A very important one is how to activate Windows 11 on a virtual machine. That’s because many of you prefer to install it in a safe environment. That is also our recommendation and we have written an article on how to install Windows 11 on a virtual machine and test it. However, some of you have realized that after installing it on a VM, the Windows 11 copy was not activated and therefore, you are not able to access some of the features.

Why wasn’t Windows 11 activated?

Usually, if you upgrade your Windows 10 machine to Windows 11, the system should automatically use the product key from Windows 10. However, if you don’t have an activated copy of Windows 10, or if you bypass the TPM 2.0 verification, the product key won’t be acknowledged. This can also happen when you’re using an unofficial ISO from an unsecure website. There are plenty of those but we strongly recommend not to get one because they are definitely not safe. If we’re all set on why this problem occurs, let’s first find out if your copy of Windows 10 is activated and get the key.

How can I find out my Windows 10 product key?

Now that you know your product key, you can proceed and activate your Windows 11 on the virtual machine.

How can I activate Windows 11 on a virtual machine?

1. Update Windows 11 from Windows 10 on your virtual machine

After that, you will be prompted to restart your machine and you will go through the Windows 11 installation process. In the end, you will have your fresh and activated copy of Windows 11 installed on your virtual machine.

2. How to insert the product key in Windows 11

If, for some reason, the Windows 10 key doesn’t work, proceed by installing a Windows 10 copy on your virtual machine, activate that copy with a valid key, and upgrade to Windows 11 as detailed in the first step.

How can I get a Windows 10 key?

If you don’t have a genuine copy of Windows 10, the only solution to the problem is to get one. But we recommend avoiding random websites that could be selling illegal copies. The best way to do it is to use the Microsoft Store that is available in Windows 10 or Windows 11 and look for options there. Of course, there are other shops that sell genuine copies and if you can find one that you have confidence in, go ahead and make the purchase. In October, Microsoft will officially launch Windows 11 to the general public so you will also be able to get a license for the new OS. You just need to wait a little bit more in this case.

How to make sure I get a genuine copy of Windows?

Sometimes, you can go to a store that will sell you an incredibly cheap Windows license. Well, if it looks too good to be true, then it probably is. You can use the product key and it works just fine until you need to perform an upgrade like this and find out that it’s not a legitimate key. SPONSORED The answer to this problem is to look carefully at the tell-tale signs and consider a few key factors before making the purchase. ➡ Use only certified stores Don’t ever buy a Windows license from an unverified source. This actually goes for every product you want to buy, not only a product key. If you don’t know anything about the store, if it doesn’t have any credentials or the offers look suspicious, avoid it. We’ve detailed the official method but there are actually a lot of web stores that sell genuine licenses. Just keep your eyes open for any reviews or lack of them for that matter. ➡ Look for authenticity certificates It’s essential to keep in mind the key features of genuine Windows software, such as the Certificate of Authenticity (COA), proof of license label, and an edge-to-edge hologram like the one above. If you’re only receiving a product key and some shady installation instructions, you probably got a pirated copy on your hands. ➡ Buy a product with a licensed copy of Windows Another way of making sure that you get a genuine copy of Windows is by purchasing a PC or a laptop that comes with Windows preinstalled. Of course, you should also verify the proof of software authenticity by asking for the documentation and labeling from the store. We hope that our guide helped you activate your copy of Windows 11 on the virtual machine and you also found out how to stay away from counterfeit products. There are a lot of illegitimate copies of Windows out there and using one can lead to a lot of legal trouble although they can work as the original product. An activated copy of Windows gives you access to a lot of personalization features and apps that wouldn’t work otherwise. You can also take a look at our dedicated list including the best license key recovery software to help you activate your copy. If you have any questions or suggestions, don’t hesitate to leave them in our comments section below.

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