Activate Windows 11 Using a digital license

Digital licenses are associated with your hardware and linked to your Microsoft account, so there's nothing you need to find on your PC. You're all set once your PC is connected to the internet and you log in to your Microsoft account.

If you don't have a digital license, you can use a product key to activate. To learn how to activate using a product key, follow the steps at Activate using a product key.

• If you are installing Windows on a new device or motherboard for the first time and you do not have a product key, select I don't have a product key during the installation setup screens.
  
  
• When prompted, enter the Microsoft account you want to use to purchase a digital license for this device.
  
  
• Once the setup screens are completed and Windows has finished installing, go to activation settings.
  
  
• Select the Start button, and then select Settings > System > Activation . Then select Open Store to purchase a digital license to activate Windows.

• If you have a digital license for your device, you can reinstall the same edition of Windows 11 on this device without entering a product key.
  
  
• Make sure that Windows 11 is activated before you try to reinstall it. To find out, select the Start button, and then select Settings > System > Activation. You’ll be able to confirm that your Windows 11 has been activated and that your Microsoft account is associated with your digital license.

• When you make a significant hardware change to your device, such as replacing the motherboard, Windows 11 might no longer be activated.
• Make sure you associate your Microsoft account with your digital license to prepare for hardware changes. The association enables you to reactivate Windows using the Activation troubleshooter if you make a significant hardware change later. For more info, see Reactivating Windows after a hardware change.