How to Get Windows Activation Key and Start Windows 11

If you do a Windows 11 compatibility check and discover that your PC can run Windows 11, you may opt to install it. After completing the Windows installation, you may see a notification on the desktop screen that says, "Activate Windows. To activate Windows, go to Settings."

This watermark irritates you. Furthermore, you cannot modify the customization options, such as changing the desktop wallpaper, PC colors, customizing the lock screen, taskbar, start, etc. Therefore, Windows 11 Activation Key becomes a must-have to run your OS.

Next, the most important thing you should do is activate Windows 11. So, how do you activate Windows 11 Professional or other versions? We have the solutions for you here. Let's explore them.

What Is Windows 11 Activation Key

An activation key for Windows is essentially a 25-character code that may be used to activate the Windows operating system. Remember that Windows is not a completely free operating system, and you must purchase a product key to benefit from its premium features.

However, if you purchase a laptop with the Windows 11 operating system preinstalled, the laptop will be activated using a product key. The product key format used by Windows is as follows:

PRODUCT KEY: XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX

If you are creating a custom PC, on the other hand, you will need to purchase the retail product key for Windows. Keep in mind that you will be able to use this retail key indefinitely as your computer's hardware evolves.

The product key that comes with Windows laptops, on the other hand, is attached to the motherboard of the laptop and can only be used on that specific laptop, according to Microsoft.

OEM license keys are what these product keys are formally referred to as. Hopefully, this simple explanation of a Windows product key has been helpful.

100% Work | Activate Windows 10/11 Using CMD and Other Ways

No matter which Windows OS you install, its activation is essential. An activated version of Windows lets you explore all its features without any issues. 

How to Get Windows 11 Activation Key

There seem to be many ways to get a Windows 11 Activation Key. This part of our guide outlines two approaches: getting a new Windows 11 activation key and the second is how to find your original product key if you're already using the activated version of windows 11.

1. Get A New Windows 11 Activation Key

Consider the following scenario: you're using Windows 10 but want to upgrade! You must have the Windows 11 Activation key to avoid any obstructions during the installation process. Windows 11 introduces a new method for purchasing a genuine Windows 11 license from the Microsoft Store. This new function is only available for the Windows 11 Insider Preview version. There are two methods of getting the product key, i.e., either buy it from the official Microsoft Store or search it on the internet.

Note: We're only providing the information sources, and we recommend using the 1st method (buy it from the official Microsoft Store). Searching activation codes from the internet is not secure.

Here's how to get a license from Microsoft Store:

Step 1. Select Settings > System > Activation from the drop-down menu.

Step 2. To get a new license in the Microsoft Store app, choose Open Store from the drop-down menu.

Step 3. Using this method, the new Microsoft store gets loaded into your Windows 11 computer, and you may purchase a legitimate copy of Windows 11.

More to Follow: users also can search for a free activation code from the internet. However, you should also know that finding product keys online and getting them from unreliable platforms isn't the most secure option. Such acquisitions may also contain viruses that can harm your OS.

How to Check the Windows 11 Product Key

Alternatively, you may use the tried-and-true Command Prompt to locate the product key for your copy of Windows 11. It would help if you had a computer active with Windows to receive the code. Here's how you go about it.

Step 1. To launch Windows search, press the Win + S keys on your keyboard simultaneously.

Step 2. In the search box, type CMD and choose Run as administrator from the search results.

Step 3. Type the following command in the command prompt window and press the Enter key to have it executed:

wmic path SoftwareLicensingService get OA3xOriginalProductKey

Step 4. The screen will now reveal your original product key.

Step 5. Make a copy of the key and save it in a secure area, such as your Dropbox or Google Drive account, for future reference.

How to Activate Windows 11

The all-new Windows 11 delivers a collaborative and creative environment for everyone to enjoy. In addition, this new operating system is safe by design and has extra security features that ensure complete encryption from the chip to the cloud and beyond.

Windows 11 is entirely free for individuals who have purchased a legally licensed copy of the operating system. For those who already have Windows 10 activated, you won't have to bother activating it again when the new version of Windows becomes available.

Nevertheless, your Windows 10 is not active; as a result, you will need to activate it first before you can upgrade to Windows 11. To activate Windows 11 using a product key, follow the procedures outlined below:

Step 1. Right-click on the Start button to bring up the Start Menu.

Step 2. Select Settings from the drop-down list.

Step 3. Choose System from the drop-down options.

Step 4. Pick Activation from the drop-down menu.

Step 5. Click on Change Product Key from the given options.

(Note: The product key for the Windows operating system version you are presently using (Windows 10/8/7) should be entered in the "Enter Product Key" box).

Step 6. Select Next from the drop-down menu.

Step 7. Select the option that says "Activate" from the drop-down menu.

Step 8. Your Windows 11 operating system has now been activated.

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

Microsoft claims that the string is included for backward compatibility, yet it follows the same structure as the feature updates released for Windows 10.

To be certain, if you install Windows 11, you may activate that installation with any Windows 10 product key. Microsoft has confirmed that this method works legitimately.

(Important Note: No matter what method you choose to activate your Windows, please remember to back up the programs and files before making a move. To do this, EaseUS Todo Backup Free may be the right choice to help you backup the hard disks, partitions, and important files without much effort.)

Here's the step-by-step guide for you to learn how to use this effective software before activating Windows 11.

Step 1. To initiate a backup, click the Select backup contents option.

Step 2. There are four data backup categories, File, Disk, OS, and Mail, click File.

Step 3. On the left, both local and network files will be shown. You may extend the directory to pick the backup files.

Step 4. Follow the on-screen instructions and choose a location to store the backup.

Click Options to encrypt the backup with a password in Backup Options, then click Backup Scheme to specify the backup schedule and start the backup at a certain event. There are also other additional choices you may choose to tailor the backup process to your requirements.

Step 5. The backup may be stored on a local disk, EaseUS' online service, or NAS.

Step 6. EaseUS Todo Backup enables customers to back up data to a third-party cloud drive as well as its own cloud drive.

If you want to back up data to a cloud drive provided by a third party, choose Local Drive, scroll down to add Cloud Device, and then add and log in to your account.

You can also choose the EaseUS cloud drive. Sign up for an EaseUS Account, then click EaseUS Cloud and log in.

Step 7. Click Backup Now to begin the backup process. The backup job will be presented as a card on the left side of the panel after it has been finished. Right-click the backup job to handle it further.

Conclusion

Even though Windows 11 was formally announced in 2015, Microsoft took six years to release the latest operating system version. Even though Windows 11 is still under development, the preview version is presently accessible for most customers.

We've concluded the most straightforward approaches to activating Windows, especially for individuals unfamiliar with the method on how to find Windows 11 Activation Key. Users will undoubtedly have a better understanding of the process after reading this tutorial. The procedures discussed above have been thoroughly tested and have shown to be effective in all situations.

FAQ on Windows 11 Activation Key

1. How can I activate my Windows 11 for free?

You can use a valid product key from a previous version of Windows. and follow the steps below to activate your Windows 11:

Step 1.  Right-click on the windows icon in the taskbar.

Step 2. Select "Command Prompt (Admin)" from the drop-down menu.

Step 3. Type the following command and press Enter:

slmgr /ipk yourproductkey

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

Step 4. Type the following command and press Enter:

slmgr /ato

This will activate your Windows 11 with the product key you entered.

2. Does Windows 11 need an activation key?

Yes, Windows 11 needs an activation key to work properly. A Windows activation key is a 25-character code, and you can buy it to benefit from its premium features.