product key

A Windows 11 device can activate with either a 25-character product key or a digital license.

Common places to check for the key:

• New PC with Windows preinstalled: the key is usually preinstalled on the PC, included with the packaging, or on the Certificate of Authenticity attached to the device.
• Retail boxed copy of Windows: the key is on the label or card inside the box.
• Digital purchase from an authorized retailer: the key is in the confirmation email or retailer account.
• Digital purchase from Microsoft: the key is in the confirmation email, and Microsoft keeps a record only for purchases from the Microsoft online store. It can be checked in Microsoft account Order history.

If Windows 11 was obtained through a free upgrade, there is usually a digital license instead of a product key.

If the PC originally came with Windows and was reset or reinstalled, activation may happen automatically once the correct edition is installed and the device is online. If a product key is requested during setup and there is no key available, select I don't have a product key. After installation, go to Start > Settings > System > Activation, then select Open Store to purchase a digital license if needed.

If Windows was previously linked to a Microsoft account with a digital license, on the Activation page the status should show Windows is activated with a digital license linked to your Microsoft account after signing in with that Microsoft account.

To enter a product key after installation:

• In Windows 11, go to Start > Settings > System > Activation.

If activation still fails after reset, one possible cause is that the key has already been used on more devices than allowed, or the installed Windows edition does not match the original one.

References:

• Find your Windows product key | Microsoft Support
• Windows 11
• Why can't I activate Windows? | Microsoft Support