation code doesn’t match the edition of Home windows 11, you might want to reinstall the working system with the proper version.
How much is a Windows 11 product key?
A product key for Windows 11 Residence is usually $139, while the product key for Windows eleven Pro is $199.99.
Replace September 29, 2023: This guide has been up to date to reflect that Microsoft no longer permits using Home windows 7 or 8 product keys to activate Home windows eleven or 10.
I hope you discovered this site helpful. Earlier than you progress on, I wanted to ask if you’d consider supporting my work. Not like many different sites, there isn’t a paywall blocking readers right here, so you may see why your help is required. As an impartial site, producing content material takes rather a lot of labor and dedication, and due to those utilizing adblockers and AI, advertising income is falling fast. Along with your help, I can proceed the work I really like doing. Thanks.
Why You may Trust Pureinfotech
The author combines skilled insights with consumer-centric guidance, rigorously researching and testing to ensure you receive reliable, simple-to-comply with tech guides. Evaluation the publishing course of.