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

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 three methods to which …

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.

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

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 …

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

If you're not activated, complete the activation process with the steps you see on the Activation page. If you experience an error while activating, see Get help with Windows activation errors.

Note: If you already own a Microsoft 365 or Office license, then you can sign in to your Microsoft account Services & subscriptions page and install the product (s) that you own.

This article provides step-by-step instructions on how to activate Office for Mac. If you're running into errors or issues with installing or activating Office on your Mac, see What to try if you can't …

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. This article will help you …