CV: jh02eMhYBJO1YtO3.0
How you got Windows 10 | Activation method |
---|---|
You upgraded to Windows 10 for free from an eligible device running a genuine copy of Windows 7 or Windows 8.1. | Digital license |
You bought genuine Windows 10 from the Windows Store and successfully activated Windows 10. | Digital license |
You bought a Windows 10 Pro upgrade from the Windows Store and successfully activated Windows 10. | Digital license |
You’re a Windows Insider and upgraded to the newest Windows 10 Insider Preview build on an eligible device that was running an activated previous version of Windows and Windows 10 Preview. | Digital license |
You bought a copy of Windows 10 from an authorized retailer. | Product key (On a label inside the Windows 10 box. A digital license will be given to your device for Windows 10 based on the valid product key you entered.) |
You bought a digital copy of Windows 10 from an authorized retailer. | Product key (In the confirmation email you received after buying Windows 10 or in a digital locker accessible through the retailer’s website. A digital license will be given to your device for Windows 10 based on the valid product key you entered.) |
You have a Volume Licensing agreement for Windows 10 or MSDN subscription. | Product key (Available through the web portal for your program.) |
You bought a new device running Windows 10. | Product key (Pre–installed on your device, included with the device packaging, or included as a card or on the Certificate of Authenticity (COA) attached to the device.) |
For more detailed info, see the section about activating Windows 10 that applies to you.
Make sure that Windows 10 is activated before you try to reinstall it. Select the Start button, then select Settings > Update & security > Activation. If Windows 10 isn’t activated on your device, see Get help with Windows 10 activation errors for more info.
For more info about how to create installation media to reinstall Windows 10, go to the Microsoft software download website. When creating installation media, make sure to choose the edition of Windows 10 that matches the edition already installed on your device.
If you don't have a Windows 10 product key, you'll have the option to buy one during setup.
In some cases, you might need to enter the Windows 10 product key that came with the device packaging, or included as a card or on the Certificate of Authenticity (COA) attached to the device.
If you’re reinstalling Windows 10 Insider Preview, automatic activation occurs by digital license if the same edition of Windows 10 or Windows 10 Insider Preview (builds newer than 10240) was already activated on the device. For more info, see the section Activating after reinstalling Windows 10 in this topic.
Article ID: 12440 - Last Review: Aug 31, 2016 - Revision: 37