Guides & How-Tos
Step-by-step help for activating, installing, and troubleshooting your Windows and Office keys — written by the same team that answers your support tickets.
Windows 10: Activating and Linking Your Microsoft Account
Enter your product key, understand what "digital license" actually means, and link it to a Microsoft account for easier reactivation later.
Windows 10: Clean Install Guide
Wipe the drive and install Windows 10 fresh using Microsoft's Media Creation Tool.
Windows 10: Reformatting Your PC and Reusing Your Product Key
Reformat your drive and reactivate with the same key — no need to buy a second license.
Windows Installation: How to Boot From a USB Drive
Change your BIOS/UEFI boot order so your PC starts from a bootable USB installer instead of the hard drive.
How to Enter Your Product Key With SLMGR and SLUI
Activate Windows from the command line using the built-in slmgr and slui tools.
How to Upgrade Windows 7, 8, or 8.1 to Windows 10
Move to Windows 10 from an older version while keeping your files and apps in place.
How To Find Your Windows PC Serial Number Using Command Prompt
Pull your device's serial number in seconds with a single command — no need to flip the laptop over.
How to Upgrade Windows 10 Home to Pro Using an Upgrade Key and SLMGR
Go from Home to Pro without reinstalling — swap the license key from the command line.
How to Convert Windows Server From Evaluation Version to Full Version Using DISM
Turn a 180-day evaluation install of Windows Server into a fully licensed installation.
How to Fix a Windows Key That Won't Activate on Windows 10
Troubleshoot the most common activation errors before you contact support.
How to Optimize Windows 10 for Gaming
Free tweaks that squeeze extra frame rate and reduce stutter without touching your hardware.
How to Install Windows 10, 8.1, or 7 Using a Bootable USB
The full walkthrough from bootable USB to a finished installation, for any of the three versions.
How to Upgrade Windows 10 Home to Pro Using an OEM Key
The Settings-app route for upgrading editions, no command line required.
How to Install Windows on Mac Using Parallels
Run Windows apps side-by-side with macOS using Parallels Desktop virtualization.
How to Install Office on a Windows PC Using Your Microsoft Account
Redeem your Office key and download the full suite through your Microsoft account.
How to Install Microsoft Visio 2019, 2016, and 2013
Redeem and install any supported Visio version using your product key.