Windows 11 License

Windows 11 License Specifications

Editions & Key Features

• Windows 11 Home

  • Security: Windows Hello (face/fingerprint), device encryption (on supported hardware)

  • Gaming & Productivity: Auto HDR, DirectStorage, Microsoft Store access

  • Setup: Requires Microsoft account and internet connection on first use

• Windows 11 Pro

  • Everything in Home, plus:

    • BitLocker full-disk encryption

    • Windows Defender Application Guard

    • Windows Information Protection (WIP)

    • Hyper-V host support

    • Remote Desktop hosting

    • Azure AD & Group Policy join and management

    • Windows Update for Business

License Types

• Retail (FPP)

  • Purchased from Microsoft Store or an authorized reseller

  • Transferable: Can move to a new PC (uninstall first from the old one)

• OEM

  • Pre-installed by PC manufacturers

  • Tied to the first hardware it’s activated on (non-transferable)

• Volume License (VL)

  • For businesses, education, and government

  • Managed via KMS (Key Management Service) or MAK (Multiple Activation Key)

Activation & Entitlement

• Product Key

  • 25-character alphanumeric code (XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX)

• Digital License

  • Linked to your Microsoft account or your device’s hardware fingerprint

  • No key entry required on reinstallation (same hardware)

• Activation Methods

  • Retail/OEM: Online activation against Microsoft’s servers

  • KMS: Client contacts internal KMS host on TCP port 1688

  • MAK: Uses limited-count activations via Microsoft’s online servers

Minimum System Requirements (64-bit)

• CPU: 1 GHz or faster, 2-core or more, 64-bit compatible

• RAM: 4 GB

• Storage: 64 GB or larger SSD/HDD

• Firmware: UEFI with Secure Boot

• TPM: Trusted Platform Module version 2.0

• Graphics: DirectX 12 compatible GPU with WDDM 2.0 driver

• Display: >9″ with HD (720p) resolution, 8 bits per color channel

• Internet: Required for setup of Home edition and for some features

Installation & Activation Guide

1. Obtain Your License

   • Buy a Windows 11 key (Retail/OEM) or get a VL key from your organization.

2. Download Installation Media

   • Go to microsoft.com/software-download/windows11 and download the Media Creation Tool or ISO.

3. Create Bootable USB/DVD

   • Use the tool to prepare your installer.

4. Install Windows 11

   • Boot from USB/DVD, follow prompts, enter your product key when requested (or skip to activate later).

5. Activate

   • Navigate to Settings → System → Activation.

   • Click Change product key if needed, or sign in with your Microsoft account for digital license.

6. Verify

   • Under Activation settings, confirm Windows is activated with a digital license or similar message.

Troubleshooting

• “This PC can’t run Windows 11”

  • Check for TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot in BIOS/UEFI; update firmware if needed.

• Activation Error 0xC004C003

  • Key already in use—contact Microsoft Support to reset activation count.

• Activation Error 0xC004F074

  • KMS host unreachable—confirm network access to your KMS server on port 1688.

• Digital License Lost After Hardware Change

  • Run the Activation Troubleshooter and sign in with your Microsoft account.

• Installation Hangs or Fails

  • Recreate installation media, verify ISO checksum, and ensure sufficient disk space.