In this article, I will help you to know how to activate Windows 10.
Basic methods of activation
There are two easy and simple ways depending on how you got your copy of Windows 10.
1- Digital license
A digital license, called a digital entitlement in windows 10, Version 1511, is a method of activation in Windows 10 that doesn’t require you to enter a product key.
- Digital licenses are associated with your hardware and linked to your Microsoft account, so there’s nothing you need to find on your PC. You’re all set once your PC is connected to the internet and you log in to your Microsoft account.
2. Product key (consisting of a 25 letters)
A product key is a 25-character code used to activate Windows. What you’ll see is PRODUCT KEY: XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX.
- The product key, select the start button, and then select Settings > Update & Security > Activation > Update product key > Change product key.
After determining which activation method you use, follow the steps in the corresponding Activate using a digital license or Activate using a product key.
What activation method do I use?
There are 4 ways you can use the digital license, and 6 ways you can use the product key.
4 ways you can use a digital license
1. If you obtained Windows 10 by upgrading to Windows 10 for free from an eligible device running a genuine copy of Windows 7 or Windows 8.1.
- Which means if you link or sign in to a Microsoft account or associate your MSA with your digital license, this will be the MSA that contains the digital license.
2. If you obtained Windows 10 by upgrading to Windows 10 for free from an eligible device running genuine Windows 7 or Windows 8.1.
- Which means that if you link or sign in to a Microsoft account or associate your MSA with your digital license, this will be the MSA that contains the digital license.
3. If you got Windows 10 by being a Windows Insider and upgraded to the latest Windows 10 Insider Preview build, it was built on an eligible device that was running an active previous version of Windows and Windows 10 Preview.
- Which means that the email address you used to sign in to Windows Insider will most likely be the MSA that contains your digital license.
4. If you got Windows 10 by purchasing genuine Windows 10 from the Microsoft Store app.
- Which means that when purchasing from the Microsoft Store, a confirmation email will was sent to confirm the purchase. This email address (MSA) will contain the digital license.
See: How to Change the Password on Windows 10
6 ways you can use the product key
During installation, you'll be prompted to enter a product key or after installation.
1- If you got Windows 10 by buying a Windows 10 PC.
- This means finding your product key either on the device packaging or on the Certificate of Authenticity (COA) that came with your device.
2. If you obtained Windows 10 by purchasing a copy of Windows 10 from an authorized retailer.
- Which means finding your product key on a sticker inside the Windows 10 box.
3. If you acquired Windows 10 by purchasing a digital copy of Windows 10 from an authorized retailer.
- Which means finding your product key on the confirmation, the email you received after purchasing Windows 10 or in a digital locker accessible through the retailer's website.
Note: Your device will be granted a digital license for Windows 10 based on the valid product key you entered.
4. If you acquired Windows 10 through a Windows 10 Volume License Agreement or MSDN Subscription.
- Which means that your product key is available through the web portal of your software.
5. If you got Windows 10 by buying a new or refurbished Windows 10 device.
- Which means your product key is pre-installed on your device, included in the device's packaging, or included as a card or on the Certificate of Authenticity (COA) that came with the device.
Note: If you purchased a refurbished computer, the refurbished computer, not Microsoft, must provide you with the product key.
6- If you got Windows 10 by purchasing from the online Microsoft Store.
- You will find your product key in the confirmation email containing your order history.
If you want to buy a Windows 10 digital license
If you don't have a digital license or a product key, you can purchase a Windows 10 digital license after installation finishes. Here's how:
- Select the "Start button".
- Select Settings > Update & Security > Activation .
- Select "Go to Store".
This opens the Microsoft Store app where you can purchase a Windows 10 digital license.