Activate a new Windows 10 installationĪ product key will be needed to activate Windows 10 when you install the operating system for the first time, and your device never had an activated copy of Windows 10. If you previously installed and activated Windows 10 using a product key, you’ll need to enter a product key during the installation. Then the operating system will activate automatically after the installation. Select the Skip option if you’re prompted to enter a product key during the installation. This means you can reinstall Windows 10, even a clean installation, and you don’t need to enter a product key. If you have activated a free copy or bought and activated a copy of Windows 10 from the Store, you have a “digital license” (digital entitlement) for that device. If your copy of Windows 10 isn’t activated, you can get more information on the “Windows 10 activation errors” web page. Windows 10: Open the Settings app, click on Update & security, and navigate to Activation.Windows 8.1: Go to Control Panel, click System and Security, and click System: Then look under Windows activation.Windows 7: Click the Start button, right-click Computer, and click Properties.As such, you must ensure your copy is fully activated before upgrading.Ĭhecking your Windows activation is very easy: Also, an online “digital license” (digital entitlement) will be created for your device.Īccording to Microsoft documentation, if your version of Windows is not activated before upgrading to Windows 10, it won’t activate. If you have upgraded to Windows 10 from a genuine copy of Windows 7 or 8.1, the activation will happen automatically through an internet connection. You have purchased a new computer running Windows 10.You’re using the Volume Licensing agreement for Windows 10 or MSDN subscription.You have obtained a digital copy of Windows 10 from an authorized retailer.You have obtained a copy of Windows 10 from an authorized retailer.

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