To add the Windows 10 installation to a Microsoft account for activation, link the Microsoft account to the device’s digital license:
- Open Start > Settings > Update & Security > Activation.
- Check the activation status.
- If it says Windows is activated with a digital license, the Microsoft account is not linked yet.
- If it says Windows is activated with a digital license linked to your Microsoft account, it is already linked.
- If it is not linked, sign in with an administrator account.
- Go to Start > Settings > Accounts > Your info.
- Confirm Administrator appears under the account name.
- Confirm the account is a Microsoft account, not a local account.
- Return to Start > Settings > Update & Security > Activation.
- Select Add an account, enter the Microsoft account and password, then select Sign in.
- After it is linked, the Activation page should show: Windows is activated with a digital license linked to your Microsoft account.
This link is important because it allows Windows to be reactivated later with the Activation troubleshooter after significant hardware changes.
References:
- [Windows 10](https://support.microsoft.com/windows/activation/activate-windows#checking-your-windows-activation-status-in-windows-10)
- Why can't I activate Windows? | Microsoft Support
- [Windows 10](https://support.microsoft.com/windows/activation/activate-windows#link-your-microsoft-account-to-windows-10-for-activation)
- [Windows 10](https://support.microsoft.com/windows/activation/reactivating-windows-after-a-hardware-change#link-your-windows-10-digital-license-to-your-microsoft-account)