Over the years, the installation of Windows has gotten easier and more reliable, and Windows 10 is no exception. In this operating system, Microsoft has made it a lot easier for users to upgrade, but to make it all happen, the company has also had to change how the activation process works.
According to the Windows 10 activation documentation, the software giant uses the activation technology to verify that a computer is running a genuine copy and that the same license hasnât been used on more devices than permitted under the terms.
Windows 10 also includes a new kind of activation, something the company calls âdigital licenseâ (formerly known as âdigital entitlementâ), which is in addition to the 25-character product key method. The activation the operating system will use will depend on how you have obtained your copy of windows 10.
According to Microsoft, âdigital licenseâ is the new activation method in Windows 10 that doesnât require the user to enter a product key. In this case, activation will happen automatically.
Windows 10 will use the âdigital licenseâ (digital entitlement) activation method if one of the following is true:
- Youâre upgrading a genuine copy of Windows 7 or Windows 8.1 to Windows 10 for free.
- Youâve purchased a copy of Windows 10 in the Windows Store and successfully activated Windows 10.
- Youâve purchased a Windows 10 Pro upgrade in the Windows Store and successfully activated Windows 10.
- Youâre part of the Windows Insider Program and have upgraded your genuine activated copy of Windows 7 or 8.1 to the latest Windows 10 Insider Preview build.
Windows 10 will use the product key activation method if one of the following is true:
- You have obtained a copy of Windows 10 from an authorized retailer.
- You have obtained a digital copy of Windows 10 from an authorized retailer.
- Youâre using the Volume Licensing agreement for Windows 10 or MSDN subscription.
- You have purchased a new computer running Windows 10.
Activate Windows 10 after the upgrade
If you have upgraded to Windows 10 from a genuine copy of Windows 7 or 8.1, the activation will happen automatically through an internet connection. Also, an online âdigital licenseâ (digital entitlement) will be created for your device.
According to Microsoft documentation, if your version of Windows is not activated before upgrading to Windows 10, it wonât activate. As such, you must ensure your copy is fully activated before upgrading.
Checking your Windows activation is very easy:
- Windows 7: Click the Start button, right-click Computer, and click Properties. Then look under Windows activation.
- Windows 8.1: Go to Control Panel, click System and Security, and click System: Then look under Windows activation.
- Windows 10: Open the Settings app, click on Update & security, and navigate to Activation.
If your copy of Windows 10 isnât activated, you can get more information on the âWindows 10 activation errorsâ web page.
Activate Windows 10 after reinstalling
If you have activated a free copy or bought and activated a copy of Windows 10 from the Store, you have a âdigital licenseâ (digital entitlement) for that device.
This means you can reinstall Windows 10, even a clean installation, and you donât need to enter a product key. Select the Skip option if youâre prompted to enter a product key during the installation. Then the operating system will activate automatically after the installation.
If you previously installed and activated Windows 10 using a product key, youâll need to enter a product key during the installation.
Activate a new Windows 10 installation
A product key will be needed to activate Windows 10 when you install the operating system for the first time, and your device never had an activated copy of Windows 10.
Of course, youâll also need a product key if you install Windows 10 Pro on a device with Windows 10 Home running on it.
Activate Windows 10 after hardware change
If you make significant hardware changes, such as replacing the motherboard, Windows 10 wonât re-activate. However, you can link your Microsoft Account with your Windows 10 digital license before making the changes, and then you can use the new Activation Troubleshooter tool to re-activate the operating system.
Linking your digital license with your account is very straightforward. If you already have a Microsoft Account connected to Windows 10, youâre good to go. If you only have a local account, you need to add a Microsoft Account to Windows 10. Go to Settings > Update & security > Activation, click Add an account and complete the process.Â
Then you can use the Activation Troubleshooter. Go to Settings > Update & security > Activation, click Troubleshoot, and sign in with your Microsoft Account. Then select your computer your the list of digital licenses associated with your account, check This is the device Iâm using right now, and click Activate. Youâll need to contact customer support for assistants if the activation fails.
Update October 14, 2015: Microsoft will make it easier to activate Windows 10 with Threshold 2. Starting Windows 10 build 10565, users will be able to use their Windows 7, Windows 8, and Windows 8.1 product keys to do a clean install of Windows 10 without having to do the upgrade first â full details on the changes here.
Update June 23, 2016: Starting with Windows 10 build 14371 and moving forward, Microsoft is renaming âdigital entitlementâ to âdigital license.â
Update July 9, 2016: On July 29, Microsoft is ending the free offer to upgrade free to Windows 10. Everyone who has upgraded will retain the digital license for the life of the device. If you reinstall Windows 10 with the Anniversary Update, your computer will remain activated.
Update July 11, 2022: This guide has been revised to make sure the information is still accurate.