Learn how to activate Windows using a product key or digital license, check your activation status, and link your Microsoft account.

Learn how to find a Windows product key for activation, and when you'll use a digital license instead.

Installation media, such as a USB flash drive, can be used to install a new copy of Windows, perform a clean installation of Windows, or reinstall Windows. To create installation media, go …

A product key is a 25-character code that's used to activate Windows and helps verify that Windows hasn't been used on more PCs than the Microsoft Software License Terms allow.

Learn how to upgrade from Windows 10 Home to Windows 10 Pro or Windows 11 Home to Windows 11 Pro, including how to use a valid product key or the Microsoft Store.

Learn how to navigate Windows using keyboard shortcuts. Explore a full list of taskbar, command prompt, and general Windows shortcuts.

Read the instructions on how to use the tool to create installation media for Windows 10 Home and how to do a clean installation. During setup for Windows 10 Home, you'll be asked to …

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.

When you first sign in or set up a device with a Microsoft account, or work or school account, Device Encryption is turned on and a recovery key is attached to that account.

Find answers to top questions about upgrading to Windows 11, from the minimum hardware requirements to where to find the upgrade.