Confirm whether the administrator account is same with your Microsoft account by confirming if there is actually an email address shown above Administrator . If you can see an email address above the administrator , it is a Microsoft account. Else, if you cannot see an email address, then it is a local account with which you have logged in. You can create a Microsoft account if you don’t have one.
Once it is ascertained you are an administrator, using your Microsoft account, simply navigate to the Activation page, click on Add an account option , input your Microsoft account and password, > tap Sign in .
After you have successfully added your Microsoft account, on the Activatio-n page you will be able to see the message “Windows is activated with a digital license linked to your Microsoft account .”
Various methods of activating Windows 10
Activating your own version of Windows 10 is not a herculean task. It requires either a product key (which is a 25-character) or a digital license depending on how your Windows 10 edition was obtained. Without obtaining a product key or a digital license, it will not be possible to activate your version of Windows.
▪ A digital license (also refer to as digital entitlement in some Windows 10 edition) is an activation system that won’t necessarily ask users to use any product key for Windows activation.
▪ Using a product key involves a 25-charcter code that can be used to activate your version of Windows. Your product key will appear like PRODUCT KEY: XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX.
When you have concluded on the activation means that you wish to use, you should follow the due process by clicking on “ Activating using a product key” or “Activating using a digital license.” The tips below will help you decide on which activation method is good for your laptop;
- Digital license is advisable if you switch to Windows 10 from a healthy computer running a true edition of Windows. If you have previously associated your MSA (Microsoft account) with the digital license, the digital license will be contained in the MSA.
- Also, Digital License is preferred if you procure a Windows 10 Pro upgrade from the Microsoft Store app. When you are purchasing a Windows 10 upgrade from the Microsoft Store app, you will be sent an email for confirmation. And it is the confirmation email that will contain your Digital license.
- If you purchase a personal computer that came pre-installed with Windows 10, it is advisable to use Product Key for Windows activation. You should look out for your product key either on the COA (authentication certificate) or on the packaging that came with your PC.
- If your Windows was procured from a retailer that is authorized by Microsoft, it is advisable that a Product Key be required for activation. The product key will be found on the label inside the box.
- If you get your Windows 10 from the online Microsoft Store, Product Key should be used for activation. You will see the product key in the confirmation mail that accompanied the order history.
Buying license for Windows 10
In case you don’t even have a digital license or product key, then you should prepare to purchase a copy of Digital license once your computer finishes installation. See the steps below;
- Click on the Start icon.
- Click on Settings , select Update & Security and tap Activation
- Click on Go to Store .
The “Go to Store” link will launch the Microsoft Store app where you can get a genuine copy of Windows 10 digital license.
How to activate Windows 10 using a digital license
Upon getting a new PC, digital licenses are normally associated with hardware and are usually linked with your Microsoft account; hence, there is absolutely nothing you will be looking for on your computer. All that you have to do is connect your computer to the web and then access your Microsoft account.
- For first time installation and if you are activating on a new computer or motherboard: With a digital license associated with a Microsoft account, you can normally run setup and bypass the product key requirement by tapping I don’t have a product key . Windows will be activated immediately you sign in to Microsoft account and you are on the web.
- Activation after you reinstall Windows 10: If you are in possession of a digital license for your computer, the same version of Windows 10 can be reinstalled on the computer without necessarily entering any product key. Ensure that your Windows 10 is actually activated before you attempt to reinstall it. To confirm, click on the Start button, tap Settings , select Update & Security and tap Activation . From here, you can always confirm if your version of Windows has actually been activated and that your Microsoft account has been linked to your digital license.
- Reactivating your version of Windows after a significant hardware change: Making a significant change to hardware on your computer (such as when you replace the Motherboard on your computer) might make your Windows lose activation even if you have already activated it before. One thing you can do to safeguard activation in preparation against any future hardware change is to associate your Microsoft account with your computer’s digital license. When you do this, you can always reactivate your Windows by deploying the Activation troubleshooter anytime you make an important hardware change on your computer. To reactivate your model of Windows 10 after an important hardware
