What is a Windows 11 license

In this article we will tell you everything you need to know about the Windows 11 license and we will explain how to change it on your computer.

If you have reached this article, it is because you are interested in knowing what a Windows 11 license is . But in this guide we are not going to limit ourselves to answering this question. Rather, let’s go a bit further, just as we did when we talked to you about Windows 10 licenses . If you want to know everything about this matter, read on.

In the following sections we will tell you what types of licenses exist, what happens when the Windows 11 license is not activated and if it is possible to install the operating system without it. Finally, we will address some frequent doubts on this subject, such as the method to know the license of your computer and if it is possible to find licenses at reduced prices. We started!

Index of contents

What is a Windows 11 license and what is it for?

  • What types of Windows 11 licenses are there?
  • What if I don’t have a Windows 11 license on my computer?
  • How do I know if my Windows 11 license is activated and how do I change it?
  • Is it possible to find licenses at reduced prices?

What is a Windows 11 license and what is it for?

Windows 11 license is a numbering provided by Microsoft that certifies the purchase of the operating system by the user. Unlike other rivals, such as Linux or macOS, in Windows it is necessary to pay for its use. The way that Microsoft has historically used to confirm the purchase has been the license.

The license number is used primarily to activate your copy of Windows 11 . It is necessary that, to understand this issue well, you unlink the system from the license itself. A copy of Windows can operate without a license  in exchange for some restrictions. It is also possible to skip the introduction of the license during the installation of the system. Why?

Mainly to facilitate the installation of the system in equipment that has not been distributed by recognized manufacturers. For example, if you set up your own computer and have no other equipment at hand, you will first need to install the operating system and then purchase the license.

Although purchasing a license was essential a few years ago, Microsoft has changed its approach to this issue in recent times. In most cases, using Windows 11 without a license is possible , even legally. After all, it is the company itself that makes it possible to circumvent the introduction of a valid license. As we have mentioned before, doing it this way the system will limit certain actions, such as the customization of the wallpaper and other aesthetic aspects of the interface.

What types of Windows 11 licenses are there?

There are several types of licenses for Windows. Basically, we can divide them into two groups. First of all, depending on the site where the licenses are acquired.

  • RTL licenses. Also known as retail, they are all those licenses for Windows 11 that are bought directly in an official store. Who buys them is the user himself through the Microsoft portal or in a physical store. This last modality is no longer as popular as it used to be. RTL licenses can only be used on one computer simultaneously, although it allows you to activate as many computers as necessary. As has been the case for a long time, this will also give access to free updates.
  • OEM licenses. They are those that come included with a computer at the time of purchase. Despite this, they are not free. The cost of the license is included in the total price of the equipment. They are usually stored in the BIOS, allowing Windows to be activated even when performing a fresh install. The OEM license is valid exclusively on the purchased equipment. There is no way to use them on other computers.

In addition to these two categories, licenses can also be classified according to the version of Windows they activate. The most relevant are:

  • The license for the Home versionof Windows 11. This edition is intended for a non-professional user with a basic system use. It is an idea for those looking to check email, open web pages or download content. Also for those who use the computer for office automation.
  • The license for the Pro versionof Windows 11. Designed for the most demanding users who need more functionalities in the operating system, especially those that have to do with administration. It is usually an edition that is massively purchased in companies and educational centers.
  • Finally, the Windows 11 Pro for Workstationslicense  It is the one that activates the Windows edition that is installed on servers and companies that require a programming or data management environment.

What if I don’t have a Windows 11 license on my computer?

Years ago, Microsoft’s operating system was practically useless without a license. But times change and today it  is fully functional . However, the company applies some restrictions such as a watermark on the desktop or the inability to customize the wallpaper and other elements of the interface. And if you are concerned about updates, you should know that Windows Update works perfectly without a license for Windows 11.

How do I know if my Windows 11 license is activated and how do I change it?

Windows 11 allows you to know the status of the activation of the system, or what is the same, to know if your license is valid. You must do it from the system configuration, accessing the License section  and clicking on  About . There, click on the  Product key and activation section .

In the next window, check if the system is activated or not. You will see it in the Activation status section  .

If you click on the drop-down in this section you will see more details. As can be seen in the following screenshot, our license is for the Windows 11 Pro edition and is associated with a Microsoft account. Thus, the only thing that is required in our case is to log in with the profile with which the license was used. If at any time you want to change the license of Windows 11, use the Change button  .

In the text box of the pop-up window, copy the new license.

Why is this interesting to know? Because maybe at some point you want to activate Windows 11 or because you want to jump from the Home edition to the Pro . In both cases, this is the way to enter the product key.

Is it possible to find licenses at reduced prices?

Yes. A Windows 10 license (upgradeable to Windows 11) can cost you more than 100 euros in the official store. However, on the Internet it is very easy to find licenses for Windows 10 for less than 20 euros. If you are interested, take a look at the compilation that we recently published . Again, we insist on this aspect: by buying a license for Windows 10  you can upgrade to Windows 11 without paying a euro .

And you, have you ever bought a license for Windows? Did you pay it at the official price or did you know how to take advantage of an offer? Have all your licenses been OEM? Tell us your experience and leave it written in the comments.