If not, you’re logged in with a local account. If an email address is displayed, this is a Microsoft account. If you’re not an administrator, see Create a local user or administrator account.Ĭonfirm that the administrator account is also your Microsoft account by checking to see if an email address is displayed above Administrator. Under your name, you’ll see Administrator. To confirm you're using an administrator account, select the Start button, then select Settings > Accounts > Your info. Sign in as an administrator to add your Microsoft account. To link your Microsoft account, follow these instructions: If you have purchased a license for this device already and still receive an error message, continue to Methods of activation. If you need to purchase a license for your device, see 'Purchase a Windows 11 license.' You might need to purchase Windows 11 to activate.

You will see an error message explaining the failure. Your Microsoft account is already linked to your digital license. Windows is activated with a digital license linked to your Microsoft account Your Microsoft account is not linked to your digital license. Windows is activated with a digital license You'll see one of these activation status messages on the Activation page:įollow instructions in Linking your Microsoft account. Your activation status will be listed next to Activation. This is the only form of nag you’ll see - there are no pop-up windows, for example.To check activation status in Windows 11, select the Start button, and then select Settings > System and then select Activation. Activate Windows now.” link at the bottom of the Settings app. You’ll also see a “Windows isn’t activated. First, you’ll notice a watermark in the bottom-right corner of your screen. Eventually, Windows will start nagging you a tiny bit. Initially, you won’t notice a difference. These days, Windows just complains at you in a few minor, cosmetic ways. With Windows XP, Microsoft actually used Windows Genuine Advantage (WGA) to disable access to your computer. However, an unactivated version of Windows 10 doesn’t have many restrictions. RELATED: How Does Windows Activation Work?Īfter you’ve installed Windows 10 without a key, it won’t actually be activated. Whatever version you choose, Windows 10 will install normally. When you select this option, you’ll be able to install either “Windows 10 Home” or “Windows 10 Pro.” Bear in mind that, if you plan to pay to upgrade to the paid version later, it’ll be cheaper to upgrade to Windows 10 Home, so you may want to install the Home version.

Win 10 activation key