How to redeem a gift card, Xbox download code or token. Both Microsoft and Xbox gift cards and download codes and tokens work the same way: once redeemed to your Microsoft account, you can spend your balance at Microsoft Store online, on Windows or Xbox, and you can get downloads for the latest apps, games, movies, TV shows, and Surface, Xbox, and accessories.

A BitLocker recovery key is needed when BitLocker can’t automatically unlock an encrypted drive in Windows. This key, which is a 48-digit number, is used to regain access to the drive.

Note: The Wireless Display app is available on devices running Windows 11 version 22H2 and newer.If you're running an earlier version of Windows, launch the Connect app by entering connect in the search box on the taskbar, and selecting Connect in the list of results. To find out which version of Windows you're running, see Which version of Windows operating system am I running?

A product key. A 25-character product key might be needed (not required for digital licenses). For help with finding the product key, go to Find your Windows product key.Many modern devices contain the product key embedded in the firmware of the device.

To check activation status in Windows 11, select the Start button, and then select Settings > System and then select Activation .. Your activation status will be listed next to Activation.. Check activation status in Settings. You'll see one of these activation status messages on the Activation page:

Learn how to find your Windows product key for activation or when to use a digital license instead.

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

One of the best ways to get the most out of your PC is to make sure you have the latest version of Windows 11 installed. When you check for updates, your PC will also search for the latest device drivers, which can also help improve your PC’s performance.

Notes: Reinstalling Windows 11 using installation media while choosing to ‘Keep nothing’ (a clean install) will automatically enable reserved storage if the partition you reinstall Windows to is 20GB or larger. Reserved storage sets aside disk space to be used by updates, apps, temporary files, and system caches, thus improving the day-to-day function of your PC by ensuring that critical ...

Note: Offers vary by country.Be sure to redeem your rewards points in the same region you signed up in. Do not use a VPN while trying to redeem points. When redeeming points, use a mobile or landline phone number for authentication and not a VoIP phone number.