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0871 244 0934Have you recently bought a new laptop or reinstalled Windows 11? You need to activate your operating system. Activation pairs your software with your hardware to confirm your copy of Windows is genuine and valid for your specific device.
Here is a simple guide to checking your status and activating Windows 11.
First, find out if your device is already active and linked to your Microsoft account.
1: Click the Start button on your taskbar.
2: Go to Settings > System > Activation.
3: Look next to Activation status.
You will see one of these messages:
Windows is activated: Your device is set up, but your Microsoft account is not linked.
Windows is activated with a digital license: Your account is not linked to this license yet.
Windows is activated with a digital license linked to your Microsoft account: Everything is complete.
Windows is not activated: You will see an error message and might need to purchase a license.
It is highly recommended to link your Microsoft account to your Windows 11 license. This lets you reactivate Windows easily using the Activation troubleshooter if you ever change major hardware parts, like a motherboard.
1: Sign in to your device as an administrator.
2: Go to your Activation page in settings.
3: Select Add an account.
4: Type in your Microsoft account details and password, then select Sign in.
Depending on how you got your copy of Windows 11, you will use either a digital license or a 25-character product key.
First, find out if your device is already active and linked to your Microsoft account.
A digital license means you do not need to type in a product key. You likely have one if you upgraded for free from an older version of Windows, bought a digital copy from the Microsoft Store, or are a Windows Insider. To use it, simply connect your PC to the internet and log in to your Microsoft account. The activation happens automatically in the background.
A product key is a 25-character code that looks exactly like this: XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX.
You will need one if you bought a physical box copy, a refurbished PC, or a device that came with Windows pre-installed. You can usually find the key on the packaging, a Certificate of Authenticity (COA) sticker on the device, or in your confirmation email.
To put in your product key:
1: Click the Start button.
2: Select Settings > System > Activation.
3: Click Change product key.
4: Type your 25-character code and follow the on-screen prompts.
You can still use your computer without activating the software, but you will miss out on personal customisation options. You cannot change your desktop wallpaper, accent colours, or lock screen. You will also see a permanent "Activate Windows" watermark in the bottom right corner of your screen.
If your current machine is struggling to run the latest software, it might be time for an upgrade.
Browse our extensive range of windows 11 laptops and windows 11 pro laptops that come with the latest operating system pre-installed and ready to go straight out of the box.
