Learn how to find a Windows product key for activation, and when you'll use a digital license instead.

Learn how to activate Windows using a product key or digital license, check your activation status, and link your Microsoft account.

A product key is a 25-character code that's used to activate Windows and helps verify that Windows hasn't been used on more PCs than the Microsoft Software License Terms allow.

If you make significant hardware changes on your device, such as replacing your motherboard, Windows will no longer find a license that matches your device, and you’ll need to reactivate …

A BitLocker recovery key is needed when BitLocker can’t automatically unlock an encrypted drive in Windows. This key, which is a 48-digit number, is used to regain access to the drive.

If you are using a Windows 10 device, start by running the automated Windows Activation troubleshooter in the Get Help app. It will automatically run diagnostics and attempt to fix most …

Erfahren Sie, wie Sie einen Windows-Product Key für die Aktivierung finden und wann Sie stattdessen eine digitale Lizenz verwenden.

In summary, a product key is used during installation, while an activation code is used to activate the software afterwards. Both are essential for ensuring a legitimate and functional software …

To find your Windows product key, see Find your Windows product key. If you have a digital gift card that's good for a game or app, see Redeem a gift card or code to your Microsoft account.

Name your security key so that you can distinguish it from other keys. Sign out and open Microsoft Edge, select Use Windows Hello or security key instead, and sign in by inserting or …