Activation Guides — Windows Files

If you are wondering how to find your Windows product key, the answer depends on how you got Windows. The 25-character key is usually on a label, a card in the box, or in a purchase email. Many PCs have no key at all, because they use a digital license instead.

Open Settings → System → Activation to check activation, then look for the key where you bought Windows.
A new PC usually has its key preinstalled or on a Certificate of Authenticity label, and a retail copy has it on a card in the box.
If you upgraded for free or bought the Pro upgrade in the Microsoft Store app, you have a digital license and no key to find.

To activate Windows with a product key in Windows 11, enter your genuine 25-character code directly in the system licensing menu. This validation registers your license with Microsoft servers, confirming genuine operating system status and unlocking restricted personalization features across your device. You can perform this verification during setup or update your license at any time on your PC.

Open Settings > System > Activation, select Change product key, and enter your key.
Check See if Windows is activated on the same page to confirm that your license status shows as active.
If activation fails, select Troubleshoot activation to diagnose errors and restore license validation.