Visual Studio will automatically check for a "digital entitlement." If found, it will download the license and unlock the product without you ever needing to type a key. Troubleshooting Common Activation Issues 1. "The product key could not be applied"

By following either of the above methods, you should be able to successfully activate your copy of Visual Studio 2013.

: While the license often applies immediately, it is recommended to restart Visual Studio to ensure all components, such as Blend, are properly activated. Stack Overflow +3 Where to Find Your Product Key If you do not have your key handy, you can typically retrieve it from the following sources: MSDN/Visual Studio Subscriptions

Look for a small link or button labeled "License with a Product Key" or "Change my product license" (located on the right side under the "Product details" section).

The most common time to enter the product key is while installing Visual Studio 2013.

If you don't see the option to enter a key, you may be using . The Express editions are free and do not use product keys; they only require you to sign in with a Microsoft account to "register" the free copy and remove the 30-day limit. 3. Offline Activation

This is the most common error. It usually happens for one of three reasons: