How to activate Windows 11 with a product key

Are you going to install Windows 11 on a new or existing PC? Here you will find a simple step-by-step guide showing how to download, create an installation USB, install the system, and activate it with a product key in just a few minutes.

Install Windows 11

What you need before you start

  • A PC that supports Windows 11
  • A USB flash drive with at least 8 GB
  • Internet connection
  • Valid Windows 11 product key

1. Download Windows 11

Go to Microsoft's official website and download the Media Creation Tool. This tool allows you to create a bootable USB used for installation.

2. Create installation USB

  1. Insert the USB flash drive into the PC
  2. Start Media Creation Tool
  3. Select Create installation media
  4. Select the correct language and version
  5. Select the USB drive and complete

3. Boot PC from USB

  1. Restart the PC
  2. Enter the boot menu (F12, ESC, or DEL depending on the PC)
  3. Select the USB flash drive as the boot device

4. Install Windows 11

  1. Select language and keyboard layout
  2. Press Install now
  3. Enter the product key or select I don't have a product key
  4. Select the correct version, Home or Pro
  5. Select the drive Windows should be installed on

The PC will restart several times during installation.

Windows 11 installation

5. Complete the initial setup

  • Connect to the internet
  • Sign in with a Microsoft account or create a local user
  • Select privacy settings

6. Activate Windows 11

Once you are on the desktop:

  1. Open Settings
  2. Go to System
  3. Click on Activation
  4. Enter the product key

If you do not have a license yet, you can order and activate it immediately:

Buy Windows 11 Home

Buy Windows 11 Pro

Common problems and solutions

The PC does not find the USB

Enter BIOS and set the USB as the first boot device.

You cannot select the correct version

Make sure the product key matches Home or Pro.

Windows is not activated

Check that you are connected to the internet and that the key is entered correctly.

Windows 11 gaming PC

Fully installed in under 30 minutes

With the right equipment and a valid license, you can install and activate Windows 11 in a short time. Once the system is activated, you will receive all updates, full performance, and access to all features.

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