Activating Windows 10 or 11 ensures that you’re getting the full experience without the pesky “Activate Windows” watermark on your screen. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the steps to activate your copy of Windows legally and affordably, while also removing that annoying watermark.
Key Takeaways
- You need a valid Windows 10 or 11 product key to activate your copy of Windows.
- Windows 7 and 8 keys no longer work to activate Windows 10.
- Using a Windows 10 Pro key is more affordable than buying a Windows 11 Pro key.
Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I will earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for your support!
Step-by-Step Guide to Activate Windows 10/11
1. Understanding Activation Changes
Previously, you could activate Windows 10 using a Windows 7 or 8 product key. However, Microsoft has discontinued this method, so now you’ll need a valid Windows 10 or 11 product key to activate your system.
While the Windows 7 to Windows 10 upgrade guide and Windows 8 to Windows 10 upgrade guide explain how you can still upgrade your system for free, this upgrade no longer automatically activates Windows 10 using your old keys. As of October 2023, the upgrade process works, but you may need to purchase a new license key to fully activate Windows 10.
2. Buy a Windows 10 Pro Key from WhoKeys
To activate your Windows system legally, I recommend purchasing a Windows 10 Pro key from WhoKeys, a trusted sponsor of this video. Here’s how you can do that:
- Visit the WhoKeys website.
- Scroll down to find the Windows 10 Pro OEM key, and click on “Buy Now.”
- If you have a WhoKeys account, sign in. If not, sign up or log in using Google, Twitch, or YouTube.
3. Applying the 25% Discount Code
To save 25% on your order, make sure to use the discount code MTT25 at checkout. Here’s how:
- Once you’ve added the Windows 10 Pro key to your cart, proceed to the checkout page.
- Enter the promo code MTT25 and click “Apply.”
- Confirm that the discount was applied before finalizing your purchase.
4. Complete the Purchase and Retrieve Your Key
After you’ve applied the discount and completed your payment, you’ll be taken to a confirmation page. From here:
- Click on “View Keys and Codes.”
- Select and copy your newly purchased Windows 10 Pro product key.
5. Entering Your Product Key
Now that you have your key, it’s time to activate Windows:
- Press
Ctrl
+R
on your keyboard to open the Run dialog. - Type
changepk.exe
and click OK. - Paste your product key into the box and click Next.
If you’re upgrading from Windows Home to Windows Pro, you may see a message indicating that the product key didn’t work. In this case, follow the additional steps below.
6. Upgrading from Windows Home to Pro (if necessary)
- Note: If you already have Windows 10 or 11 Pro installed, you won’t see the message “The product key didn’t work.” Instead, you should see an “Activate Windows” screen.
If you’re using a Windows Home edition and need to upgrade to Windows Pro, you can follow these steps. While you can contact WhoKeys support for upgrade keys, I’ll also provide the keys and instructions they’ve given below:
WhoKeys Support Instructions:
- Upgrade Keys: WhoKeys provides two upgrade keys. You only need to use one:
- Key 1:
JNB6J-DBPVV-GYTC6-YBX9D-FM49G
- Key 2:
NCD4Q-C2GMT-QDB66-6PGK6-V6DGT
- Key 1:
- Upgrade Process: Enter one of the upgrade keys above, and you’ll receive a message prompting you to start the upgrade. Click “Start.” This process upgrades your Windows 10/11 Home system to Windows 10/11 Pro.
- System Upgrade Confirmation: After the process completes, your system should now be running Windows 10/11 Pro.
- Final Activation: Once upgraded, use the Windows 10 Pro key you purchased from WhoKeys to activate your system. Copy the key, paste it into the activation box, click “Next,” and activate Windows legally.
By following these steps, you’ll successfully upgrade your system from Home to Pro and activate it using your purchased key.
7. Final Steps and Activation
After upgrading and applying the correct product key, your system should now be activated as Windows Pro. Congratulations! You’ve successfully activated your Windows 10 or 11 system, legally and affordably.
Why Use a Windows 10 Pro Key?
The reason I recommend purchasing a Windows 10 Pro key instead of a Windows 11 Pro key is cost. Windows 10 Pro keys are generally cheaper and still allow you to activate both Windows 10 and 11.
Conclusion
Activating your Windows system is crucial for accessing all features and removing that annoying watermark. By using a Windows 10 Pro key from WhoKeys, you can activate your Windows 10 or 11 system legally and affordably. Make sure to use the affiliate link and discount code to get the best deal.
FAQ
1. Can I use an old Windows 7 or 8 key to activate Windows 10 or 11?
No, Microsoft has discontinued the free upgrade path from Windows 7 or 8 to Windows 10. You’ll need a valid Windows 10 or 11 product key.
2. Is it legal to buy Windows keys from third-party sites like WhoKeys?
Yes, buying Windows keys from trusted third-party vendors like WhoKeys is legal, as long as they are authorized sellers of Microsoft products.
3. What happens if I enter the wrong product key?
If the product key doesn’t work, you’ll receive an error message. Ensure that you are using the correct key for the version of Windows you are trying to activate.
4. Can I upgrade from Windows Home to Pro with a Windows 10 Pro key?
Yes, you can upgrade from Windows Home to Pro using a Windows 10 Pro key. Follow the steps provided in this guide.
5. What if I lose my product key?
If you lose your product key, you can retrieve it by logging into your WhoKeys account and viewing your purchase history.
I need a key for Windows 10 home can you help me
Hi there, you can purchase a Pro key. It will upgrade your Home to Pro and then activate the Pro version.
Alternatively, just search the WhoKeys site for a Home key.