A product key. A 25-character product key might be needed (not required for digital licenses). For help with finding the product key, go to . Many modern devices contain the product key embedded in the firmware of the device. If the product key is embedded in the firmware of the device, the product key doesn't need to be entered in manually. Instead, if the product key in the firmware matches the version and edition of Windows being installed, the product key is automatically applied., To create installation media, go to the software download website, where step-by-step instructions can be found. On that website, you can select a version of Windows and create installation media on ar a USB flash. Alternatively, an ISO file can be created for use in virtual machines (VMs) or for burning the installation media onto a DVD:, Learn how to install Windows 11, including the recommended option of using the Windows Update page in Settings..