How to Get a Windows Activation Key and Activate Windows 11

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If you run the Windows 11 Compatibility Checker and find that your PC is eligible for the upgrade, you might choose to install it. After the installation is complete, you'll see a notification on your desktop that says “Activate Windows. Go to Settings to activate Windows.”

The watermark will annoy you, and you won't be able to customize certain options, such as changing the desktop wallpaper, PC colors, lock screen, taskbar, Start, and so on. Hence, a Windows 11 product key is necessary to run your operating system.

Next, the most important thing you should do is activate Windows 11. So, how to activate Windows 11 Pro or any other edition? We've got you covered. Let's find out.

What is a Windows 11 activation key?

A Windows activation key is, essentially, a 25-character code used to activate the Windows operating system. Remember that Windows is not a completely free operating system; you need to purchase a product key to access its advanced features.

However, if you buy a laptop with Windows 11 preinstalled, it will be activated with a product key. Product keys for Windows look like this:

Product Key: XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX

If you build your own PC, you'll need to buy a retail Windows product key. Fortunately, that retail key is tied to you, not the hardware, and can be used indefinitely as you upgrade components over time.

According to Microsoft, the Windows product key that comes with a laptop is embedded in its motherboard and can be used only with that particular machine.

An OEM key is the formal name for these product keys. I hope this simple explanation about Windows product keys has been helpful.

100% Effective | How to Activate Windows 10/11 Using CMD and Other Methods

Regardless of which Windows operating system you've installed, activation is essential. An activated version of Windows allows you to explore all its features without any issues.

How to obtain a Windows 11 activation key

There seem to be quite a few ways to get a Windows 11 activation key. This part of the guide outlines two methods: getting a new Windows 11 product key and finding the original one if you're already running an activated version of Windows 11.

1. Obtain a new Windows 11 activation key

Imagine this scenario: You're using Windows 10 but want an upgrade! During the installation, you'll need a Windows 11 activation key to avoid any hurdles. Windows 11 introduces a new way to purchase a genuine Windows 11 license from the Microsoft Store. This new feature is only available for Windows 11 Insider Preview builds. There are two ways to get the product key – either by purchasing it from the official Microsoft Store or by searching for it online.

* * * NOTE: * * * We provide the sources only. We recommend you use the first method (buy from the official Microsoft Store); searching for activation keys online is not secure.

How do I get my license from the Microsoft Store?

**Step 1:** Choose _Settings_ > _System_ > _Activation_ from the drop-down menu.

**Step 2.** To get a new license through the **Microsoft Store app,** select **Open Store** from the drop-down menu.

Step 3. With this method, the new Microsoft Store will be loaded onto your Windows 11 computer, and you can buy a genuine copy of Windows 11.

Follow-up: Users can also search online for free activation keys. But be aware that downloading product keys from untrustworthy platforms is not the safest option; they may contain viruses that will compromise your operating system.

How to Check Your Product Key in Windows 11

Alternatively, you can use a verified command prompt to find the product key for a Windows 11 copy. You'll need a PC running Windows to receive the code. Here's how to do it.

2. Type "CMD" in the search bar, then select "Run as administrator" from the search results.

Step 3: Type the following command in the Command Prompt window, and press Enter to run it:

Acquire the original product key for OA3x through the SoftwareLicensingService path with utf-8 encoding.

4. Your original product key should now be displayed on the screen.

5. Make an extra copy of the key and store it securely, for example in a Dropbox or Google Drive account, for future use.

How to activate Windows 11

With Windows 11, Microsoft has created an environment for collaboration and innovation for everyone. And the new operating system is designed with security in mind, with additional features that encrypt everything from the chip to the cloud and beyond.

For individuals who have legally purchased a copy of the operating system, Windows 11 will be free. Those who have already activated Windows 10 will be able to upgrade to the latest version without having to activate it again.

Still, your Windows 10 isn't activated; therefore, you'll need to activate it before you upgrade to Windows 11. To activate Windows 11 using a product key, follow these steps:

Step 1: Right-click the Start button to open the Start menu.

Step 2: Select “Settings” from the drop-down menu.

Step 3: Select “System” from the drop-down menu.

Step 4: Select “Activate” from the drop-down menu.

Step 5: Click Change product key from the options provided.

(Note: You should enter the product key for your current Windows operating system (Windows 10/8/7) in the "Enter product key" field.)

6. Select “Next” from the drop-down menu.

Step 7: From the drop-down menu, select Activate.

8. Your Windows 11 operating system is now activated.

Can I use a Windows 10 product key to activate Windows 11?

Microsoft insists that it left the string in for backward compatibility, but its structure matches that of a Windows 10 feature update.

Indeed, if you install Windows 11, you can activate it with any Windows 10 key. Microsoft has confirmed that this will work.

(Important note: Before you proceed with any activation method, make sure to back up all your programs and files. We recommend using tools Todo Backup Free to easily backup your hard drive, partitions, and important files.)

Here's a step-by-step guide on how to use this valid software before you activate your Windows 11, encoded in utf-8.

Step 1. To start the backup, tap Select what to back up.

Step 2: There are four backup categories, Files, Disks, OS, and Emails. Please click on “Files”.

**Step 3.** On the left, you'll see Local and Network files. Expand the folders to locate your backup file.

Step 4: Follow the on-screen instructions to choose where you want to save your backup file.

Click the “Options” button, go to “Backup Options”, set a password for the backup, and then click “Backup Schedule” to set the backup time. You can also choose other options to meet your specific needs.

Step 5: Backups can be stored on a local disk, an online service, or a network-attached storage (NAS) device.

Step 6: Todo Backup allows users to back up data to third-party cloud storage, or to their own cloud storage.

To back up your data to a cloud drive provided by a third party, choose Local Disk, scroll down, and add a “Cloud Device.” Then sign in and add your account.

You can also choose to use Maxthon Cloud. First, register a Maxthon account, then click on "Maxthon Cloud" and log in.

Step 7. Click “Back Up Now” to start the backup. When it's done, you'll see a task card on the left panel. Right-click the task for more actions.

Conclusions

Though officially announced in 2015, it took Microsoft six years to release its latest operating system. Though still in development, preview versions of Windows 11 are now available to most users.

We've outlined the most straightforward methods to activate Windows, especially for those unfamiliar with finding a Windows 11 activation key. After going through this guide, users will undoubtedly have a better understanding of the process. These steps have been thoroughly tested and proven effective in all instances.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Windows 11 Activation Keys

How can I activate Windows 11 for free?

You can use a valid product key from a previous version of Windows and then activate Windows 11 by following these steps:

Step 1: Right-click the "Windows" icon in the taskbar.

2. From the drop-down menu, select “Command Prompt (Admin).”

Step 3. Type the following command, and then press Enter:

Use the command "slmgr /ipk yourproductkey" to install it.

Replace "yourproductkey" with the key you want to use.

4. At the prompt, type the following command and press Enter:

"slmgr /ato" is a command-line tool used to activate Windows.

This will allow you to activate Windows 11 with the entered key.

2. Does Windows 11 require an activation key?

Yes, Windows 11 requires an activation key to function properly. A Windows activation key is a 25-character code that you can purchase to access its advanced features.