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To check which edition of Windows is installed and whether it is activated, open the Activation page in Settings. In Windows 11, go to Settings > System > Activation. In Windows 10, go to Settings > Update & Security > Activation. The page shows your edition and activation details.
Check the edition and activation status in Windows Settings
Windows 11
- Select Start, then open Settings.
- Go to System > Activation.
- Read the edition shown on the page and the message beside Activation state.
Windows 10
- Select Start, then open Settings.
- Go to Update & Security > Activation.
- Read the edition and activation details on the page.
Microsoft documents the separate Settings routes and the edition display on its Windows activation and edition guidance.
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What the edition and activation message tell you
The edition is the installed version of Windows, such as Home or Pro. Activation state tells you whether Windows is activated and may specify that activation uses a digital license linked to your Microsoft account. The exact wording on your device is the status to rely on; Microsoft lists messages such as “Windows is activated,” “Windows is activated with a digital license,” and “Windows is not activated” in its activation guidance.
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Windows activation uses either a product key or a digital license. Microsoft describes a product key as a 25-character code; some purchases and upgrades provide a digital license instead. See Microsoft’s guidance on finding a Windows product key if you already have one.
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Check the Windows version and build separately
The Activation page identifies the edition and licensing state. To see the Windows release version and build, search Start for winver and open the result. Microsoft recommends this check in its activation-error guidance.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.If Windows says it is not activated
An unactivated message does not by itself mean you need to buy Windows. First check that the installed edition matches the license or entitlement you already have. Microsoft states: “Your Windows 11 edition must match your license.” Its Windows 10 activation guidance applies the same edition-matching principle.
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- If you have a product key or digital license, check that it applies to the edition shown on the Activation page.
- If an error appears, note its exact wording or code and check the version and build with winver.
- Follow Microsoft’s guidance for the specific activation error; use the Activation troubleshooter when it is available.
Microsoft explains activation and license matching in its Windows activation guide and provides steps for troubleshooting activation errors.
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