Complete Manual to Activate Windows 10 and 11 with OEM Key

1. Check the Version of Windows Installed

It is critical that the version installed on your device matches the edition of the OEM key you have. For example, if you have a Windows 10 Pro key, make sure the version is installed Windows 10 Pro and not Home or another edition.

1. Access system settings:
   • Right click on the button Start and select Configuration.
   • Go to System > About.
2. Check the installed Windows edition:
   • In the “Windows Specifications” section, verify that the edition matches your OEM key.

2. Normal Online Activation

This is the standard method to activate Windows with an OEM key, provided you have Internet access and the key is ready to be activated.

1. Internet connection:
   • Make sure you are connected to a stable network, as Windows requires connecting to Microsoft activation servers.
2. Open Activation Settings:
   • Go to Start > Configuration > Update and Security > Activation.
3. Enter Product Key:
   • Click on Change product key.
   • In the pop-up window, enter your 25-character OEM key and click Following.
4. Online Activation:
   • Windows will automatically attempt to activate online. If the key is valid and compatible with your device, you will receive a message confirming successful activation.

Possible Common Errors

• Error 0xC004C008: This error may be due to a connection issue or an internal error in the activation process. If you see this error, try the following phone activation method.
• Connection error: Make sure you are connected to the Internet and that your firewall or antivirus is not blocking activation.

3. Phone Activation Using SLUI 4 (For Error 0xC004C008 or Other Network Issues)

Activation by phone is a great option if you encounter problems with online activation. Using the command SLUI 4Windows will generate an installation code that you can activate with the help of Microsoft support.

1. Open the Telephone Activation Tool with SLUI 4:
   • Press Windows + R to open the dialog box Execute.
   • Writes SLUI 4 and press Enter.
   • This will open the phone activation window.
2. Select Country or Region:
   • A list of countries will appear. Select your country to get the local activation phone number.
3. Call Microsoft Support Number:
   • Use the phone number provided on screen to contact the automatic activation system.
   • The call may be automatic or an agent will answer in some cases.
4. Enter the Installation Code:
   • On the activation screen you will see a Installation ID multi-digit code (divided into blocks of numbers). This is the code that the automated system or support agent will ask you for.
5. Receive the Confirmation Code:
   • After you provide the Installation ID, you will receive a Confirmation ID.
6. Enter the Confirmation Code in Windows:
   • Write the Confirmation ID in the phone activation window on your device and click Activate Windows.
   • If the process is completed successfully, you will see an activation confirmation.

4. Activation Using CMD (Command Prompt)

This method is useful for advanced users or in cases where the activation interface is experiencing issues.

1. Open CMD as Administrator:
   • Right click on the button Start and select Command Prompt (Admin) either Windows Terminal (Administrator).
2. Enter the Command to Install the OEM Key:
   • Type the following command to enter the OEM key:
   • slmgr.vbs /ipk YOUR-OEM-KEY
   • Replaces YOUR-OEM-KEY with your 25-character product key and press Enter.
   • This command will install the key on your system.
3. Activate Windows Online:
   • Enter the following command to activate online:
   • slmgr.vbs /ato
   • Windows will attempt to connect to the activation servers and complete the process. If the system displays a success message, your Windows is activated.

5. Check Activation Status in Settings

To confirm that the operating system is activated correctly:

1. Go to Start > Configuration > Update and Security > Activation.
2. A message should appear here that says «Windows is activated».

Useful Links and Resources

• Microsoft Support Page for Activation: Information about issues and activation options.
• Download Windows Update Assistant: If you need to reinstall Windows before activation or to get the correct version.

Endnotes

Please note that an OEM key is tied to the hardware of the device, specifically the motherboard. If you decide to change the motherboard, the key may no longer be valid and you may need to get a new key or perform a phone activation.

Advice: Always keep your OEM key in a safe place, as you may need it in the future for reinstallations or if you change hardware.