Set up, upgrade and activate Windows 11

Check the system requirements

Important: Confirm that the computer supports Trusted Platform Module (TPM) version 2.0 or later and meets Microsoft’s other Windows 11 requirements.

Download and install Windows 11

Download Windows 11 from Microsoft’s official page, then follow Microsoft’s instructions for the Installation Assistant, installation media or ISO option that suits your device.

Activate a freshly installed Windows 11 Professional system

1. Turn on automatic updates. In Windows 11, open Start > Settings > Windows Update.
2. Select Check for updates and install every pending update.
3. Restart the computer.
4. Open Start > Settings > System > Activation. Select Change product key, enter your 25-character product key, choose Next, and then select Activate.

Upgrade Windows 11 Home to Professional or Enterprise

1. Type CMD in Windows Search, right-click Command Prompt, and select Run as administrator.
2. To start the Home-to-Professional edition change, enter the generic upgrade command below and press Enter.

3. Allow Windows to restart and complete the edition upgrade.
4. Apply the original product key supplied with your purchase. The generic key changes the edition; it does not activate Windows.

Upgrade Windows 10 to Windows 11

First confirm that the device meets the Windows 11 requirements, including TPM 2.0.

Option 1: Windows Update

1. Open Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and select Check for updates.
2. If Windows displays an “Upgrade to Windows 11 is ready” message, select Download and install.
3. Allow the computer to restart and complete the upgrade.

Option 2: Windows 11 Installation Assistant

1. Open Microsoft’s Windows 11 download page.
2. Under Windows 11 Installation Assistant, select Download now.
3. Run Windows11InstallationAssistant.exe, review the licence terms, and select Accept and install.
4. Restart when the assistant prompts you.

Activate Windows 10 or 11 with Command Prompt

1. Type CMD in Windows Search, right-click Command Prompt, and select Run as administrator.
2. Enter the command below, replacing the X characters with your 25-character product key, and press Enter.

Then enter:

Restart the computer and check the activation status under Settings > System > Activation.

Official Microsoft downloads and additional guides

• Download Windows 10 from Microsoft
• Download Windows 11 from Microsoft
• Windows 10 activation guide
• Windows 11 activation guide