How to Activate Windows 11 with a Product Key

Activating Windows 11 with a genuine product key unlocks the full operating system and keeps your PC eligible for security updates. The process takes under five minutes and can be done with or without an internet connection during setup.

1. 1Open Settings from the Start menu.
2. 2Go to System > Activation.
3. 3Click Change product key.
4. 4Enter the 25-character key from your order email (dashes are optional).
5. 5Click Next and wait while Windows validates the key online.

Once the status reads “Windows is activated” your license is permanent on that device.

If you are doing a clean install, you can enter the key on the setup screen. Prefer to skip it? Choose “I don’t have a product key” — you can activate from Settings later.

Windows Setup may auto-select Home because your PC has an embedded Home license. If you bought a Windows 11 Pro key, open Settings > System > Activation, click Change product key and enter the Pro key — Windows upgrades the edition in place without reinstalling.

See our guide on fixing Windows activation errors for error codes such as 0xC004F050 and 0xC004C060.