Not a few are checking out this subreddit page: https://www.reddit.com/r/cheapwindowskeys/comments/1d5jz9b/getting_a_windows_11_key_cheap/
in preparation for the General Availability of the new Windows 11 version (24H2). Actually, it’s now in Microsoft’s Release Preview Channel to give customers the new features to expect, ahead of the software release either in September or October of this year.
The subreddit thread aims to provide comprehensive information about Windows product keys. Yet many are particularly interested in how to acquire cheap, preferably free Windows 11 product keys. However, those who do so must know that since the release of Windows 10, Microsoft has been requiring users to register their product keys as part of the new license registration requisite.
Back then, Microsoft registered product keys, which Microsoft customers can view via a Product Keys Table. Yet this practice stopped with the advent of the Windows 11 OS and the introduction of the digital license requirement.
The Importance of Microsoft’s Digital License Requirement
A digital license is an agreement between Microsoft and a legit Windows user, which makes it possible for Windows 10 users to upgrade to Windows 11 for free. Apparently, a Windows 10 or 11 product key will no longer work like a charm if it isn’t backed by a corresponding digital license agreement.
Moreover, since the release of Windows 11 in 2021, Microsoft made the opening of a Microsoft account a requirement for Windows users. A Microsoft account contains a record of all Microsoft products purchased from the Microsoft store by the account owner. However, Microsoft does not initiate the recording process but instead made it a requirement for users to activate the OS by linking the Microsoft account to the digital license of the Windows 11.
Although users can automatically activate and access some functions and features of Windows 11, the setting up process is not complete. Users have to activate Windows 11 after installation by linking the corresponding license key of the digital license to the Microsoft account. That way, the Windows 11 will be included in the list of all Microsoft products and services purchased from the online MS store. Every time a user signs in to his Microsoft account, he can access all Microsoft products and services registered in his Microsoft account.
Importance of The Activation Step After Program Installation<.h3>
Activating the Windows 11 OS is the step taken to link corresponding digital licences to an appropriate Microsoft account, to complete the activation process. Otherwise, if a user prefers not to proceed with the activation step, the features available are limited. In addition an Activation Watermark will appear and stay on the screen, until the user proceeds with the required activation action.
Linking one’s Microsoft account to the Windows 11 digital license will also enable users to utilize the Activation Troubleshooter Tool. The troubleshooter tool will prove to be very important in case a user needs to make a significant hardware modification in his device. The link will enable the account holder to reinstall and reactivate Windows 11 without the need to purchase a new digital license just to link the hardware modification to one’s Microsoft account.