Using a Windows 10 Activation Key for a Clean Install of Windows 11

Users planning to upgrade or reinstall Windows 11 often wonder if a Windows 10 activation key would work for a clean install. There have been various questions about compatibility and activation due to the differences between Windows 10 and Windows 11. This article seeks to determine if a Windows 10 product key can activate Windows 11 during clean install or reinstallation.

Can a Windows 10 Key Be Used to Activate Windows 11?

In most situations, yes; a Windows 10 valid activation key can install and activate Windows 11. Microsoft allows the activation key for Windows 10 to be used in activating Windows 11 as long as the edition of Windows 11 corresponds with the original Windows 10 license.

So Windows 10 Home key can activate Windows 11 Home whereas Windows 10 Pro key can activate Windows 11 Pro; other special editions such as Enterprise will have their license given correspondingly. This applies, whether upgrading, clean installation, or reinstalling Windows 11 on the same PC.

How To Clean Install Windows 11 Using A Windows 10 Key

If doing a clean install for Windows 11, please follow these steps to apply the Windows 10 activation key:

Step 1: Create Windows 11 Installation Media

Download Windows 11 Installation Media Creation Tool from the Microsoft website.

Run the tool to create a bootable USB or download an ISO file.

Step 2: Clean Install

Get into your PC by booting in Windows 11 USB installation media.

Follow instructions on-screen. When prompted, select Custom Install.

When prompted for the product key, enter the Windows 10 activation key, or you may skip it by selecting “I don’t have a product key” and activate later.

Step 3: Activation

Windows 11 will automatically activate with internet access if you have a valid Windows 10 key.

Activation should be retried by entering the Windows 10 key manually from:

Settings > System > Activation > Change Product Key

What If My Windows 10 Key Does Not Work?

If your Windows 10 key did not activate installation on Windows 11, check the following:

Check License Type: OEM keys may be tied to specific hardware and thus may not be transferable.

Check that the edition matches: A Windows 10 Home key will not activate Windows 11 Pro.

Sign In to Your Microsoft Account: If you had activated Windows 11 on the same device previously, it would automatically activate upon signing in to your Microsoft account.

Conclusion:

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