Install and activate Windows 11 and 10: create a USB drive, enter the key

For a clean installation you need a PC with an internet connection, an empty USB flash drive with at least 8 GB and the 25-character product key from your order (format XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX). Back up your files first.

If Windows is already running and you only want to activate or change the edition, go straight to step 3.

1. Create installation media

1. Open Microsoft’s download page for Windows 11 (microsoft.com/software-download) and, under Create Windows 11 Installation Media, choose Download Now.
2. Run MediaCreationTool.exe and follow the wizard: choose language and edition, select USB flash drive, pick the drive.

For Windows 10 there is a separate Media Creation Tool on the same Microsoft page. For Enterprise, LTSC and IoT editions you receive the matching ISO file with your order, if the offer states it. How to turn it into a USB drive is explained in the guide
USB drive from an ISO file with Rufus.

2. Install Windows

1. Insert the USB flash drive and boot the PC from it (the manufacturer’s boot menu, usually F12, F11, F8 or Esc when switching on).
2. Choose language and keyboard, then Install now.
3. Enter the product key when prompted. You can also skip this step and enter the key after the installation.
4. Choose the edition that matches your key, for example Windows 11 Pro.

3. Activate

1. Open Settings > System > Activation.
2. Choose Change product key and enter the 25-character key.
3. Windows activates online. The status then shows “Windows is activated”.

After activation the device receives a digital license. If you later reinstall the same edition on the same device, Windows activates without entering the key again.

Frequently asked questions

My PC does not meet the requirements for Windows 11. Windows 11 requires, among other things, TPM 2.0, UEFI with Secure Boot, 4 GB of RAM and 64 GB of storage. Check the requirements before buying or ask our support. All Windows versions are listed under
Operating systems.

Activation reports an error. Check that the installed edition and the key match: a Home key does not activate Pro. If that does not help, contact our support with the error code. If the key is not valid, you can report it.

Sources

Checked on 2026-11-09 against the publisher’s information:

• support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/create-installation-media-for-windows-99a58364-8c02-206f-aa6f-40c3b507420d
• support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/activate-windows-c39005d4-95ee-b91e-b399-2820fda32227
• learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/whats-new/windows-11-requirements