Depending on how you got your copy of Windows 11, you'll need either a digital license or a 25-character product key to activate it. Without one of these, you won't be able to activate your device. A digital license (called a digital entitlement in Windows 11) is a method of activation in Windows 11 that doesn't require you to enter a product key.

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

Help navigating your Volume License Portal to locate your volume license keys and volume license software. Key limit increases, or MAK or KMS activation exceptions. If additional assistance is required and your scenario qualifies, the portal will connect you with the appropriate support option. Depending on availability, these may include:

If you're troubleshooting Office and would like to remove the license files on your Mac, you can use the license removal tool. This will completely remove all licenses for Microsoft 365 for Mac.

Learn how to activate Office that is pre-installed on new Windows 10 PCs or using a new product key.

Learn how to activate Windows using an internet connection, automated system, or live support advocate.

To redeem a new purchase. Step 1: Go to www.office.com/setup or Microsoft365.com/setup. Step 2: Sign in with your Microsoft account, or create one if you don't have one. Be sure to remember this account so that you can install or reinstall Office later, without a product key.

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 troubleshoot and fix common activation errors in Windows. For help finding your product key, see Find your Windows product key.

To activate Windows using your digital license, in the troubleshooter, select Activate Windows, and then select Activate. A Windows 11 digital license is associated with your device. If you make significant changes, such as replacing your motherboard, Windows will no longer find a license that matches your device.

To learn how, see Manage multiple one-time-purchase Office installs that use the same Microsoft account. Most versions of Office 2024, Office 2021, and Office 2019 don’t include a product key and you only need to sign in with the account already linked to your Office license.