Can I activate Windows with product ID?
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CauseVideo (English Only) - OEM Windows 10, and Windows 11 Activation (Official Dell Tech Support)Where is the Windows 11, Windows 10, and Windows 8.1 Product Key?Factory-installed Windows 11, Windows 10, and Windows 8.1 computers differ from previous versions of Windows. The product key for Windows was previously attached as a label on the computer. This key could be referenced for activation if the operating system must be reinstalled. For Windows 11, Windows 10, and Windows 8.1 the product key is "injected" onto the computer motherboard at the factory. Installation and activation of Windows see the information in the BIOS of the computer to verify authenticity. Owners of these computers do not need a physical key to input. Identify a Genuine Windows 11, Windows 10, or Windows 8.1 ComputerDell computers that are factory-installed with Windows 11, Windows 10, or Windows 8.1 may carry a logo on the palmrest. This logo verifies that the computer is a Genuine Windows 11, Windows 10, or Windows 8.1 device and has a Product Key on the motherboard. For more on specific labels that Microsoft uses on computer hardware, see Microsoft's How to Tell website. Click the What to look for tab at the top of the page for images and information. Where is the Windows 7 Product Key?Windows 7 computers have one of two options for Product Keys:
For more information about Windows 7 and other versions of Windows, see the Microsoft Knowledge base article Find your Windows product key. Additional informationSee the following information to resolve issues with Windows activation, such as "Windows is Not Genuine" errors.
ResolutionMore information and support for your Windows operating systems can be found on our Windows Support webpage.  NOTE: Offers are only available for US, Canada, UK, France, Germany, China, and Japan personal computer customers. Server and Storage not applicable. Windows 10 can only be activated by connecting to the internet (except for volume-license versions of Windows 10). Windows 10 cannot be activated over the phone. If a system has a Digital Product Key that was injected into the system BIOS during the manufacturing process, Windows 10 will use that key to activate Windows 10 on that specific system. Activation is automatic when connected to the internet. All HP systems sold with Windows 10 will include a Digital Product Key in the BIOS. If the system does not have a DPK in the BIOS, a Product Key can be manually entered and Windows 10 will use that Product Key to activate. Activation is automatic when connected to the internet if the user has already typed in the Product Key. Digital Product Keys and retail Product Keys are unique and can only be used to activate one system. If the system cannot be connected to the internet and activated, the system is in the 'Deferred Activation' state. Windows 10 can be used normally while in 'Deferred Activation'. No message is displayed on the desktop indicating that Windows is not activated. A system with a valid DPK or Product Key will activate automatically when connected to the internet. On rare occasions, it is possible to connect a system with a valid DPK to the internet, but not activate Windows. By connecting to the internet, Windows will be taken out of 'Deferred Activation' and will expect to be activated. The system will display a light grey message in the lower right corner of the desktop stating that Windows is not activated. Also, various personalization features are turned off, for example, the user cannot change the desktop background. The easiest fix is connecting the system to the internet, ensuring it has access to Microsoft, and allowing the system time to activate. If the system does not have a valid DPK or Product Key, Windows 10 cannot be activated on the system.
Can I activate Windows 10 with my old product ID?If Windows 10 wasn't pre-installed on your device when purchased and you used a product key to upgrade to Windows 10, then you'll need that same product key after the hardware change. Select the Start button, then select Settings > Update & Security > Activation > Change Product Key, then enter the product key.
Is product ID the activation key?They are not. The product ID is used to determine the level of service you are entitled to, whereas the product key is used to pair your license with your PC and validate its authenticity.
What is Windows product ID used for?A Windows product key is a 25-character code used to activate Windows.
Is product key and product ID the same thing?Alternatively known as an activation code, CD key, license key, product id, registration key, and serial key, a product key is a group of numbers and letters for preventing software piracy.
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