Nearly everyone has, at some point, encountered a website offering Windows activation keys at incredibly low prices. Windows activation keys are ubiquitous, yet few understand their purpose. Keep reading to learn all about Windows activation keys.
A Windows Product Key—What Is It?
Windows Product Key or also known as the Windows Activation Key is a requirement for Windows to activate their software. Also, the installation and use of a 25-character product key is one way to verify the legitimacy of Windows.
No two Windows installations are ever going to use the same product key.
Although Windows 10 and 11 contain Microsoft’s built-in validation features, customers may still be required to activate their copies using product keys, either purchased separately or included with the device. Windows activation keys come in three different varieties:
- Retail Keys
- OEM Keys
- Volume Keys
Retail Keys
When you purchase a retail version of Windows from a shop or online, you will also receive a retail key. If you purchase Windows digitally, you will receive the product key via email; if you purchase Windows in a box, the key will be inside the box.
OEM Keys
As the name implies, new OEM PCs come with OEM keys pre-installed. These keys cannot be moved between computers like retail keys since they are digitally attached to the motherboard of the machine. If you want to activate Windows on an OEM PC but want to swap out the motherboard, for example, you’ll need to purchase a new license key.
Volume Keys
Only businesses and government entities should use volume keys. The people in charge of the company’s computer licenses also handle volume keys.
Windows Product Keys: How Do They Operate?
A Windows product key is a means of verifying the legitimacy of a Windows installation. Windows will transmit the key to Microsoft servers for authentication when you input a valid activation key. Windows will activate on your computer if the key is legitimate. It is imperative that you get product keys such as pro plus product key from trustworthy vendors.
Is a Product Key Necessary to Run Windows?
It is true that a product key is not required to run Windows. Protecting your Windows installation requires a product key. In this approach, Microsoft can verify that you have actually paid for the OS. While Windows does not require a product key or license to run, we nevertheless advise getting the most out of the OS by purchasing a legitimate product key.