how to activate windows and where to buy a product key

Hi oliver Thomson.

Thanks for choosing Microsoft Community.

In your description, you want to purchase Windows and get a product key to activate Windows.

Thank you for choosing Windows. Currently there are 2 ways to activate Windows, through a digital license and a product key.

Before purchasing, please make sure your computer meets the requirements for the version of Windows you wish to purchase.

Here are the system requirements for Windows 11

Windows 11 Specs and System Requirements | Microsoft

After you have confirmed the version of Windows you need to purchase, you can purchase a Windows digital license or product key online through the Microsoft Store website, here is the link to purchase Windows 11

How to Get Windows 11 for Your Compatible PC | Microsoft

I noticed that you purchased a used PC, we recommend that you reinstall a clean copy of Windows and then activate the new Windows with your digital license or product key.

Please note that the reinstalled version of Windows needs to match the product key/digital license to be purchased.

Here is the link to reinstall Windows 11

Windows 11 Clean Installation

Disclaimer: At this point, we have exhausted all troubleshooting and I recommend that we try to perform a clean install to get your computer back into a working condition. Please ensure that you backup any important data, including Documents, Pictures, Videos, and more.

After reinstalling Windows, we recommend that you activate Windows in the following way

If you purchased a product key, you can right-click the Start button, select Settings, then click System>Activation, and then here, click Change product key or follow the prompts to complete the activation.

If you purchased a digital license, please right-click the Start button, select Settings, click Accounts>Your info (or System info), and then log in with the Microsoft account you purchased the digital license from, associate this Microsoft account to a local account, and after this, the system will be activated automatically.

Of course, you can also purchase it through the website of your trusted Windows authorized e-reseller, and pay attention to make sure that the merchant is reputable and provides sufficient after-sales service before purchasing to avoid some unexpected situations.

Thank you for your understanding and support.

Best regards,

Zev - MSFT | Microsoft Community Support Specialist

Hi, I am an Independent Advisor.

Let me help you with this issue.

I understand you want to know where you can buy a Windows 11 license.

This came from Microsoft Support.

"First-time installation and activation on a new device or motherboard

If you are installing Windows on a new device or motherboard for the first time and you do not have a product key, select I don't have a product key during the installation setup screens. When prompted, enter the Microsoft account you want to use to purchase a digital license for this device. Once the setup screens are completed and Windows has finished installing, go to activation settings: Select the Start button, and then select Settings > System > Activation. Then select Open Store to purchase a digital license to activate Windows."

Source link: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/act...