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You’ll need to use a valid product key to activate Windows 11 on a device that has never had an activated copy of Windows 11 on it. You’ll also need to use a valid product key if you're installing an edition of Windows 11 that wasn’t previously activated on the device.
Using a generic key can be helpful if you wanted to install or upgrade to a specific Windows 10/11 edition for evaluation or testing on a PC or virtual machine, or just don't have a digital license or your genuine product key currently available and you will activate later when able.
PRODUCT KEY: XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX. 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 activate it.
Long gone are the days of requiring a valid product key to install Windows, but what happens if you never activate Microsoft's latest desktop OS with a license? Here's what you need to know about installing and running Windows 11 without paying a dime. Download Windows 11 for Free
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.
1. Ensure Windows is Activated. Before attempting to link your product key, make sure your copy of Windows 11 is activated. Open Settings. Navigate to System > Activation. Check the activation status. It should say "Windows is activated with a digital license" or "Windows is activated with a digital license linked to your Microsoft account."
If it is retail or a Pro upgrade you should be able to enter the Pro key to upgrade in Settings > System Activation > Upgrade your edition of Windows.
From personal shopping assistance to help with an existing order, we're here for you by video, text-based chat, or phone. Buy the Windows 11 Home download from Microsoft Store. Download Windows 11 Home to experience enhanced design, security, efficiency, and more.
Download Now. Download Windows 11 Disk Image (ISO) for x64 devices. This option is for users that want to create a bootable installation media (USB flash drive, DVD) or create a virtual machine (.ISO file) to install Windows 11. This download is a multi-edition ISO which uses your product key to unlock the correct edition.
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.