2 min read
How to activate Windows after installation
Activation confirms your copy of Windows is genuine. Unactivated Windows works, but with a watermark and limited personalization.
Digital license
If Windows was previously activated on this PC, it activates automatically after installation once connected to the internet — no key needed. Choose the same edition (Home or Pro).
Entering a product key
Go to Settings → System → Activation → Change product key and enter the 25-character key from your purchase.
After hardware changes
Link your license to a Microsoft account beforehand. After replacing the motherboard, run the Activation troubleshooter and choose 'I changed hardware on this device recently'.
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