Skip to main content
Sign Out

Welcome to Dell

My Account
  • Place orders quickly and easily
  • View orders and track your shipping status
  • Create and access a list of your products
Sign In Create an Account Premier Sign In Partner Program Sign In
Contact Us

How to Activate Windows 10 on a Dell computer Without a Product Key

Summary: See the information about the requirements for activating Windows 10 on a Dell computer without a product key. Follow our guide to ensure proper activation and installation.

This article applies to This article does not apply to This article is not tied to any specific product. Not all product versions are identified in this article.
Check out other resources

Instructions

What are the requirements for Dell Windows 10 activation?

Digital entitlement ties a Windows 10 license to the Dell system hardware configuration. Windows 10 can be reinstalled on the system without a product key after activating Windows with the original Dell Windows 10 digital entitlement. During the activation process, the hardware ID and the digital entitlement are registered with the Microsoft Account of the system.

Windows will activate when the system is associated with a Microsoft Account after reinstalling Windows using Dell OS recovery media.

If the Dell image is never activated and a non-Dell Windows 10 image is installed, Windows is not activated using the digital entitlement. See

If the motherboard is replaced, activation no longer works.

If a Windows 10 device has the motherboard replaced, a printed digital product key (DPK) is also shipped to allow Windows activation with the replacement motherboard. This key is designed for Windows 8 Home or PRO. No separate DPK for Windows 10 is available. See the Dell Knowledge Base article Activating Windows After the Motherboard Has Been Replaced for more information.

Dell OEM versions of Windows 10 are identical to Full License Retail versions except for the following:

  • OEM versions require an active Internet connection that can reach the Microsoft network (Reference to Step 3 This hyperlink is taking you to a website outside of Dell Technologies. ) for product activation.
    • If your organization operates on a closed network, contact your account team to discuss the benefits of a Volume Licensing Agreement (VLA) solution from Dell.
  • OEM versions do not offer direct support from Microsoft support personnel
  • OEM licenses are tied to the computer Windows 10 is installed and activated on
  • OEM versions allow all hardware upgrades except for an upgrade to a different motherboard
  • OEM versions cannot be used to directly upgrade from an older Windows operating system

References:

Article Properties
Article Number: 000126935
Article Type: How To
Last Modified: 20 Nov 2024
Version:  8
Find answers to your questions from other Dell users
Support Services
Check if your device is covered by Support Services.