There’s also a handy “Activate now” button where you can enter a key, or buy a license.Īlso read: 6 Ways to Stop Windows Updates Activation Banner Popups Every time you open this app there will be a notice that you haven’t yet activated Windows. The Windows Settings app is the central place you’ll go to make any changes to Windows. If you upgrade from an eligible licensed version of Windows, that license is transferred over and activation happens instantly. When you install Windows on a clean computer, you have the option to “skip” activation and get a code later. That’s because Windows “knows” that laptop is entitled to a license. For example, you don’t have to activate Windows when you reinstall it on modern laptops.
Some computers have a hardware-based entitlement built-in. Alternatively, you can have a digital entitlement linked to your Microsoft account. When you buy a new copy of Windows, it usually comes with a license key.
