🆕 Clean Installation
I am installing a fresh copy of Windows 11 and need to activate it with my product key.
💻 Existing Installation
I already have Windows 11 installed but it's not activated and I have a product key.
⬆️ Home to Pro Upgrade
I have Windows 11 Home and want to upgrade to Windows 11 Pro with my Pro license key.
Clean Windows 11 Installation & Activation
1Boot from Installation Media
Insert your Windows 11 USB/DVD and boot from it. You may need to change boot order in BIOS/UEFI settings.
2Begin Installation Process
Select your language, time format, and keyboard method, then click "Next" and "Install now".
3Enter Product Key
When prompted, enter your 25-character Windows 11 product key (format: XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX). If you don't have it ready, click "I don't have a product key" to enter it later.
4Select Windows Edition
Choose the correct Windows 11 edition that matches your product key (Home, Pro, Education, etc.).
5Complete Installation
Accept license terms, choose installation type (Custom for clean install), select drive, and let Windows install.
6Activate After Setup
If you skipped entering the key during installation, go to Settings > System > Activation and click "Change product key" to enter it now.
Activate Existing Windows 11 Installation
1Open Settings
Press Windows key + I, or right-click the Start button and select "Settings".
2Navigate to Activation
Click on "System" in the left sidebar, then scroll down and click on "Activation".
3Change Product Key
Click on "Change product key" next to the activation status.
4Enter Your Key
Type your 25-character Windows 11 product key in the format: XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX
5Activate Windows
Click "Next" and then "Activate". Windows will verify your key and activate automatically if valid.
Alternative Command Line Methods
CMDUsing Command Prompt
You can also use Command Prompt (Run as Administrator) and enter:
slmgr /ato
Upgrade Windows 11 Home to Pro
1Verify Current Edition
Press Windows key + R, type "winver" and press Enter to confirm you have Windows 11 Home.
2Open Settings
Press Windows key + I to open Settings, then navigate to System > Activation.
3Upgrade Your Edition
Look for "Upgrade your edition of Windows" and click on "Go to Store" or "Change product key".
4Enter Pro Product Key
Enter your Windows 11 Pro product key. This will automatically start the upgrade process.
4BIf You Get Version Error
If you receive an error about having the wrong version of Windows when upgrading from Home to Pro:
4CDisconnect from Internet
Disconnect your computer from WiFi/ethernet to go offline.
4DUse Generic Pro Key
Enter this generic Windows 11 Pro upgrade key:
4EComplete Upgrade Process
Wait for the upgrade process to complete. Your computer may restart during this process.
4FReconnect and Activate
Once upgrade is complete, reconnect to WiFi and enter your purchased Windows 11 Pro product key to fully activate.
5Wait for Upgrade
Windows will download and install Pro features. This may take 10-30 minutes and require a restart.
6Verify Upgrade
After restart, check Settings > System > About to confirm you now have Windows 11 Pro activated.
Alternative Command Line Methods
CMDUsing Command Prompt
Open Command Prompt as Administrator and run:
slmgr /ato