How to Activate Windows 10 & 11 in 2024 – 3 ways
In today’s digital age, activating your Windows operating system is a crucial step to unlock its full potential and access a wide array of features. Whether you’ve recently installed a new version of Windows or are looking to troubleshoot activation issues, this comprehensive guide will walk you through the process. Follow these step-by-step instructions to ensure a smooth and hassle-free activation, allowing you to make the most out of your Windows experience.
Why Activate Windows?
Before we delve into the activation process, let’s understand why it’s essential. Activating Windows not only ensures that you’re using a genuine copy of the operating system but also unlocks a plethora of features, security updates, and support from Microsoft.
The all-too-familiar Windows activation watermark. It mocks your productivity by reminding you that your precious operating system isn’t quite…real. But don’t worry, Whether you’re a seasoned techie or a novice navigating the digital landscape, defeating this foe is simpler than you think. This comprehensive guide will provide you with the knowledge and tools you need to activate Windows 10 and 11 like a pro, removing the watermark and unlocking your PC’s full potential.
First things first: Understanding Activation Methods
Before we get into the weeds, let’s take a step back and look at the various routes to Windows activation. Each method is tailored to a specific situation, so knowing your options is critical:
If you purchased Windows online or upgraded from a pre-activated PC, you most likely have a digital license associated with your Microsoft account. This is the simplest method, with Windows activating automatically during installation or when you link your account.
Product Identifier: You have permanent access to Windows with this 25-character alphanumeric code. It is usually included with retail copies of the operating system or comes pre-installed on some PCs.
Troubleshooter’s Paradise: Microsoft includes troubleshooting tools. They may not always work, but it’s worth a shot before pursuing other options.
Now let us dive into the ways of activating our Windows 10 or Windows 11 PC.
Activate Windows 10/11 with Product Key
Step 1. Go to your Windows start menu and click inside the search bar, then search for “my PC”.
Step 2. Right-click on “My PC” and then click on properties.
Step 3. A new window will open where it will display the system’s properties. On the right bottom of the window, you’ll see a status indicating whether the Windows has been activated. Click on it to proceed further.
Step 4. Under the Change product key section and click Change.
Step 5. Enter your Windows 10/11 activation code and click Next. Then, Windows will begin the activation task.
If you don’t have a product key for Windows 10/11, you can move to the next ways to activate Windows 10/11 free.
Activate windows for free | Activate windows 11 and 10 | using CMD |
This method will allow you to activate Windows 10/11 for free. If none of the other methods are working for you, try this one. Here are the steps you must take to activate Windows via Command Prompt (CMD).
Step 1. You have to open the command prompt on your system first. Then, click and start and type “CMD”. Now, run it as administrator.
Step 2. Run the following command and then press Enter
slmgr.vbs /upk
Step 3. Key Management Services (KMS) client activation and product keys.
slmgr /ipk <product key>
For example, to install the product key for Windows 10 Pro, run the following command and press enter
slmgr /ipk W269N-WFGWX-YVC9B-4J6C9-T83GX
You can get the list of Product Keys below :
Operating system edition | KMS Client Product Key |
---|---|
Windows 11 Pro Windows 10 Pro |
W269N-WFGWX-YVC9B-4J6C9-T83GX |
Windows 11 Pro N Windows 10 Pro N |
MH37W-N47XK-V7XM9-C7227-GCQG9 |
Windows 11 Pro for Workstations Windows 10 Pro for Workstations |
NRG8B-VKK3Q-CXVCJ-9G2XF-6Q84J |
Windows 11 Pro for Workstations N Windows 10 Pro for Workstations N |
9FNHH-K3HBT-3W4TD-6383H-6XYWF |
Windows 11 Pro Education Windows 10 Pro Education |
6TP4R-GNPTD-KYYHQ-7B7DP-J447Y |
Windows 11 Pro Education N Windows 10 Pro Education N |
YVWGF-BXNMC-HTQYQ-CPQ99-66QFC |
Windows 11 Education Windows 10 Education |
NW6C2-QMPVW-D7KKK-3GKT6-VCFB2 |
Windows 11 Education N Windows 10 Education N |
2WH4N-8QGBV-H22JP-CT43Q-MDWWJ |
Windows 11 Enterprise Windows 10 Enterprise |
NPPR9-FWDCX-D2C8J-H872K-2YT43 |
Windows 11 Enterprise N Windows 10 Enterprise N |
DPH2V-TTNVB-4X9Q3-TJR4H-KHJW4 |
Windows 11 Enterprise G Windows 10 Enterprise G |
YYVX9-NTFWV-6MDM3-9PT4T-4M68B |
Windows 11 Enterprise G N Windows 10 Enterprise G N |
44RPN-FTY23-9VTTB-MP9BX-T84FV |
You can also refer to Windows product key and use the product keys to activate your Windows OS.
Step 4. (KMS) client server host installation.
slmgr /skms <server name>
For example, to server name for Windows 10 Pro, run the following command and press enter
slmgr /skms kms9.MSGuides.com
You can get the list of servers below, choose anyone of your choice :
Offline kms host address:
- kms.lotro.cc
- mhd.kmdns.net110
- noip.me
- 45.78.3.223
- kms.didichuxing.coms
- zh.us.to
- toxykz.f3322.org
- 192.168.2.81.2.7.0
- kms.guowaifuli.com
- 106.186.25.2393
- rss.vicp.net:20439
- 122.226.152.230
- 222.76.251.188
- annychen.pw
- heu168.6655.la
- kms.aglc.cc
- kms.landiannews.com
- kms.xspace.in
- winkms.tk
- kms7.MSGuides.com
- kms8.MSGuides.com
- kms9.MSGuides.com
You can also refer to KMS server list and use any server to activate your Windows OS.
Now let’s us look at the last method to activate Windows 10/11, you can move to the next ways to activate Windows 10/11 free.
Activate windows for free | Activate windows 11 and 10 | using KMSPico |
KMSPico is a tool used to activate or obtain a license for Microsoft Windows and MS Office. It was created by one of the most well-known developers, Team Daz. It is, however, completely free to use. There is no need to buy it or spend money to download it. This works on the same principle as Microsoft’s Key Management Server, also known as KMS (KMSPico is derived from it).
The feature is used in large companies with a large number of machines. As a result, it is difficult to purchase a Windows license for each device, which is why KMS was introduced. A company must now purchase a KMS server and use it until they can obtain licenses for all of their machines.
However, this tool works on it as well, and it creates a server on your machine and makes it appear to be a part of that server. One distinction is that this tool only activates the product for 180 days. This is why it continues to run on your machine, renews license keys every 180 days, and makes it a permanent activation.
How To Install KMSPico
Before we begin, you must first download the KMSpico software
Just click the button below and follow the given instructions to download and extract KMSPico on your PC:
Step 1.
Disable Windows Defender, first open Start Menu > Search for Windows Defender and select the first option > Now open Virus & Threat Protection > Then under Virus & Threat Protection Settings, click Manage Settings > Next, disable Real-Time protection using that switcher.
Step 2 .
Once the Antivirus or Windows Defender is disabled, go to the File Manager and locate the folder where you downloaded KMSPico. then just extract the file from that folder.
Step 3.
When the files are extracted, a new folder will appear, and when you open it, the KMSPico.exe app will be present. At this point, either double-click the exe file or right-click and select Run as Administrator.
It will then launch the Windows Installer, so follow all of the instructions and install it just like any other piece of software. Once the installation is finished, click Finish
Step 4 .
Now look for the already installed KMSPico
Step 5.
Once the exe file open, you need to click on the Red button from that window and wait for a few seconds.
You must press the red button and then wait until you hear a sound. When you finish the task, you will hear a sound that says “Program Complete.”
The background of the Windows logo has now turned white, indicating that the activation was successful. After that, restart your computer, and once it has finished, right-click on the My Computer icon and select Properties.
If you enjoyed this post, please share it and leave a comment if you are facing any issue. You can follow me on
Twitter: @sengideons
Facebook: @SenGideonsOfficial
Instagram: @sengideons
TikTok: @sengideons
YouTube: @sengideons