Although you can upgrade most computers to Windows 11 for free, the operating system is not technically free. For instance, if you have a custom computer that never had Windows, you will have to purchase a product key to activate the product and unlock all the features. On the other hand, if you have a laptop or desktop computer running Windows 10, the upgrade to Windows 11 is free – that is, of course, as long as the hardware meets the minimum requirements. You can also activate Windows 11 with a Windows 10, 8.1, or 7 product key even when installing the operating system on the device for the first time. This guide will teach you the steps to activate Windows 11 22H2, 21H2, or any over version on your computer.

Activate Windows 11 after hardware change Activate Windows 11 from Settings Activate Windows 11 from installation setup

Activate Windows 11 after hardware change

After making significant hardware changes to the computer (replacing the motherboard, processor, and memory), the installation may lose its activation because it thinks this is a new computer. However, you can use the activation troubleshooter to re-activate for free. To reactivate Windows 11 after a hardware change, use these steps: Once you complete the steps, Windows 11 will reactivate permanently for free without needing additional steps.

Activate Windows 11 from Settings

To activate a new Windows 11 installation through the Settings app, use these steps: Assuming you are using Windows 11 with a Microsoft account, the license will link to your account as a “digital license” (digital entitlement) so that you can later reinstall the operating system without needing reactivation.

Activate Windows 11 from installation setup

To activate Windows 11 during the installation process, use these steps: Although you can provide the product key to activate Windows 11 during the installation, you can always skip this step by clicking the “I don’t have a product key” option. If you plan to reinstall the operating system, the system will reactivate automatically using an internet connection after the installation. However, you must activate the setup with the Windows 11 Pro or Home product key if this is a new install. If the product key doesn’t match the edition of Windows, you will need to reinstall the operating system one more time with the correct edition that matches the license.

		      All content on this site is provided with no warranties, express or implied. Use any information at your own risk. Always backup of your device and files before making any changes. Privacy policy info.			    

title: “How To Activate Windows 11 Easy Way " ShowToc: true date: “2022-12-29” author: “Jeanne Sauers”


Although you can upgrade most computers to Windows 11 for free, the operating system is not technically free. For instance, if you have a custom computer that never had Windows, you will have to purchase a product key to activate the product and unlock all the features. On the other hand, if you have a laptop or desktop computer running Windows 10, the upgrade to Windows 11 is free – that is, of course, as long as the hardware meets the minimum requirements. You can also activate Windows 11 with a Windows 10, 8.1, or 7 product key even when installing the operating system on the device for the first time. This guide will teach you the steps to activate Windows 11 22H2, 21H2, or any over version on your computer.

Activate Windows 11 after hardware change Activate Windows 11 from Settings Activate Windows 11 from installation setup

Activate Windows 11 after hardware change

After making significant hardware changes to the computer (replacing the motherboard, processor, and memory), the installation may lose its activation because it thinks this is a new computer. However, you can use the activation troubleshooter to re-activate for free. To reactivate Windows 11 after a hardware change, use these steps: Once you complete the steps, Windows 11 will reactivate permanently for free without needing additional steps.

Activate Windows 11 from Settings

To activate a new Windows 11 installation through the Settings app, use these steps: Assuming you are using Windows 11 with a Microsoft account, the license will link to your account as a “digital license” (digital entitlement) so that you can later reinstall the operating system without needing reactivation.

Activate Windows 11 from installation setup

To activate Windows 11 during the installation process, use these steps: Although you can provide the product key to activate Windows 11 during the installation, you can always skip this step by clicking the “I don’t have a product key” option. If you plan to reinstall the operating system, the system will reactivate automatically using an internet connection after the installation. However, you must activate the setup with the Windows 11 Pro or Home product key if this is a new install. If the product key doesn’t match the edition of Windows, you will need to reinstall the operating system one more time with the correct edition that matches the license.

		      All content on this site is provided with no warranties, express or implied. Use any information at your own risk. Always backup of your device and files before making any changes. Privacy policy info.