Activating Windows 11 with a Product Key: A Step-by-Step Guide

Published July 11, 2023

Easily activate your Windows 11 using a product key

In this article, we'll provide you with a detailed step-by-step walkthrough to help you successfully activate your Windows 11 operating system. By following these instructions, you'll be able to access all the amazing features and functionalities that Windows 11 has to offer.

Locate Your Email: Check your inbox for the email you received after purchasing the Windows 11 key from our website. This email will contain:
- Your License Key: A 25-character code XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX
- A PDF attachment of your invoice
- A link to the activation guide
Copy Your License Key: Highlight your License Key in the email and copy it (you can typically do this by right-clicking the highlighted key and selecting 'Copy').
Start the Installation Process: If you are installing Windows 11 from scratch, insert your bootable USB or DVD and restart your PC to start the installation process. If you're upgrading from a previous version of Windows, run the Windows 11 setup file.
Enter Your Product Key During Installation: During the setup process, you will be asked to enter your product key. Paste the key you copied earlier into the required field and continue the setup process.
Complete the Installation: Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation process. The PC might restart a few times during this process.
Post-Installation Activation: If you skipped entering the key during the installation, you can activate Windows 11 after the installation. Click on the Start button in the lower-left corner, then click on Settings (It resembles a gear/cogwheel). In the Settings menu, click on "Windows Update" from the left-hand side and then "Activation" from the right-hand list. Click on "Change product key" and paste your product key in the pop-up window. Click "Next" to activate.
Confirm Activation: Once you've completed these steps, Windows 11 should be activated. You can confirm this in the Activation window in Settings, where it should say "Windows is activated with a digital license."

TL;DR

Activate your Windows 11 with a product key using these simple steps:

Locate the email with your product key.
Copy the 25-character License Key from the email.
Start the installation process by booting from a USB or running the setup file.
Enter the product key during the installation process.
Complete the installation by following the on-screen instructions.
Activate Windows 11 post-installation by going to Settings > Windows Update > Activation > Change product key.
Confirm the activation in the Activation window in Settings.