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. A digital license is a method of activation in Windows 10 and Windows 11 that doesn't require you to enter a product key. Without one of these ...

A product key is a 25-character code that's used to activate Windows and helps verify that Windows hasn't been used on more PCs than the Microsoft Software License Terms allow. Windows 11 and Windows 10 : In most cases, Windows 11 and Windows 10 activates automatically using a digital license and doesn’t require you to enter a product key.

Learn how to activate Windows using a product key or digital license, check your activation status, and link your Microsoft account.

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.

If your purchase of Office or Microsoft 365 came with a product key, you enter your product key on one of the websites listed below for your product. After you enter your key, you can download and install Office, or you can renew your Microsoft 365 subscription.

Learn how to activate Office that is pre-installed on new Windows 10 PCs or using a new product key.

Activation helps verify that your copy of Windows is genuine and hasn’t been used on more devices than the Microsoft Software License Terms allow. This article will help you troubleshoot and fix common activation errors in Windows. For help finding your product key, see Find your Windows product key.

To find your Windows product key, see Find your Windows product key. If you have a digital gift card that's good for a game or app, see Redeem a gift card or code to your Microsoft account. To buy an app or game, visit Microsoft Store online, on Windows and Xbox.

Learn how to redeem a gift card, code, or Office product key and spend your balance at Microsoft Store online, on Windows, or Xbox.

Your Microsoft account takes the place of your product key for many tasks, such as activating Microsoft 365 and reinstalling Microsoft 365. Common questions about Microsoft 365 product keys. Check the sections below to find out if you need an Microsoft 365 product key and what to do with your key if you have one.