How to Activate Windows
How to Activate Windows 11 Pro — Step-by-Step Guide
Follow this simple step-by-step guide to activate your genuine Windows 11 Pro licence. Activation helps verify that your copy of Windows is properly licensed, secure and eligible for updates. You’ll need a valid Windows 11 Pro product key and an active internet connection.
- Works for Windows 11 Pro on PCs and laptops
- Uses official activation through Microsoft servers
- No additional software or tools required
- Supports both fresh installs and upgrades
- Step-by-step instructions for beginners
Before You Start
- Have your product key ready (25-character code from your order email or product card).
- Connect to the internet (Wi-Fi or Ethernet) so Windows can contact activation servers.
- Sign in as an administrator (or use an account with admin rights).
- Close other apps so you can restart your PC if needed.
Step 1 — Check Your Current Activation Status
First, check whether Windows 11 is already activated or if activation is still required.
- Click the Start button (Windows icon).
- Select Settings (gear icon).
- Go to System > Activation.
- Under Activation state, you will see one of the following:
- Active — Windows is already activated (no further action needed).
- Not active or Activation required — continue to the next steps.
Step 2 — Open the Product Key Entry Screen
If Windows 11 Pro is not yet activated, you can enter your product key directly in Settings.
- Open Settings from the Start menu.
- Click System in the left panel.
- Select Activation.
- Next to Change product key, click the Change button.
Step 3 — Enter Your Windows 11 Pro Product Key
Now enter the genuine Windows 11 Pro key you received by email or with your purchase.
- In the pop-up window, carefully type your 25-character product key.
- Check for mistakes such as:
- Confusing 0 (zero) with O (letter O).
- Confusing 1 (one) with I or L.
- Click Next.
- Windows will validate the key online.
If the key is valid for Windows 11 Pro, you’ll see a confirmation screen asking to activate.
Step 4 — Complete the Activation
- Click Activate to start the activation process.
- Wait a few moments while Windows contacts Microsoft’s activation servers.
- If requested, allow your PC to Restart to finish configuration.
- After restart, return to Settings > System > Activation and check the status.
When successful, you will see Activation state: Active and your edition shown as Windows 11 Pro.
Alternative — Entering the Key During Installation
If you are installing Windows 11 Pro from scratch, you can enter the product key during the setup process:
- When the installer asks for a Product key, enter your 25-character key.
- Continue the installation until Windows setup is complete.
- Once connected to the internet, Windows will automatically activate.
- You can always confirm later in Settings > System > Activation.
Reactivating Windows 11 Pro After a Hardware Change
If you have a retail licence and you made major hardware changes (for example, replaced the motherboard), Windows might need to be reactivated.
- Sign in with the same Microsoft account that was linked to your licence.
- Open Settings > System > Activation.
- If you see an Troubleshoot button, click it.
- Choose I changed hardware on this device recently (if shown).
- Select your device from the list and follow the on-screen instructions.
Common Activation Messages & Quick Fixes
-
“We can’t activate Windows on this device”
– Make sure you are connected to the internet and try again.
– Check that your key matches the installed edition (Windows 11 Pro, not Home). -
“This product key is already in use”
– Retail keys can normally be moved, but not used on more devices than allowed.
– Remove Windows from the old device, then try activation again on the new one. -
“The product key you entered didn’t work”
– Re-enter the key carefully and check each character.
– Make sure there are no extra spaces before or after the key.
Tips to Avoid Activation Issues
- Always use genuine Windows 11 Pro product keys from trusted sellers.
- Keep a secure copy of your product key and order confirmation email.
- Link your licence to your Microsoft account when possible.
- Do not share your product key publicly or reuse it beyond the allowed device limit.
Once activated, Windows 11 Pro gives you the full security, performance and customisation features designed for power users, gamers and professionals — with access to official updates and long-term support.
Legal Information
All activation steps described here are based on official Windows 11 Pro settings and tools. A valid licence is required to comply with Microsoft’s terms and to ensure long-term usability. We do not recommend or support any unofficial activation methods, bypass tools or modified software. All brand names and product names mentioned are the property of their respective owners and are used for identification purposes only.
