When Microsoft first launched the Windows operating system, installing it was only a matter of copying the program onto a disk. You didn't have to verify your copy of Windows. Starting with Windows XP ...

The Windows 10 product key — a 25-digit code included with every copy — acts as proof of an authorized purchase. You can download and use much of Windows 10 ...

Microsoft details Windows 10 ESU eligibility, requirements, and activation IDs for users and enterprises through 2026.

While trying to activate your Windows, you may see different types of Windows Activation Error Codes on your computer screen. Error 0xC004C003 is another activation ...

When you buy a copy of Windows 11/10, you get a product key. This key is used to activate Windows on your computer. It’s a 25-character product key, and it’s important that you keep it noted somewhere ...

Sarah is a freelance writer and CNET How To blogger. Her main focus is Windows, but she also covers everything from mobile tech to video games to DIY hardware projects. She likes to press buttons and ...

Phasing out the year-long free Windows 10 upgrade promotion is, no doubt, a complicated process. But getting answers about how this process would work has proven equally complicated for some reason.