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 activate your product: Online via the internet, by telephone using our automated systems, and by a live support advocate. Online: When you begin activation ...

The classic cold-call scam. The scammers call you and claim to be from the tech support team of Microsoft or another company. They offer to help solve your computer "problems".

Generally, if you bought a physical copy of Windows, the product key should be on a label or card inside the box that Windows came in. If Windows came preinstalled on your PC, the product key should appear on a sticker on your device. If you’ve lost or can’t find the product key, contact the manufacturer. To ensure your product key is ...

Avoid and report Microsoft technical support scams. Microsoft will never proactively reach out to you to provide unsolicited PC or technical support. If you receive a phone call claiming to be from Microsoft, or see a pop-up window on your PC with a fake warning message and a phone number to call and get your “issue” fixed, it’s better to ...

Activate Windows using a product key. A product key is a 25-character code, that looks like this: PRODUCT KEY: XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX. During installation, you'll be prompted to enter a product key. Or, after installation, to enter the product key, select the Start button, and then select Settings > System > Activation > Update product ...

Sign in to the Advanced security options page of your Microsoft Account. Select Add a new way to sign in or verify then choose how you would like to receive security codes. Note: VOIP numbers cannot be added as a way to sign in or get verification codes. We'll send a security code to the new number or email to confirm.

The Xbox app on PC relies on two Microsoft accounts: the Microsoft Store account, and the Xbox account (your PC gaming account). The Microsoft Store account provides access to owned games, subscription benefits, and other Xbox app purchases made by that account. The Xbox account is used for game streaming access, in-game purchases, achievements, and friends.

Create Windows 11 installation media. On the Windows 11 software download page , select Create tool now and follow the instructions to install Windows 11. Warning: Microsoft recommends against installing Windows 11 on a device that does not meet the Windows 11 minimum system requirements.

From the next screen, select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > UEFI Firmware Settings > Restart to make changes. To change these settings, you will need to switch the PC boot mode from one enabled as “Legacy” BIOS (also known as “CSM” Mode) to UEFI/BIOS (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface). In some cases, there are options to enable ...

Summary. Windows 10, versions 2004, 20H2, 21H1, 21H2, and 22H2 share a common core operating system with an identical set of system files. Therefore, the new features in Windows 10, version 22H2 are included in the latest monthly quality update for Windows 10, version 2004, 20H2, 21H1, and 21H2 but are in an inactive and dormant state.