This guide is for Windows 11 Home. It covers activating an existing Windows 11 Home install, upgrading from Windows 10 Home, and doing a clean install from USB.
Before you start
- Windows 11 requires a supported 64-bit processor with 2 or more cores, 4 GB RAM, 64 GB storage, UEFI with Secure Boot and TPM 2.0. Run Microsoft's PC Health Check to confirm.
- Have your 25-character Windows 11 Home key ready.
- You will need a Microsoft account and an internet connection for first-time setup. Windows 11 Home does not offer a local-account option during setup.
Option A: Activate an existing Windows 11 Home install
Use this if Windows 11 Home is already installed but shows Windows isn't activated, for example after a new build or a motherboard change.
- Open Settings > System > Activation.
- Select Change product key.
- Enter your key and select Next, then Activate.
Option B: Upgrade from Windows 10 Home
- Enter your key in Settings > Update & Security > Activation > Change product key.
- Open Windows Update. If the PC qualifies, the Windows 11 upgrade is offered. If not, use the Installation Assistant from Microsoft's Windows 11 download page below.
Option C: Clean install from USB
- On any Windows PC, open Microsoft's Windows 11 download page and download the Media Creation Tool.
- Run it, choose USB flash drive, and select an 8 GB or larger stick. It will be erased.
- Plug the USB into the target PC, restart, open the boot menu (F12, F11, F2, Esc or Del) and boot from USB.
- At the product key screen, enter your Home key. This makes the installer install Home. If you skip it, choose Windows 11 Home from the edition list, not Pro.
- Choose Custom: Install Windows only, select the drive and continue.
- Complete setup by connecting to Wi-Fi or Ethernet and signing in with a Microsoft account.
Activate after a clean install
- Open Settings > System > Activation.
- If it does not show Active, select Change product key, enter the key and select Activate.
Windows 11 Home specific problems
Error 0xC004F050 or "key didn't work"
The installed edition is not Home. Check Settings > System > About. A Home key will not activate Windows 11 Pro; you would need a Pro key. It also will not activate Home Single Language or Home in S mode.
The PC is in S mode
Some laptops ship with Windows 11 Home in S mode, which only runs Store apps. Go to Settings > System > Activation > Switch to Windows 11 Home, then Go to the Store and select Get. This is free and one-way. Activate afterwards.
"This PC doesn't currently meet Windows 11 system requirements"
TPM 2.0 or Secure Boot is usually disabled in the BIOS rather than absent. Look for TPM, PTT (Intel) or fTPM (AMD) and enable it along with Secure Boot.
Setup will not continue without internet
Expected on Home. Connect to a network or use a phone hotspot to complete setup.
Need help?
Stop retrying a rejected key. Screenshot the error and contact support with your order number. Your purchase is covered by our 6-month licence warranty.