Windows 11Windows 10
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 installing Windows 11, the digital license associates itself with your device's hardware. If you make significant hardware changes on your device, such as replacing your motherboard, Windows will no longer find a license that matches your device, and you’ll need to reactivate Windows to get it up and running.
To activate Windows, you'll need either a digital license or a product key. To find out which you need, see "What activation method do I use, product key or digital license?" in Activate Windows. Then, use the following info to help you successfully prepare for a hardware change and reactivate Windows.
Prepare your Windows 11device for a hardware change
First, follow these steps to find out if Windows 11is already activated.
Select theStartbutton, then selectSettings>System> Activation.
Open Activation settings
If you're not activated, complete the activation process with the steps you see on the Activation page.If you experience an error while activating, seeGet help with Windows activation errors.
Once you've confirmed that Windows 11is activated, follow these steps:
In Windows 11, it is essentialthat you link your Microsoft account with the Windows 11digital license on your device.Linking your Microsoft account with your digital license allows you to reactivateWindows using the Activation troubleshooter whenever you make a significant hardware change.
First, you'll need to find out if your Microsoft account (What is a Microsoft account?) is linked to your Windows 11digital license. To find out, select the Startbutton,then selectSettings > Systemand then selectActivation. The activation status message will tell you if your account islinked.
Open Activation settings
| Activation status | Description |
|---|---|
| Windows is activated with a digital license | This means that your Microsoft account is not linked to your digital license. Follow instructions for Add an account. |
| Windows is activated with a digital license linked to your Microsoft account | Thismeans that your Microsoft account is already linked to your digital license. No further action is required. You are ready to use the activation troubleshooter. |
If your Microsoft account is not linked to your digital license, follow these steps toAdd an account:
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Sign in as an administrator to add your Microsoft account. To confirm that you're using an administrator account, select the Startbutton, then selectSettings > Accounts> Your info. Under your name, you’ll see Administrator. If you’re not an administrator, see Create a local user or administrator account.
Go to Your info in Settings -
Confirm that the administrator account is also your Microsoft account by checking to see if an email address is displayed above Administrator. If an email address is displayed, this is a Microsoft account. If not, you’re logged in using a local account. If you don’t yet have a Microsoft account, see How to create a new Microsoft account.
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Once youconfirmthat 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, then select Sign in.
(Video) How To Reactivate Windows 10 After A Hardware Change
After your Microsoft account has been added, the message on theActivation page will changeto:Windows is activated with a digital license linked to your Microsoft account.
Make sure that the edition, Windows 11Home or Windows11Pro, is the same before and after your hardware change. Your digital license and product key will reactivate only if the edition remainsthe same.
You can see your edition on the same Activation page where you checked your activation status. To see which edition you have, select the Startbutton,then selectSettings > System> Activation.
See your edition of Windows
If you used a product key to get to Windows 11, then you’ll need that key again after the hardware change. To find out how to locate your key, see Find your Windows product key.
For more info about product keys and digital licenses, see Activate Windows.
Reactivate Windows 11after a hardware change
When you're ready to reactivate, make sure that your device is connected to the internet and then follow the stepsfor either a digital license or product key.
You’ll need to first add your Microsoft account andlink your account to the digital license on your device.After linking your Microsoft account, run the Activation troubleshooter to reactivate Windows 11.
This troubleshooter will only be available if your copy of Windows 11isn’t activated.
To use the Activation troubleshooter:
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Sign in as an administrator. For more info, see Create a local user or administrator account in Windows.
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Select theStartbutton, then selectSettings > System> Activation>Troubleshoot. The troubleshooter will show Windows can’t be activated on your device.
Open Activation settings
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Select I changed hardware on this device recently, then select Next.
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Enter your connected Microsoft account and password,then select Sign in. The troubleshooter will only work with the connected Microsoft account.
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From the list of devices that are linked to your Microsoft account, select the check box next to This is the device I’m using right now.
(Video) Activate Windows for Free | Activate Windows after a hardware change -
Select Activate.
If you don’t see the device you’re using in the list of results, make sure that you signed in using the same Microsoft account you associated with the Windows 11digital license on your device.
If you continue to experience errors while activating, seeGet help with Windows activation errors and locate the error you're getting.
If you didn’t link your Microsoft account to the digital license before the hardware change AND you used a product key to upgrade to Windows 11, then continue to next section.
If Windows 11wasn't pre-installed on your device when purchasedand you used a product key to upgrade to Windows 11, then you'll need that same product key after the hardware change.
Select theStartbutton, then selectSettings > Update & Security> Activation> Change Product Key,then enter the product key.
Enter your product key in Settings
If you installed a retail copy of Windows 11on your device using a Windows 11product keyand then made hardware changes, follow this same process using your Windows 11productkey.
If you continue to experience errors while activating, seeGet help with Windows activation errorsand locate the error you're getting.
If you don't have a digital license or product key
If you don't have a product key or digital license, you can purchase a Windows 11digital license after installation finishes. Follow these steps to make a purchase:
Select theStartbutton, then selectSettings > Update & Security > Activation. Then select Go to Store to go to the Microsoft Storeapp where you can purchase a Windows 11digital license.
Go to Store
Need more help?
If you need additional help reactivating Windows on your device, contactcustomer support.
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 installing Windows 10, the digital license associates itself with your device's hardware. If you make significant hardware changes on your device, such as replacing your motherboard, Windows will no longer find a license that matches your device, and you’ll need to reactivate Windows to get it up and running.
To activate Windows, you'll need either a digital license or a product key. To find out which you need, see "What activation method do I use, product key or digital license?" in Activate Windows. Then, use the following info to help you successfully prepare for a hardware change and reactivate Windows 10.
Prepare your Windows 10 device for a hardware change
First, follow these steps to find out if Windows 10 is already activated.
Select theStartbutton, then selectSettings>Update & Security> Activation.
Open Activation settings
If you're not activated, complete the activation process with the steps you see on the Activation page.If you experience an error while activating, seeGet help with Windows activation errors.
Once you've confirmed that Windows 10 is activated, follow these steps:
In Windows 10 (version 1607 or later), it is essentialthat you link your Microsoft account with the Windows 10 digital license on your device.Linking your Microsoft account with your digital license allows you to reactivateWindows using the Activation troubleshooter whenever you make a significant hardware change.
First, you'll need to find out if your Microsoft account (What is a Microsoft account?) is linked to your Windows 10 digital license. To find out, select the Startbutton,then selectSettings > Update & Securityand then selectActivation. The activation status message will tell you if your account islinked.
Open Activation settings
| Activation status | Description |
|---|---|
| Windows is activated with a digital license | This means that your Microsoft account is not linked to your digital license. Follow instructions for Add an account. |
| Windows is activated with a digital license linked to your Microsoft account | Thismeans that your Microsoft account is already linked to your digital license. No further action is required. You are ready to use the activation troubleshooter. |
If your Microsoft account is not linked to your digital license, follow these steps toAdd an account:
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Sign in as an administrator to add your Microsoft account. To confirm that you're using an administrator account, select the Startbutton, then selectSettings > Accounts> Your info. Under your name, you’ll see Administrator. If you’re not an administrator, see Create a local user or administrator account.
Go to Your info in Settings -
Confirm that the administrator account is also your Microsoft account by checking to see if an email address is displayed above Administrator. If an email address is displayed, this is a Microsoft account. If not, you’re logged in using a local account. If you don’t yet have a Microsoft account, see How to create a new Microsoft account.
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Once youconfirmthat 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, then select Sign in.
After your Microsoft account has been added, the message on theActivation page will changeto:Windows is activated with a digital license linked to your Microsoft account.
Make sure that the edition, Windows 10 Home or Windows10 Pro, is the same before and after your hardware change. Your digital license and product key will reactivate only if the edition remainsthe same.
You can see your edition on the same Activation page where you checked your activation status. To see which edition you have, select the Startbutton,then selectSettings > Update & Security> Activation.
See your edition of Windows
If you used a product key to get to Windows 10, then you’ll need that key again after the hardware change. To find out how to locate your key, see Find your Windows product key.
For more info about product keys and digital licenses, see Activate Windows.
Reactivate Windows 10 after a hardware change
When you're ready to reactivate, make sure that your device is connected to the internet and then follow the stepsfor either a digital license or product key.
You’ll need to first add your Microsoft account andlink your account to the digital license on your device.After linking your Microsoft account, run the Activation troubleshooter to reactivate Windows 10.
This troubleshooter will only be available if your copy of Windows 10 (version 1607 or later) isn’t activated.
To use the Activation troubleshooter:
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Sign in as an administrator. For more info, see Create a local user or administrator account in Windows 10.
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Select theStartbutton, then selectSettings > Update & Security > Activation>Troubleshoot. The troubleshooter will show Windows can’t be activated on your device.
Open Activation settings
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Select I changed hardware on this device recently, then select Next.
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Enter your connected Microsoft account and password,then select Sign in. The troubleshooter will only work with the connected Microsoft account.
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From the list of devices that are linked to your Microsoft account, select the check box next to This is the device I’m using right now.
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Select Activate.
If you don’t see the device you’re using in the list of results, make sure that you signed in using the same Microsoft account you associated with the Windows 10 digital license on your device.
If you continue to experience errors while activating, seeGet help with Windows activation errors and locate the error you're getting.
If you didn’t link your Microsoft account to the digital license before the hardware change AND you used a product key to upgrade to Windows 10, then continue to next section.
If Windows 10 wasn't pre-installed on your device when purchasedand you used a product key to upgrade to Windows 10, then you'll need that same product key after the hardware change.
Select theStartbutton, then selectSettings > Update & Security> Activation> Change Product Key,then enter the product key.
Enter your product key in Settings
If you installed a retail copy of Windows 10 on your device using a Windows 10 product keyand then made hardware changes, follow this same process using your Windows 10 productkey.
If you continue to experience errors while activating, seeGet help with Windows activation errorsand locate the error you're getting.
If you don't have a digital license or product key
If you don't have a product key or digital license, you can purchase a Windows 10 digital license after installation finishes. Follow these steps to make a purchase:
Select theStartbutton, then selectSettings > Update & Security > Activation. Then select Go to Store to go to the Microsoft Storeapp where you can purchase a Windows 10 digital license.
Go to Store
Need more help?
If you need additional help reactivating Windows on your device, contactcustomer support.
FAQs
Reactivating Windows after a hardware change? ›
Select Start > Settings > Update & Security > Activation , and then select Troubleshoot to run the Activation troubleshooter. For more info about the troubleshooter, see Using the Activation troubleshooter.
How do I retry Windows activation? ›Select Start > Settings > Update & Security > Activation , and then select Troubleshoot to run the Activation troubleshooter. For more info about the troubleshooter, see Using the Activation troubleshooter.
How many times can you reactivate Windows? ›Windows 10 can be reactivated an unlimited number of times on the same device, as long as the hardware components of the device remain the same.
Do I need to reactivate Windows if I reinstall? ›You'll need to reactivate Windows 10 if you've made a significant hardware change to your PC. If you reinstall Windows 10 after you make a significant hardware change to your PC (such as replacing the motherboard), it may no longer be activated.
How do I activate Windows after reinstalling Windows? ›Once the setup screens are completed and Windows has finished installing, go to activation settings: Select the Start button, and then select Settings > System > Activation . Then select Open Store to purchase a digital license to activate Windows.
How do I activate Windows 10 after major hardware changes? ›Select the Start button, then select Settings > Update & Security > Activation > Change Product Key, then enter the product key. If you installed a retail copy of Windows 10 on your device using a Windows 10 product key and then made hardware changes, follow this same process using your Windows 10 product key.
Is Windows license tied to motherboard? ›When installing Windows 10, the digital license associates itself with your device's hardware . If you make significant hardware changes on your device, such as replacing your motherboard, Windows will no longer find a license that matches your device, and you'll need to reactivate Windows to get it up and running.
Do you need to reinstall Windows after replacing motherboard? ›It's important to note that one must reinstall Windows when they change the motherboard of their PC. This ensures that all drivers work as expected and get optimal performance from the newly built computer system. When you buy a new CPU, it's usually unnecessary to reinstall your operating system.
Is Windows activated forever? ›I understand your question is how long is the Windows activation key valid. If you purchased the official genuine retail version, the key is permanently valid.
Can you use unactivated Windows forever? ›If you wish to not activate Windows on your personal computer at all, you can still access it for as long as you want. In other words, you will not be stopped from using Windows even if you choose to never activate the software.
Will I lose product key Activation if I reinstall Windows 10 through a USB flash drive? ›
You can follow the question or vote as helpful, but you cannot reply to this thread. I am Dave, I will help you with this. Rest assured, you will not loose your licence, your Windows 10 licence will automatically activate when you re-install windows 10. Power to the Developer!
Does Windows reinstall itself after factory reset? ›Choose the option that suits you best: Cloud download: during the reset, Windows 10 downloads the files it needs to reinstall from Microsoft's servers. Local reinstall: Windows 10 reinstalls itself using its locally stored files without downloading anything.
Can I use the same Windows product key on multiple computers? ›Retail keys are the most flexible type of license. You're allowed to reuse such a key on different computers. (However, you can't use a single license on multiple computers simultaneously.) So if you build a whole new PC, you can move the license over to it with no hassle.
Will I lose my Windows 10 license if I reinstall? ›No, you will not lose your digital entitlement/license if you wipe the HDD. Because you have previously had windows 10 installed and activated on that device, you can reinstall windows 10 anytime you wish.
How do I permanently activate Windows 10 for free? ›After you enter into Windows 10 Command Prompt, you can copy and paste this command line: slmgr.vbs /upk, in the Command Prompt window. Hit Enter to execute the command. Step 3. Next you can copy and paste this command line and hit Enter to install the Windows 10 product key: slmgr /ipk <Windows 10 activation key>.
What happens if Windows is not activated? ›If you don't activate Windows 10, some features will be disabled upon the expiry of the trial period. For instance, you won't be able to customize your PC or laptop, meaning features like themes, lock screen, colors, fonts, and taskbar will return to their default settings (if you customized them).
Will changing CPU affect Windows 10 activation? ›Upgrading your CPU should not affect your Windows activation or licensing, it is only if you change the motherboard that would affect the Windows licence, because that is associated to a chip on the motherboard.
How do I make sure Windows 10 automatically detects new hardware? ›Windows 10 usually finds devices automatically when you plug them in or turn them on. If it doesn't, follow these steps: Select Start > Settings > Devices > Bluetooth & other devices.
What will happen to my genuine Windows 10 OS if I change my hard disk for SSD? ›Replies (3) Hi Ha, swapping a HDD for an SSD is no problem, it is a minor change, that will not affect your Windows licence . .. You can reinstall Windows 10 at any time and it will not cost you anything !
Is Windows license key stored in BIOS? ›The key for the version of Windows the PC comes with, is stored in the computer's UEFI firmware or BIOS. You don't even need to know it — assuming you're installing the same edition of Windows the PC came with, it should automatically activate and work without you needing to enter a key. It'll all happen automatically.
Where is the Windows license stored on the computer? ›
Generally, if you bought a physical copy of Windows, the product key should be on a label or card inside the box that Windows came in. If Windows came preinstalled on your PC, the product key should appear on a sticker on your device.
Is OEM license tied to motherboard? ›Generally, an end user can upgrade or replace all of the hardware components on a computer—except the motherboard—and still retain the licence for the original Microsoft OEM operating system software. If the motherboard is upgraded or replaced for reasons other than a defect, then a new computer has been created.
Does replacing a motherboard erase the OS? ›In the event your computer requires a motherboard replacement, all data stored locally on your computer will be lost and will no longer be recoverable.
How to reinstall Windows 10 from BIOS? ›- Power on or restart the workstation.
- Enter the BIOS by tapping either the right or left bottom of the screen.
- Tap Advanced, and then tap Special Configuration.
- Tap Factory Recovery.
- Select Enabled from drop-down menu.
- Tap Home.
- Tap Save and Exit.
Genuine Windows product keys last indefinitely. The keys will never expire. But things are a little different in the case of OEM Windows keys. If you have an OEM key, as long as you don't change your PC's motherboard, the key will keep on working.
Is Windows 11 free? ›How much does it cost to upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11? It's free. But only Windows 10 PCs that are running the most current version of Windows 10 and meet the minimum hardware specifications will be able to upgrade. You can check to see if you have the latest updates for Windows 10 in Settings/Windows Update.
What happens if you don't have a product key for Windows 10? ›Even if you don't have a product key, you'll still be able to use an unactivated version of Windows 10, although some features may be limited. Inactivated versions of Windows 10 have a watermark in the bottom right saying, “Activate Windows”. You also can't personalize any colors, themes, backgrounds, etc.
What is the point of activating Windows? ›Microsoft uses Windows Activation to prevent software privacy by ensuring that you are using a genuine Windows copy. Windows Activation makes sure that a particular copy is not running on multiple systems.
Can you activate Windows without a product key? ›One of the first screens you'll see will ask you to enter your product key so you can “Activate Windows.” However, you can just click the “I don't have a product key” link at the bottom of the window and Windows will allow you to continue the installation process.
What is the difference between Windows 10 product key and activation key? ›Windows Digital License vs Product Key - Definition
A Windows product key is a 25-character code that you can use to activate Windows. A Windows digital license is also called a digital entitlement. It is a new Windows activation method that doesn't need to enter a product key.
How do I keep my Windows key after factory reset? ›
You will not lose the license/product key after resetting the system if the Windows version installed earlier is activated and genuine. The license key for Windows 10 would have been activated already on the mother board if the previous version installed on the PC is of activated and genuine copy.
Is it better to reset Windows 10 or clean install? ›A full, clean reinstall of Windows is not the same as the "Reset your PC" option in the OS. The latter simply sets the PC back to its factory-default state, which may include some vendor-installed applications or bloatware. With a clean install, the user starts over with a new Windows OS.
How do I reinstall Windows from scratch? ›- Open Settings.
- Click on Update & Security.
- Click on Recovery.
- Under the “Reset this PC” section, click the Get started button.
- Click the “Remove everything” option to perform a fresh install of Windows 10.
- Click the “Local reinstall” option.
The Remove everything option of PC resetting is like a regular clean install and your hard drive is erased and a fresh copy of Windows is installed. But by contrast, a system reset is faster and more convenient. Clean install must require an installation disc or USB drive.
How do I transfer my Windows license to a new computer? ›- Step 1: Save your Windows product license. Write down your Windows product license before you do anything else. ...
- Step 2: Deactivate your old computer. ...
- Step 3: Activate your new computer.
If you bought the product key separately and it was a retail key, you will be able to reuse it since this type of license is transferable: Settings > Update & Security > Activation > Change Product Key and enter the key that you have.
How many computers can a Windows 10 license be installed on? ›According to the Microsoft Software License Terms for Windows 10, a retail license of Windows 10 can be installed on one device only. The terms specify that "one device" means a single computer or other device. Therefore, one key of Windows 10 can only be used to activate and install the software on one device.
What do you do if Windows won't activate? ›If you're unable to activate Windows 10, the Activation troubleshooter could help. To use the troubleshooter, select Start > Settings > Update & Security > Activation , and then select Troubleshoot .
How do I fix Windows product activation failed? ›- Apply Some Preliminary Fixes. ...
- Don't Use a Cracked Version of Microsoft Office Apps. ...
- Don't Use a Pirated Copy of Windows. ...
- Ensure Your Subscription Hasn't Expired. ...
- Ensure You Are Logged Into the Correct Account. ...
- Ensure the Date Is Set Correctly.
You're allowed to reuse such a key on different computers. (However, you can't use a single license on multiple computers simultaneously.) So if you build a whole new PC, you can move the license over to it with no hassle.
Why my Windows activation is not working? ›
If you have one copy of Windows and you installed it on more than one PC, activation might not work. The product key has already been used on more PCs than allowed by the Microsoft Software License Terms. To activate new additional PCs, you must buy a new product key or copy of Windows for each one.
How to Activate Windows 10 without product key using CMD? ›- You have to open the command prompt on your system first. Then, click and start and simply type "CMD". Now, run it as administrator.
- Type the following command. slmgr /ipk. slmgr /skms kms.xspace.in. Slmgr /ato. Now press enter. This command will activate your Windows 10/11.
A product key is a 25-character code that's used to activate Windows and helps verify that Windows hasn't been used on more PCs than the Microsoft Software License Terms allow.
How to bypass Windows 10 product key activation? ›To install Windows 10 without a product key, click “I Don't Have a Product Key” during the installation. You won't be able to change your desktop background through the Settings app until you activate Windows 10, however. Microsoft allows anyone to download Windows 10 for free and install it without a product key.
Where is my Windows product key located? ›Generally, if you bought a physical copy of Windows, the product key should be on a label or card inside the box that Windows came in. If Windows came preinstalled on your PC, the product key should appear on a sticker on your device. If you've lost or can't find the product key, contact the manufacturer.
Which product key for Windows 10? ›| Windows 10 Professional Key | W269N-WFGWX-YVC9B-4J6C9-T83GX |
|---|---|
| Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC Key | 92NFX-8DJQP-P6BBQ-THF9C-7CG2H |
| Windows 10 Enterprise G | YYVX9-NTFWV-6MDM3-9PT4T-4M68B |
| Windows 10 Pro for Workstations | NRG8B-VKK3Q-CXVCJ-9G2XF-6Q84J |
Whether you have a product key or digital license for your copy of Windows 10, you can only install and use it on one computer at a time. If you want to install Windows 10 on other computers, you'll need to buy a new copy with its own product key for each one.
Can I use the same product key to reinstall Windows 10? ›On a computer with a retail license of Windows 10, you can transfer the product key to a new device. You only have to remove the license from the system, and then you can apply the same key on the new computer.
How long do Windows activation keys last? ›Genuine Windows product keys last indefinitely. The keys will never expire. But things are a little different in the case of OEM Windows keys. If you have an OEM key, as long as you don't change your PC's motherboard, the key will keep on working.