Activation Guide

Windows 10 & Windows 11 (Pro / Home / Server)

1. Open the Activation page
   Start › Settings › System › Activation Support Microsoft.
2. Click Change product key, paste the 25-character code you received by email, and press Next Support MicrosoftSupport Microsoft.
3. Stay online for a few seconds while Windows contacts Microsoft’s servers; you’ll see “Windows is activated” when done Support Microsoft.

Tip: Re-entering the key also re-activates Windows after a major hardware swap like a new motherboard Support Microsoft.

Common errors

• 0xC004F050 – “Key invalid”
  Make sure the edition matches the key (e.g., Pro vs Home) or try again after typing carefully Support MicrosoftSupport Microsoft.
• Not activated after clean install
  Open Settings › System › Activation and run the built-in troubleshooter Support Microsoft.
  More fixes are listed in our FAQ page.

Office 2021 / 2024 (Retail or ISO keys)

1. Install Office from the ISO or Microsoft Account portal.
2. Launch Word (or any app) and you’ll be prompted to enter your product key; paste the code and sign in with your Microsoft account Support Microsoft.
3. The Activation Wizard will confirm “Product Activated”—you’re set!

Redeeming first time? Go to office.com/setup, sign in, and enter the key to link it to your account Support Microsoft.

Microsoft 365 Subscriptions

1. Visit office.com/setup and sign in (or create) your Microsoft account Support Microsoft.
2. Enter the 25-character key, choose your country / language, and click Next.
3. Download the apps and sign in on each device to finish activation.

Need help?

Most issues are solved in under 30 minutes.
• Check additional tips in our FAQ page.
• Email [email protected] or use the live-chat bubble on the Contact page.
• Detailed troubleshooting—including SLMGR command-line options—is covered in Microsoft’s knowledge base How-To Geek.

Why follow these steps?

• They mirror Microsoft’s official activation paths, ensuring the key is validated on Microsoft servers (Windows / Office) Support MicrosoftSupport Microsoft.
• Using the built-in Activation page avoids invalid-key errors and links the licence to your Microsoft account for future reinstalls How-To GeekHow-To Geek.
• Retail Office keys remain transferable—simply deactivate on the old PC and sign in on a new one

Follow the sections above in order, and you’ll have your new software running—fully activated—in just a few minutes.