Activation helps verify that your copy of Windows is genuine and hasn’t been used on more devices than the Microsoft Software License Terms allow.
When installing Windows 11, the digital license associates itself with your device’s hardware.
Linking your Microsoft account with your digital license will allow automatic activation once your PC is connected to the internet and you sign in to Windows 11 with your Microsoft account as an administrator.
If you make significant hardware changes on your device, such as replacing your motherboard, Windows will no longer find a license that matches your device, and you’ll need to reactivate Windows to get it up and running. To activate Windows, you’ll need either a digital license or a product key. Linking your Microsoft account with your digital license enables you to reactivate Windows using the Activation troubleshooter whenever you make a significant hardware change.
This tutorial will show you how to link your Microsoft account to your Windows 11 digital license.