How to activate Windows 11 (three ways)

• To activate Windows 11, open Settings > System > Activation, click “Change,” and enter the product key.
• Alternatively, during 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 “Troubleshoot,” select the “I changed hardware on this device recently” option, choose a computer, and click “Activate.”
• Can you activate Windows 11 with a Windows 10 product key? Yes.
• Can you activate Windows 11 with a Windows 7 or 8 product key? No.

UPDATED 10/5/2023: You can activate a fresh copy of Windows 11 in at least two different ways, including entering the product key during the installation setup or after using the Settings app. You can also reactivate a Windows 11 installation after a hardware change.

Although you can upgrade most computers to Windows 11 for free, the operating system is not technically free. For instance, if you have a custom computer that never had Windows, you will have to purchase a product key to activate the product and unlock all the features.

On the other hand, if you have a laptop or desktop computer running Windows 10, the upgrade to Windows 11 is free – that is, of course, as long as the hardware meets the minimum requirements.

You can also activate Windows 11 with a Windows 10 product key even when installing the operating system on the device for the first time. However, Microsoft has closed the loophole that previously allowed users to activate an installation of Windows 11 or 10 with a Windows 7 or 8 product key. 

This guide will teach you the steps to activate Windows 11 23H2, 22H2, 21H2, or any other version on your computer.

• Activate Windows 11 from Settings (after install)
• Activate Windows 11 from setup (during install)
• Activate Windows 11 after hardware change

Activate Windows 11 from Settings (after install)

To activate Windows 11, use these steps:

1. Open Settings on Windows 11.

2. Click on System.

3. Click the Activation tab.

4. Click the Activation state setting (if applicable).

5. Click the Change button in the “Change product key” setting.

   

6. Type the 25-digit activation product key for the edition of Windows 11. (Yes, you can use a Windows 10 key to activate Windows 11.)

   

7. Click the Next button.

8. (Optional) Click the Open Store button to open the Microsoft Store.

9. Click the Buy button to purchase an activation key.

10. Continue with the on-screen directions to complete the license purchase and activate Windows 11 (if applicable).

Assuming you are using Windows 11 with a Microsoft account, the license will link to your account as a “digital license” (digital entitlement) so that you can later reinstall the operating system without needing reactivation.

Activate Windows 11 from setup (during install)

To activate Windows 11 during the installation process, use these steps:

1. Start the PC with the Windows 11 USB flash drive.

2. Press any key to continue.

3. Click the Next button.

   

4. Click the “Install now” button.

   

5. On the “Activate Windows” page, enter the current 25-digit product key for the edition of Windows 11. (Yes, you can use a Windows 10 key to activate Windows 11.)

   

6. Click the Next button to verify the license.

7. Continue with the on-screen directions to complete the installation.

Although you can provide the product key to activate Windows 11 during the installation, you can always skip this step by clicking the “I don’t have a product key” option. If you plan to reinstall the operating system, the system will reactivate automatically using an internet connection after the installation. However, you must activate the setup with the Windows 11 Pro or Home product key if this is a new install. If the product key doesn’t match the edition of Windows, you will need to reinstall the operating system one more time with the correct edition that matches the license.

Activate Windows 11 after hardware change

After making significant hardware changes to the computer (replacing the motherboard, processor, and memory), the installation may lose its activation because it thinks this is a new computer. However, you can use the activation troubleshooter to re-activate for free.

To reactivate Windows 11 after a hardware change, use these steps:

1. Open Settings.

2. Click on System.

3. Click the Activation tab.

4. Click the Activation state setting (if applicable).

5. Click the Troubleshoot button next to the “Windows reported that no product key was found on your device. Error code: 0xC004F213.”

   

6. Click the “I changed hardware on this device recently” option.

   

7. Sign in with your Microsoft account credentials.

8. Select the computer from the list to reactivate Windows 11.

9. Click the Activate button.

   

Once you complete the steps, Windows 11 will reactivate permanently for free without needing additional steps.

FAQ

Can I activate Windows 11 permanently for free?

Yes, only if the previous installation was already activated. You cannot activate Windows 11 for free on a new installation.

Does Windows 11 need to be activated?

No, you don’t need to activate Windows 11. However, without activation, you will have many restrictions using the operating system. For example, you won’t be able to customize the look and feel of the desktop, and you will see a watermark on the bottom-right corner of the screen reminding you to activate it.

What’s the activation code for Windows 11?

The activation code or product key is a 25-digit serial number that allows you to activate the edition of Windows 11 you purchased. You cannot use a product key for Windows 11 Pro to activate a Windows 11 Home installation. If the activation code doesn’t match the edition of Windows 11, you will need to reinstall the operating system with the correct edition.

How much is a Windows 11 product key?

A product key for Windows 11 Home is usually $139, while the product key for Windows 11 Pro is $199.99.

Update September 29, 2023: This guide has been updated to reflect that Microsoft no longer allows the use of Windows 7 or 8 product keys to activate Windows 11 or 10.