What License Do I Need to Install Windows?

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License Requirements for Installing Windows

  • Windows 11 Enterprise Licensing Options
  • Windows 10 Activation and Licensing
  • Windows 10 Licensing Types

Installing Windows 10 and Licensing Information

When you install Windows 10 on your device, you typically need to activate it using a valid product key. Without a product key, Windows 10 will still continue to work, but you may encounter some limitations.

Your license permits Windows to be installed on only one computer at a time. If you have a retail copy of Windows, you can move the installation from one computer to another.

Microsoft will install a KMS server for issuing VLK (Volume License Keys). Volume Licensing is meant for multiple device activations.

Windows 10 Licensing and Activation Options

Where do I get a license to install Windows 10?

A digital license (called a digital entitlement in Windows 10, Version 1511) is a method of activation in Windows 10 and Windows 11 that doesn’t require you to enter a product key. Without one of these, you won’t be able to activate your device.

Here are a few options on where to find a digital license for Windows 10:

  1. Microsoft Store
  2. OEM license
  3. Retail license
  4. Volume licensing

Windows 10 Activation and Checking

When you upgraded from a previous version of Windows or receive a new computer preinstalled with Windows 10, the hardware (your PC) will get a digital entitlement, where a unique signature of the computer will be stored on Microsoft Activation Servers. Windows 10 will automatically activate once you connect your PC to an online after completing the installation.

To check if your Windows 10 has been activated and that your Microsoft account is associated with your digital license:

  1. Select the Start button, and then select Settings > Update & Security > Activation
  2. You’ll be able to confirm that your Windows 10 has been activated and that your Microsoft account is associated with your digital license.

To know if your windows 10 is genuine:

  1. Click on the magnifying glass(Search) icon located in the bottom left corner of the taskbar, and search for: “Settings”.
  2. Click on the “activation” Section.

To find your Windows 10 license key on a new computer:

  1. Press Windows key + X.

To activate Windows 10:

  1. Open Settings > Update & security > Activation
  2. Click "Change product key" to enter a Windows 10 product key
  3. If Windows 10 was previously activated on your device, it should activate automatically

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