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

The Product Activation Portal enables activation for a wide range of perpetual Microsoft products and supports both connected and non‑connected devices. This evolution ensures activation remains …

Activation helps verify that your copy of Windows is genuine and hasn’t been used on more devices than the Microsoft Software License Terms allow. There are two methods to which you can activate your …

Learn how to use the Activation troubleshooter to resolve common activation issues in Windows.

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

Linking your Microsoft account with your digital license allows you to reactivate Windows using the Activation troubleshooter whenever you make a significant hardware change.

When you get a message that says Windows can't be activated, there are several possible reasons why. Select any of the following topics to see some typical reasons for activation difficulty, along with …

Le portail d’activation des produits permet l’activation d’un large éventail de produits Microsoft perpétuels et prend en charge les appareils connectés et non connectés.

You can also try our guided support in your browser to help with activation issues. I thought this device included Microsoft 365 or a non-subscription version of Office.

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 experience.