Windows 11 is the latest operating system from Microsoft, but it also requires a valid license key to activate its features and updates. A license key is a 25-character code that you can purchase from Microsoft or an authorized retailer. Without a license key, you won’t be able to activate Windows 11 and enjoy its full functionality.

In this article, we will show you how to activate Windows 11 with license using different methods. We will also explain how to check your activation status, link your Microsoft account, and reactivate Windows 11 after a hardware change.

Method 1: Using Settings

This method involves using the Settings app to enter your license key and activate Windows 11 online. This method is simple and straightforward, but it requires an internet connection.

To use this method, follow these steps:

• Press the Windows key on your keyboard, type Settings, and click Open.
• Under System, scroll down and click on Activation.
• Click on Change product key.
• Enter your license key and click Next.
• Click Activate to complete the activation process.

Method 2: Using Command Prompt

This method involves using Command Prompt, a command-line tool that allows you to execute commands and scripts, to enter your license key and activate Windows 11 offline. This method is useful if you don’t have an internet connection or if you want to automate the activation process.

To use this method, follow these steps:

• Press the Windows key on your keyboard, type Command Prompt, and click on Run as administrator. In the prompt, click Yes.
• Type the following command and press Enter:

slmgr /ipk yourlicensekey

Note: Replace yourlicensekey with your actual license key.

• You will see a message saying “Installed product key successfully”. Click OK.
• Type the following command and press Enter:

slmgr /ato

• You will see a message saying “Product activated successfully”. Click OK.

Method 3: Using Phone Activation

This method involves using phone activation, a service that allows you to activate Windows 11 by calling a toll-free number and providing an installation ID. This method is helpful if you have problems activating Windows 11 online or offline.

To use this method, follow these steps:

• Press the Windows key on your keyboard, type Settings, and click Open.
• Under System, scroll down and click on Activation.
• Click on Change product key.
• Enter your license key and click Next.
• Click Activate by phone.
• Select your country or region from the drop-down menu and click Next.
• You will see a toll-free number and an installation ID. Call the number and follow the instructions. You will be asked to provide the installation ID and receive a confirmation ID in return.
• Enter the confirmation ID in the boxes and click Activate.

Checking Your Activation Status

You can check your activation status at any time by going to Settings > System > Activation. You will see one of the following statuses:

• Windows is activated: This means that your Windows 11 is activated successfully with a license key. You don’t need to do anything else.
• Windows is activated with a digital license: This means that your Windows 11 is activated automatically with a digital license. A digital license is a method of activation that doesn’t require a license key. You can get a digital license by upgrading from an eligible version of Windows 10 or by being a Windows Insider. You don’t need to do anything else.
• Windows is activated with a digital license linked to your Microsoft account: This means that your Windows 11 is activated with a digital license and that your Microsoft account is associated with it. This allows you to reactivate Windows 11 after a hardware change using the Activation troubleshooter. You don’t need to do anything else.
• Windows is not activated: This means that your Windows 11 is not activated yet. You will see an error message explaining the reason. You might need to purchase a license key or contact customer support for help.

Linking Your Microsoft Account

It is essential that you link your Microsoft account to the Windows 11 license on your device. This will enable you to reactivate Windows 11 using the Activation troubleshooter whenever you make a significant hardware change.

To link your Microsoft account, follow these steps:

• Press the Windows key on your keyboard, type Settings, and click Open.
• Under System, scroll down and click on Activation.
• Click on Add an account
• Enter your Microsoft account credentials and sign in.
• You will see a message saying “Windows is activated with a digital license linked to your Microsoft account”. Click Close.
• Reactivating Windows after a Hardware Change
• If you make a significant hardware change to your device, such as replacing the motherboard, you might need to reactivate Windows 11. You can do this using the Activation troubleshooter, which will check if you have a digital license linked to your Microsoft account.
• To use the Activation troubleshooter, follow these steps:
• Press the Windows key on your keyboard, type Settings, and click Open.
• Under System, scroll down and click on Activation.
• Click on Troubleshoot.
• Sign in with your Microsoft account if prompted.
• Select the device that you’re currently using from the list of devices associated with your Microsoft account and click Activate.

Conclusion

• These are some of the methods that can help you activate Windows 11 with license. We hope this article was helpful and informative. If you have any questions or problems with activating Windows 11, feel free to contact us or leave a comment below.