How to change product key in windows

Windows 10 requires activation to verify you’re running a genuine copy; a unique product key is used to ensure the a single licensed copy of Windows isn’t being used on more than are allowed.

Occasionally, you may have to change the product key. If you’re getting Windows 10 for the first time and a product key wasn’t provided during the installation, or a generic key was used to upgrade, you’ll need a new valid product key to activate the operating system.

In this Windows 10 guide, you’ll learn five ways to bring up the Windows activation tool to change the product key on your computer.

How to change Windows 10’s product key using Settings
How to change Windows 10’s product key using Control Panel
How to change Windows 10’s product key using Command Prompt
How to change Windows 10’s product key using SLUI 3
How to change Windows 10’s product key using CHANGEPK

How to change Windows 10’s product key using Settings

Open Settings.
Click on Update & security.
Click on Activation.
Click the Change product key link.

Type the 25-digit product key for the version of Windows 10 you want.
Click Next to complete the process.

If the activation process completes successfully, you’ll get the «Windows is activated» message.

How to change Windows 10’s product key using Control Panel

Use the Windows key + X keyboard shortcut to open the Power User menu and select System.
Click the Change product key link under the Windows activation section.

Type the 25-digit product key for the version of Windows 10 you want.
Click Next to complete the process.

Similar to the Settings app, if the activation process completes successfully, you’ll get the «Windows is activated» message.

How to change Windows 10’s product key using Command Prompt

Open the Start menu.
Search for Command Prompt.
Right-click the result and select Run as administrator.
Type the following command using your 25-digit product key and press Enter:slmgr.vbs /ipk <enter your 25-digit product key here>

If you typed the product key correctly and the process completes successfully, you’ll see a dialog box reading «Installed product key YOURP-RODUC-TKEYX-XXXXX-XXXXX successfully.»

How to change Windows 10’s product key using SLUI 3

Use the Windows key + R keyboard shortcut to open the Run command.
Type slui.exe 3 and click OK to open the Windows activation client.
Type the 25-digit product key for the version of Windows 10 you want.

Click Next to complete the task.

If the activation process completes successfully, you’ll get the «Windows is activated» message.

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How to change Windows 10’s product key using CHANGEPK

Use the Windows key + R keyboard shortcut to open the Run command.
Type changepk.exe and click OK to open the Windows activation client.
Enter the 25-digit product key for the version of Windows 10 you want.

Click Next to complete the task.

If the activation process completes successfully, you’ll get the «Windows is activated» message.

Alternatively, you can use change the product key using changepk.exe using the Command Prompt as well. Here’s how:

Open the Start menu.
Search for Command Prompt.
Right-click the result and select Run as administrator.
Type the following command using your 25-digit product key and press Enter:changepk.exe /ProductKey <enter your 25-digit product key here>

Wrapping things up

While for the most part, you’ll be using the Settings app to change the product key on Windows 10, if the option isn’t available or if you’re looking to create a script to change the product key on your computer, it’s good to have different alternatives.

If you’re trying to upgrade the operating system by purchasing a new license from the Windows Store, everything regarding the product key will be handled automatically for you.

Also, remember that you must be signed in with an administrator account to change your system’s product key, and you’ll need an internet connection to complete the activation.

In the case, you recently made significant hardware changes to your PC, and Windows 10 won’t activate, you can use the Activation Troubleshooter to re-activate your copy of Windows 10.

Although this guide is specific to Windows 10, the Control Panel, slui.exe, and slmgr.vbs methods that we’re showing you here will work to change the product key on Windows 8.1 or Windows 7.

More Windows 10 resources

For more help articles, coverage, and answers on Windows 10, you can visit the following resources:

Windows 10 on Windows Central – All you need to know
Windows 10 help, tips, and tricks
Windows 10 forums on Windows Central

Mauro Huculak has been a Windows How-To Expert contributor for WindowsCentral.com for nearly a decade and has over 15 years of experience writing comprehensive guides. He also has an IT background and has achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft, Cisco, VMware, and CompTIA. He has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years.

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Generally, Windows PCs need activation to verify you are running an authentic and genuine copy. So a unique product key is used to ensure that a single licensed copy of Windows is not being used elsewhere.

Multiple circumstances might arise that require you to change product key in Windows. Like,

Getting Windows 10/11 for the first time where a product key wasn’t provided during the installation.
The current product key is invalid or pirated.
You need to upgrade your current Windows edition.
Your system was upgraded using a generic key.

Hence, you will require a new and valid product key to activate your OS.

Windows PCs have multiple ways to help you change product keys easily. Here we are sharing the top 5 ways to enable you to bring up the Windows activation tool and change the product keys on your PC without reinstalling your Windows OS.

So stay tuned and read ahead to go through the best ways and their detailed steps for greater convenience.

Top 5 Ways to Change Product Key in Windows 10/11

Here are the quick and straightforward five solutions to help you change the product key in Windows without reinstalling the OS with ease.

Solution 1: Change Product Key in Settings
Solution 2: Change Product Key in Command Prompt
Solution 3: Change Product Key in System Properties
Solution 4: Change product key via SLUI.exe 3
Solution 5: Change product key through Changepk.exe

Solution 1: Change Product Key in Settings

You can use the built-in Settings option on your PC to change product key in Windows 11 and 10. Follow the below-given steps to change and activate the new product key.

Steps:

Click the Start menu and select the Settings option.
Click on the Update and Security icon.
Open the Activation page.
Now under the Update product key section, click the link to Change product key.
Click the Yes button on seeing the User Account Control prompt.
Type to enter the 25-digit new product key for the Windows 10 edition.
Finally, click the Next button to connect to the Microsoft activation servers and activate your Windows copy using the newly entered product key.

Solution 2: Change Product Key in Command Prompt

Windows PCs also support the Command Prompt tool to change product key in Windows. You can go through the below-given easy and quick process to change your product key through the Command Prompt.

use command prompt to change windows product key

Steps:

Open the Command Prompt as administrator by typing CMD in the Start or taskbar search bar and right-clicking on the Command Prompt entry in the opened search results. Tap the Run as administrator option.
Alternatively, you can press the Windows logo and X keys together and tap the A key on the keyboard.
Next, run and execute the following Command line and tap Enter.

slmgr.vbs -ipk

Once the product key is changed, you will see a message stating, «Installed product key successfully.»

Solution 3: Change Product Key in System Properties

Using the System properties option, you can easily change product key in Windows 10 and 11. Simply check and follow the process mentioned below to change and activate your new product key.

Steps:

Open the System Properties window by tapping and right-clicking on the This PC icon on your desktop. Then select Properties. Alternatively, you can click the shortcut keys Windows and Pause Break together.
Next, tap the Change product key link (located under the Windows activation section).
Then, click the Yes button once you see the screen for User Account Control.
Finally, once you see the Enter a product key screen, type in your Windows 10 product key and then hit the Enter key on the keyboard.

Windows will automatically connect to the Microsoft activation servers and activate your license if the product key is valid.

🔎Read Also: Find Windows 10 Product Key Using CMD

Solution 4: Change product key via SLUI.exe 3

Now use the SLUI command to change product key in Windows PCs. To do so, you must go through the process below to glance at the smooth steps.

Steps:

Press the shortcut keys Windows + R to open the Run command dialog box.
Now type slui.exe 3 and hit OK to open the Windows activation client.
Tap the Yes button (if you get a prompt for the User Account Control.
Now, in the Enter a product key dialog, type and enter the 25-digit new product key for the Windows version you need.
Finally, click the Next button to change the product key.

Once the activation process is complete and successful, you will receive a message stating Windows is activated.

Solution 5: Change Product Key Through Changepk.exe

Using the changepk.exe, you can easily change product key in Windows PCs. Here are the two methods to use the changepk.exe command to change and activate your new product key.

Steps:

Open the Run command using the Windows key and R keyboard shortcut.
Now type changepk.exe and hit the OK option to open the Windows activation client.
Now, enter the 25-digit product key for the Windows 10 edition you need and click Enter.
Finally, click the Next button to complete the task.

Once the activation process is complete, you will get the message Windows is activated.

Alternatively, you can also use change.pk through the Command Prompt:

Open the Start menu option and search for the Command Prompt.
Next, right-click the opened result and select Run as administrator.
Now type the following command using your 25-digit product key and hit the Enter key.

changepk.exe /ProductKey

Conclusion

It would be best to change the product key immediately in case of any doubt of an invalid or pirated key. Fortunately, Windows offers numerous solutions, the most in-demand method being to hit the Settings app.

However, if you want to create a script to change the Windows product key on your PC, you can check the multiple available alternatives. We have already guided you with the best and simplest five ways to change product key in Windows PCs.

But before making any changes to your system’s product key, ensure that you are signed in with the administrator account and have access to an active internet connection.

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Table of contents

How to Enter the Windows 10 Product Key?
- Option 1. Change your product key in Windows 10 via your system settings menu
- Option 2. Change the Windows 10 product key via the Settings app
- Option 3. Change your Windows 10 product key via Control Panel
- Option 4. Run slui.exe to enter your product key
- Option 5. Run changepk.exe to input your product key in Windows 10
- Option 6. Change the Win 10 product key using Command Prompt
How to Change Your Product Key in Windows 8?
- Option 1. Use Control Panel
- Option 2. Use Command Prompt
How to Change Your Product Key in Windows 8.1
How to Change the Product Key on Windows 7?
- Option 1. Configure your PC properties
- Option 2. Use your Command Prompt
Ways to Change Product Key in Windows 7, 8, 10

It is a wise idea to keep your Windows product key handy: you can use it to upgrade your OS to a newer version or to activate your Windows should the need arise.

The good news is, changing the product key in your OS, be it Windows 7, 8, 8.1, or 10, is a simple and straightforward procedure. So, if the question, “How to re-enter my Windows product key?” is the reason you ended up on this page, you should move on to the instructions below and carry out what is stated there.

How to Enter the Windows 10 Product Key?

If you are running Windows 10, you can rest easy knowing that Microsoft has done its utmost to simplify the procedure you are willing to perform. There are no fewer than 6 ways to reach your system settings and change your product key in Windows 10. To begin with, make sure you are signed in as an administrator. If you are, feel free to choose any of the following methods:

Simultaneously press the Windows logo and X keys. This shortcut is designed to evoke the Quick Access menu in Windows 10.
Select System from the menu.
From the left-pane menu, select the About option.

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Картинка с сайта: www.auslogics.com

Navigate to the right pane.
Scroll down until you arrive at the Change product key or upgrade your edition of Windows link. Click this link to continue.
You will be taken to the Activation screen.
From the right pane, select Change product key.

Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the process.

Option 2. Change the Windows 10 product key via the Settings app

Press the Windows logo key + I keyboard shortcut.
Select Update & Security.

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Move down to the Activation option.
Click Change product key.
Enter your product key and follow the instructions to complete your task.

Option 3. Change your Windows 10 product key via Control Panel

Click on the Windows logo icon that is always present on your taskbar.
Select Control Panel. Then click on System and Security.

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Картинка с сайта: www.auslogics.com

Click on System to proceed.
Navigate to the Windows activation section.
Locate and click the Change product key link.

Do what you are asked to get the job done.

Also read: Windows 10 Control Panel: Where to Find It and How to Use It

Option 4. Run slui.exe to enter your product key

Press the Windows logo key + R shortcut in order to evoke the Run app.
Once Run is up, type slui.exe and click OK or hit the Enter key.
Enter your 25-digit product key and press Enter.

Option 5. Run changepk.exe to input your product key in Windows 10

Open the Run app by pressing the Windows logo and R keys.
Tap in changepk.exe and click OK.
Now you can enter your product key.

Also read: Windows Command Prompt: 28 Most Useful CMD Commands [With Examples]

Option 6. Change the Win 10 product key using Command Prompt

Press the Windows logo key + X shortcut.
From the quick-access menu, select Command Prompt (Admin).
Type slmgr.vbs /ipk <Your Windows product key> and hit Enter.

You have successfully entered your Windows 10 product key.

Also read: How to Link Windows 10 Product Key to a Microsoft Account?

How to Change Your Product Key in Windows 8?

Option 1. Use Control Panel

The easiest way to change your product key in Windows 8 is via Control Panel. These are the instructions for you to follow:

Open your Start menu and locate Control Panel. Click on it.
Click on System and Security. Then select System.
Click Get more features with a new edition of Windows.
Select I already have a product key.
Then enter your product key and click on Next.

Option 2. Use Command Prompt

You can also change your product key in Windows 8 via an elevated Command Prompt window. Here is how:

Press the Windows logo + X keyboard combination.
Select Command Prompt (admin).
Type the following: slmgr.vbs -ipk <Your Windows product key>.
Press Enter. After your new product key has been validated, you are good to go.

How to Change Your Product Key in Windows 8.1

This set of instructions is for those running Windows 8.1:

Press the Windows logo + W keyboard shortcut.
Once the Charms bar is up, move to the search area and tap in PC settings.
Select PC and devices and proceed to PC info.
There, you can enter or change your product key.

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How to Change the Product Key on Windows 7?

Is it possible to change the Windows 7 product key? If you are looking for the answer to this question, you have come to the right place. The answer is yes, definitely.

Option 1. Configure your PC properties

Open your Start menu.
Right-click Computer.
Click Properties.
Select Change Product Key.
Finally, enter your new product key and click Next.

Option 2. Use your Command Prompt

Open your Start menu.
Locate Search and type cmd.
Select Command Prompt (Admin) from the search results. If this option is not available, right-click Command Prompt and choose to run it with administrative privileges.
Type C:\Windows\System32> slmgr.vbs -ipk <Your Windows product key>. Press Enter.
To activate your Windows, type C:\Windows\System32> slmgr.vbs -ato. Press Enter.

Also read: How to fix Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) Errors in Windows 7?

Ways to Change Product Key in Windows 7, 8, 10

Keeping your Windows product key handy is essential for upgrading your OS or reactivating it if needed. Fortunately, changing the product key in Windows 7, 8, 8.1, or 10 is a straightforward process. You can easily update your product key via system settings, the Control Panel, Command Prompt, or specialized commands.

If you are having issues changing your Windows product key, do not hesitate to leave a comment below. We will do our utmost to help you!

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Download Windows Speedup Tool to fix errors and make PC run faster

You may for some reason need to change your Windows 11/10 product license key – maybe you want to upgrade your copy of Windows to a higher version, or maybe you want to change the default setup product key to a Multiple Activation Key. Follow these steps if you want to change your Windows product key.

1] Via Settings

In Windows 11, to change the product license key:

Open Windows 11 Settings
Open System settings
On the right side select Activation
There you will see the Change product key section
Click on Change
Enter the product key in the dialog box and click on Next to activate the new license key.

In Windows 10, to change the product license key:

Fix: Change product key link not available in Windows 7/8/10

Open Windows 10 Settings
Open Update and security settings
Select Activation
There on the right side, you will see the Change product key section
Enter the product key in the dialog box and click on Next to activate the new license key.

2] Via Control Panel

Follow these steps to change your product key in Windows 11/10/8. Open the System properties applet in the Control Panel as follows: Control Panel> System and Security > System. You may also open the Win+X menu and select System. Click on Get more features with a new edition of Windows.

The following window will open. Click on I already have a product key.

Enter the product key and click on Next. Windows will now validate and then accept the key.

3] Using Command Prompt

You can also change the Windows 11/10 product key by typing the following in an elevated command prompt and hitting Enter:

slmgr.vbs -ipk <Your new Windows product key>

Read: How to Find Product Key in Windows.

Activate Windows 11/10

Microsoft has simplified this process in Windows 11/10, and all you need to do is open Control Panel and navigate to System and Security > Action Center > Windows Activation. If you have not entered your Product License Key and/or not activated your copy of Windows, you will see a note to this effect in the Action Center. Click on the link to enter your License Key and Activate it. Make sure you are connected to the Internet.

You can also type slmgr.vbs -ato in the elevated CMD to activate your copy of Windows.

You can get more information here on how to activate any version of Windows. Once activated, you may wish to view the Licensing Status and Activation ID of your Windows OS with slmgr.vbs.

Related: Windows Server Change Product Key not working.

Change your product key in Windows 7

If you wish to change your product key in Windows 7, click the Start button > Right-click Computer, and then select Properties.

Scroll down to the bottom of the window. Under Windows activation, click on Change product key.

Then follow the instructions to change your product key and activate your copy of Windows 7.

This post will help you if you want to uninstall the Windows Product Key.

Anand Khanse is the Admin of TheWindowsClub.com, a 10-year Microsoft MVP (2006-16) & a Windows Insider MVP (2016-2022). Please read the entire post & the comments first, create a System Restore Point before making any changes to your system & be careful about any 3rd-party offers while installing freeware.

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Are you looking to change your Windows 11 product key? Whether you’re upgrading from a previous version, transferring your license, or just seeking a new activation key, the process can seem daunting. Thankfully, it can be done with ease if you follow the right steps. This article will guide you through the process of changing your product key in Windows 11, ensuring you have a valid and activated version of the operating system.

Understanding Windows Activation

Before delving into the steps to change your product key, it’s crucial to understand the importance of Windows activation. Activation is a process that verifies your copy of Windows is genuine and hasn’t been used on more devices than the Microsoft Software License Terms allow.

A product key, typically 25 characters long and divided into five groups of five characters each, acts as a unique identifier for your copy of Windows. Without a valid product key, you may encounter limitations, such as reduced functionality, watermarks on your desktop, and restricted access to updates and features.

Scenarios for Changing Your Product Key

Several situations may necessitate a change of product key in Windows 11:

Upgrading from a Previous Version: If you’re upgrading from a prior version of Windows to Windows 11, you might need to enter a new product key to activate the newer version.
Transferring License: If you’ve purchased a new device and want to transfer your Windows license from your old one, changing the product key is essential.
Using a Different Version: If you have acquired a different version of Windows (such as upgrading from Home to Pro), you’ll need to apply a new product key.
Resolving Activation Issues: If you’re facing problems with activation, it may be necessary to enter a new product key to resolve those issues.

Steps to Change Your Product Key in Windows 11

Method 1: Using the Settings App

Changing your product key through Windows settings is one of the easiest methods. Follow these steps:

Open Settings: Click on the Start button, then select the gear icon to open the Settings app. Alternatively, you can press Windows + I to open the Settings directly.
Navigate to System: In the Settings window, click on the «System» section in the left sidebar.
Access Activation: Scroll down, and click on «Activation» to open the activation settings for Windows.
Change Product Key: In the Activation window, look for the «Change product key» option. Click on this link.
Enter New Key: A new window will open prompting you to enter a product key. Type in your new 25-character product key in the provided field.
Continue the Process: After entering the new key, click «Next.» Windows will validate the key, and if it’s valid, you’ll be prompted to proceed with the activation.
Restart If Necessary: Depending on the nature of the change, Windows may require a restart to complete the activation process.
Check Activation Status: After your device restarts, return to the Activation settings to confirm that Windows is activated.

Method 2: Using Command Prompt

If you prefer to use the command line or if the Settings app is inaccessible for some reason, you can change your product key via Command Prompt. This method is especially useful for advanced users.

Open Command Prompt as Administrator: Type «cmd» in the Start menu search bar. Right-click on «Command Prompt» from the search results, and select «Run as administrator.»
Enter the Product Key: In the Command Prompt window, type the following command, replacing «XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX» with your new product key:
```
slmgr.vbs /ipk XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX
```
Activate Windows: After entering the new product key, run the activation command by typing:
```
slmgr.vbs /ato
```
This command activates Windows using the newly entered product key.
Check Activation Status: To check your activation status, you can use the following command:
```
slmgr.vbs /xpr
```
This command will display a message indicating whether Windows is activated and whether the license is permanent.

Method 3: Using Windows PowerShell

Similar to Command Prompt, you can also change your product key using Windows PowerShell.

Open PowerShell as Administrator: Search for «PowerShell» in the Start menu. Right-click and select «Run as administrator.»
Enter the New Product Key: Type the following command in PowerShell, replacing «XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX» with your new product key:
```
slmgr /ipk XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX
```
Activate Windows: Activate Windows by entering the following command:
```
slmgr /ato
```
Check Activation Status: Confirm your activation status with:
```
slmgr /xpr
```

Method 4: Using the Registry Editor (Advanced Users)

For users familiar with advanced administrative tools, the Windows Registry Editor can facilitate product key changes. However, exercise caution, as incorrect modifications to the registry can lead to system instability.

Open Registry Editor: Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog. Type regedit and hit Enter. If prompted by User Account Control, click Yes.

Navigate to the Product Key Path: Locate the following registry key:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREMicrosoftWindows NTCurrentVersionSoftwareProtectionPlatform

Modify the Product Key: Look for the value entry named «ProductId» or «DigitalProductId.» This entry contains your current product key information. To change it, you might have to create a backup of this key and then manually input the new product key entries if you’re well-versed in how to do this.
Restart Your Computer: After making changes, it’s advisable to restart your computer to ensure the changes take effect.
Verify Activation: Once your computer is back on, check your activation status through the Settings app or using Command Prompt/PowerShell as previously mentioned.

Troubleshooting Activation Issues

If you encounter any problems while changing your product key or during the activation process, here are some troubleshooting tips:

Ensure Internet Connection: A stable internet connection is required to activate Windows. Check your connection settings if you experience issues.
Verify Product Key: Double-check that you’re entering the correct product key. Ensure there are no typos or mistakes in the characters you input.
Use the Right Key: Make sure the product key corresponds to the correct edition of Windows you are trying to activate. For instance, a Windows 10 Pro key will not work for Windows 11 Home edition.
Check Activation Server Status: Sometimes, Microsoft’s activation servers may be down. If you suspect this is the case, you can check the service status online or wait and try again later.
Contact Microsoft Support: If you’ve tried all the steps mentioned and still encounter issues, consider reaching out to Microsoft Support for assistance. They can provide additional guidance and troubleshooting steps.

Conclusion

Changing the product key in Windows 11 is a straightforward process, whether you choose to do so through the Settings app, Command Prompt, PowerShell, or advanced methods like the Registry Editor. It’s essential to maintain a valid activation to fully utilize the features and security updates that come with Windows 11.

By following the steps outlined above, you can seamlessly update your product key and keep your operating system fully functional. Remember always to use valid and legitimate product keys sourced directly from Microsoft or authorized retailers to avoid potential future complications. With your Windows 11 properly activated, you can enjoy all the features and security updates that come your way!

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