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.
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.
- 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.
- 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.