how do I confirm Windows 11 digital license is linked to my MS account or device

Question

I have a Surface Pro-8. Settings indicate the current Windows 11 version is a digital license but gives no other info. I wish to re-install a fresh version of Windows 11 (because the KB5029263 update still fails after ALL "fixes" advised in this MS forum and external advice ... another frustrating story !#%!) The Surface was a gift, new, out-of-the-box. I don't recall all the steps during startup, and my MS account only shows subscription info. I want to ensure that I won't be dinged for the purchase cost for a re-install, and that ensure the digital license is linked to my MS account or device. Please advise

Answer 1

If your Surface Pro 8 came with Windows 11 pre-installed, it should have a digital license associated with it. A digital license is a method of activation in Windows 11 that doesn’t require you to enter a product key. If you signed in with a Microsoft account during the initial setup of your Surface Pro 8, the digital license should be linked to your Microsoft account. You can check if your digital license is linked to your Microsoft account by going to Start > Settings > System > About, and then selecting the “Activation” tab. Under “Activation,” it should say “Windows is activated with a digital license linked to your Microsoft account.”

If you need to reinstall Windows 11 on your Surface Pro 8, you can do so without having to purchase a new license. You can reset your PC by going to Start > Settings > System > Recovery, and then selecting “Reset this PC.” This will give you the option to either keep or remove your personal files while reinstalling Windows 11. If you prefer to perform a clean install of Windows 11 using installation media, you can do so by following the instructions provided by Microsoft Support.

If you continue to have trouble with the KB5029263 update, you may want to try running the Windows Update troubleshooter or contacting Microsoft Support for further assistance.