Installing and activating Windows 11 Pro

This guide shows you how to install Windows 11 Pro and activate it with your product key. There are two routes: you can activate an already installed Windows 11 directly in Settings, or you can perform a complete clean installation using the Media Creation Tool.

Your licence key: You received your 25-character product key from us by email after your purchase. If you cannot find the email, please also check your spam folder.

System requirements

Before installing, check that your PC meets the official requirements for Windows 11:

• Processor: 64-bit CPU with at least 1 GHz and 2 cores (must be on Microsoft's compatibility list)
• Memory: at least 4 GB of RAM
• Storage: at least 64 GB
• Firmware: UEFI with Secure Boot enabled
• Security chip: TPM 2.0
• Internet connection: required for activation and initial setup

Tip: With Microsoft's free "PC Health Check" app, you can test in a few seconds whether your device is ready for Windows 11.

Route 1: Activate an existing Windows installation

If your PC is already running Windows 11, there is nothing to reinstall. Simply enter the product key:

1. Press Windows key + I to open Settings.
2. Go to System > Activation.
3. Next to Change product key, click Change.
4. Enter your 25-character product key and confirm with Next.
5. Windows connects to the Microsoft servers and activates automatically.

Upgrading from Windows 11 Home to Pro

The same route also works if Windows 11 Home is currently installed: enter your Pro key in the same place. Windows downloads the Pro features automatically and then restarts your PC. Your files and programs are preserved, but we still recommend backing up important data.

Route 2: Clean installation with the Media Creation Tool

For a new PC without an operating system or a clean reinstallation, first create a bootable USB stick (at least 8 GB of storage).

1. Download the Media Creation Tool from the official Microsoft website (microsoft.com, "Download Windows 11" section). You will also find a direct link to it on our download page.
2. Run the tool, accept the licence terms and select USB flash drive as the media. The tool downloads Windows 11 and makes the stick bootable.
3. Insert the stick into the target PC and restart it. Open the boot menu (depending on the manufacturer, usually F8, F11, F12 or Del) and select the USB stick.
4. Choose your language and keyboard layout and click Install now.
5. Enter your product key when prompted, or click I don't have a product key and activate later via Settings.
6. Make sure you explicitly select Windows 11 Pro as the edition.
7. Follow the wizard through to the desktop. If you have not yet entered the key, do so under System > Activation (see Route 1).

Important note: The installed edition must match the key. A Pro key will not activate Windows 11 Home, so be sure to choose "Windows 11 Pro" in step 6.

Common problems

• Key is not accepted: Check for typos. 'B' and '8' or 'Q' and '0' are often mixed up. Type the key in manually rather than copying it with accidental spaces.
• Wrong edition installed: Check under Settings > System > About which edition is running. If it says "Windows 11 Home", simply enter your Pro key under Activation and Windows will perform the upgrade itself.
• TPM or Secure Boot message: Both features can be enabled in the BIOS/UEFI, usually in the "Security" section. On many devices TPM 2.0 is present but disabled by default.
• Online activation fails: First run the troubleshooter on the Activation page. Alternatively, start phone activation: press Windows key + R, type slui 4 and follow the instructions. This is an automated system, so you do not need to speak to anyone.

Help & support

If activation still does not work, our activation help has solutions for the most common error codes. Alternatively, you can reach our team directly via live chat. Support is free for 90 days from purchase. Please have your order number ready.