Windows 11 Digital License
Everything you need to know about digital license activation, linking to your Microsoft account, and managing your Windows 11 activation
What is a Windows 11 Digital License?
A digital license (also called a digital entitlement) is a method of activation in Windows 11 that doesn't require entering a product key. Instead, your license is tied to your device's hardware configuration and stored on Microsoft's activation servers. This makes reinstalling Windows and managing your license significantly easier.
How Digital Licenses Work
When you activate Windows 11 with a digital license, Microsoft creates a unique hardware ID (based on your PC's components) and links it to your license. This means:
Automatic Reactivation
Windows automatically activates when you reinstall on the same hardware
No Key Required
You don't need to remember or store a product key
Cloud-Based
Your license is stored securely on Microsoft servers
Hardware Linked
The license is tied to your device's hardware fingerprint
Types of Digital Licenses
There are several ways you can obtain a Windows 11 digital license:
Free Upgrade
Upgraded from genuine Windows 10 or Windows 7/8.1
If you upgraded from an activated copy of Windows 10 (or Windows 7/8.1 during the free upgrade period), you received a digital license for Windows 11.
Depends on original license type
Microsoft Store Purchase
Purchased Windows 11 from the Microsoft Store
Buying Windows 11 directly from the Microsoft Store automatically grants you a digital license linked to your Microsoft account.
Yes - Retail license
New Device
Came pre-installed on a new PC
New PCs with Windows 11 pre-installed have an OEM digital license embedded in the device's firmware (UEFI/BIOS).
No - OEM license
Product Key Activation
Activated using a retail product key
When you enter a retail product key, Windows converts it to a digital license after successful activation.
Yes - Retail license
How to Check Your Activation Status
Before doing anything with your digital license, you should verify your current activation status:
Settings App
- 1Press Windows + I to open Settings
- 2Navigate to System > Activation
- 3Check your activation status
- 4Look for 'Windows is activated with a digital license'
Command Prompt
- 1Press Windows + X and select 'Terminal (Admin)'
- 2Type: slmgr /xpr
- 3Press Enter to see activation status
- 4For detailed info, use: slmgr /dli
Linking Your Digital License to a Microsoft Account
Linking your digital license to your Microsoft account provides additional benefits and makes license recovery easier. Here's why and how to do it:
Benefits of Linking Your Account
- Easier activation on new hardware after significant changes
- License recovery if you lose access to your device
- Manage all your licenses in one place
- Streamlined reinstallation process
Sign in with Microsoft Account
Go to Settings > Accounts > Your info. If you're using a local account, click 'Sign in with a Microsoft account instead' and follow the prompts.
Verify Activation
Navigate to Settings > System > Activation. Ensure it shows 'Windows is activated with a digital license.'
Check Linking Status
On the Activation page, look for the message 'Windows is activated with a digital license linked to your Microsoft account.' This confirms the link.
Manage Your Devices
Visit account.microsoft.com/devices to see all devices linked to your Microsoft account and their activation status.
Reactivating After Hardware Changes
If you make significant hardware changes (like replacing your motherboard), Windows may need to be reactivated. Having your digital license linked to a Microsoft account makes this process much easier:
Run Activation Troubleshooter
Go to Settings > System > Activation, then click 'Troubleshoot' if activation failed.
Select 'I changed hardware on this device recently'
This option appears after signing in with your Microsoft account.
Select Your Device
Choose your current device from the list of devices linked to your account.
Confirm Reactivation
Check 'This is the device I'm using right now' and click Activate.
Note: This process works best with Retail licenses. OEM licenses tied to specific hardware may not transfer after major hardware changes.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Here are solutions to common digital license problems:
'Windows is not activated' after reinstall
Wait 24-48 hours for automatic activation. Ensure you're connected to the internet. Try running the Activation Troubleshooter in Settings > System > Activation.
slmgr /atoDigital license not linked to Microsoft account
Sign in with a Microsoft account (not a local account) to automatically link your digital license. Go to Settings > Accounts and sign in.
Activation troubleshooter doesn't show my device
Ensure you're signed in with the same Microsoft account that was linked to the license. The device must have been previously linked while activated.
'Unable to reach Windows activation servers'
Check your internet connection. Disable VPN if active. Try again later as Microsoft servers may be temporarily unavailable.
slmgr /atoError 0xC004F034 - Invalid product key
Your digital license may not match your Windows edition. Ensure you installed the same edition (Home/Pro) that your license covers.
slmgr /dliUseful Activation Commands
These commands can help diagnose and manage your digital license:
slmgr /xprCheck license expiration statusslmgr /dliDisplay license informationslmgr /dlvDisplay detailed license infoslmgr /atoAttempt online activationslmgr /rearmReset licensing status (limited uses)Frequently Asked Questions
Can I transfer my digital license to a new PC?
It depends on your license type. Retail digital licenses can be transferred to a new PC by first deactivating on the old device. OEM licenses (from pre-installed Windows) are tied to the original hardware and cannot be transferred.
What happens to my digital license if my hard drive fails?
Your digital license is stored on Microsoft's servers, not your hard drive. After replacing the drive and reinstalling Windows, it should automatically activate if your hardware hasn't changed significantly.
Do I need internet to use a digital license?
You need internet access for the initial activation. After that, Windows will work offline, but you'll need internet periodically (roughly every 180 days) to verify your license status.
Can I convert a product key to a digital license?
Yes. When you activate Windows with a product key, it's automatically converted to a digital license. You can then link it to your Microsoft account for easier management.
What's the difference between a digital license and a product key?
A product key is a 25-character code you enter to activate Windows. A digital license is an activation method that doesn't require a key - it's tied to your hardware and stored online. Both result in a fully activated Windows.
Why does my activation status say 'digital license' but not 'linked to Microsoft account'?
You're using a local account instead of a Microsoft account. To link your license, go to Settings > Accounts and sign in with a Microsoft account.
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