How to Check If Windows Is Activated (and Fix Activation Errors)

By Ammar Aslam · Updated September 29, 2026 · 3 min read

A "Activate Windows" watermark in the corner of your screen, or a message saying Windows isn't activated, means Windows can't confirm your licence. Activation proves your copy of Windows is genuine. Here's how to check your status and fix common problems.

Check activation status

Go to Settings → System → Activation. You'll see one of these:

Active: "Windows is activated with a digital license" or "...linked to your Microsoft account". All good.
Not active: an error message and a troubleshoot option.

What is a digital licence?

Most PCs sold with Windows, and PCs upgraded from genuine Windows 10 to 11, have a digital licence tied to the hardware. There's no key to type; Windows activates automatically when connected to the internet.

Link your licence to your Microsoft account

Signing in with a Microsoft account links your licence to it. This makes reactivation easier after replacing the motherboard or other major hardware.

Fix activation problems

Connect to the internet and wait. Activation can take a little time after setup.
In Activation settings, click Troubleshoot. It can reactivate after hardware changes; choose I changed hardware on this device recently if that applies.
Make sure you installed the right edition. A Windows Home licence won't activate Windows Pro, and vice versa.
Check the date and time are correct.

Entering a product key

If you bought a retail key, click Change product key in Activation settings and enter it. Keys come with retail boxes or purchase emails.

Beware of very cheap keys and activators

Websites selling Windows keys for a fraction of the price, and "activator" tools, are risky. Unofficial activators often contain malware, and cheap keys may be revoked later. Buy from Microsoft or authorised retailers.

Security warning: cracked activators are one of the most common ways PCs get infected with password-stealing malware.

Using Windows without activation

Unactivated Windows still works and receives security updates, but shows a watermark and blocks personalisation settings like wallpaper and colours.

Windows Home vs Pro: which do you have?

Activation problems often come from edition mix-ups, so it helps to understand the difference. Check your edition in Settings → System → About.

Feature	Home	Pro
Everyday use, apps, games	Yes	Yes
Windows Security, device encryption	Yes	Yes
BitLocker full-drive encryption controls	No	Yes
Remote Desktop host	No	Yes
Group Policy, domain join	No	Yes

For most home users and students, Home is all you need. Pro is useful for businesses and advanced users. If you need Pro, you can upgrade from the Activation page through the Microsoft Store or by entering a genuine Pro key.

Activation after repairs or upgrades

Replacing RAM, storage or the graphics card doesn't usually affect activation. Replacing the motherboard is treated as a new PC. If your licence was linked to your Microsoft account, use the activation troubleshooter and choose I changed hardware on this device recently, then select the device you're using. OEM licences that came with a PC may not transfer to a new motherboard, although repairs by the manufacturer under warranty are usually handled for you.

Buying a used PC?

Check that Windows shows as activated before paying. See our used laptop checklist. A PC running unactivated or unofficially activated Windows is a sign the seller may have cut corners elsewhere too.

Frequently asked questions

Will a Windows reset remove my activation?

No. Digital licences reactivate automatically after resetting on the same hardware.

Can I move my licence to a new PC?

Retail licences can usually be transferred. Licences that came pre-installed on a PC (OEM) are generally tied to that PC.

Ammar Aslam
Ammar writes clear, practical tech guides that help everyday users fix problems, stay safe online and get more from their devices.