Installation guide
How to activate Windows 10 or 11 Pro
For Windows 10 Pro and Windows 11 Pro licences bought from DelTrix Technology. Activating a PC that already has Windows takes about 5 minutes.
Before you start
- You have your licence email with your 25-character product key.
- Your key matches your Windows version: a Windows 11 Pro key for Windows 11, a Windows 10 Pro key for Windows 10.
- If you are upgrading from Windows Home to Pro, back up your important files first. Your files and apps normally stay in place, but a backup is always wise.
- Your PC is connected to the internet.
If Windows is already installed
Open the activation settings
Windows 11: Start > Settings > System > Activation.
Windows 10: Start > Settings > Update & Security > Activation.
Enter your key
Click Change product key (in Windows 11, the Change button next to it). Type the 25-character key from your email and click Next.
Activate
Click Activate. If you are upgrading from Home to Pro, Windows installs the Pro features and restarts. This can take a few minutes.
Check that it worked
Go back to the Activation page. It should say Windows is activated and show the Pro edition.
If you are installing Windows from scratch
Create installation media
On a working PC, download Microsoft's Media Creation Tool from microsoft.com/software-download and create a bootable USB drive of at least 8 GB.
Install Windows
Start the PC from the USB drive and follow the setup. When asked for a product key, enter yours, or choose "I don't have a product key" and enter it after installation. Make sure you choose the Pro edition.
Activate after installation
Once Windows is running, follow steps 1 to 4 above to check or enter your key.
If something goes wrong
Error 0xC004F050 or "This product key didn't work"
Check the key for typing mistakes and make sure it matches your Windows version. A Windows 10 Pro key on Windows 11 Home, for example, may not upgrade correctly. Email us if you are not sure.
Activation fails over the internet
Check your internet connection and the PC's date and time. You can also try from the command line: right-click Start, open Terminal (Admin) or Command Prompt (Admin), and run slmgr /ipk YOUR-KEY and then slmgr /ato.
Windows says the key is blocked or already used
Do not keep retrying the key. Email us with a screenshot of the error and your order number, and we will sort it out.
I changed my motherboard or bought a new PC
A licence is tied to one PC. Major hardware changes can deactivate Windows. Email us before you move a key to a different PC.
Stuck? We will help you activate it
Reply to your order email, or email support@deltrixtech.co.za with your order number and a screenshot of the error. Activation help is free for every customer. IT support clients get full remote installation free of charge.
Keep your licence key private. Each key activates the number of devices stated on the product, and a key that is shared or posted online can be blocked by the manufacturer.