Learn how to verify that your copy of Windows 7 is genuine and hasn't been used on more devices than allowed. Find the online activation method, the automated system phone number, and the live support advocate option.

When you try to activate Windows 7 or Windows Vista, you may receive an error message that is accompanied by an error code and its description. This article will guide you through step-by-step methods to help you resolve your problem.

To activate Windows, you'll need either a digital license or a product key. To find out which you need, see "What activation method do I use, product key or digital license?" in Activate Windows. Then, use the following info to help you successfully prepare for a hardware change and reactivate Windows 10.

See Activate Windows 7 or Windows 8.1 for info about activation of earlier versions of Windows. If you're having trouble activating Windows 11, follow these steps to fix activation errors: Confirm that your device is up to date and running Windows 11.

Find your Windows product key. Windows 11 Windows 10 Windows 8.1 Windows 7 More... A Windows product key is a 25-character code used to activate Windows. It looks like this: PRODUCT KEY: XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX.

If you receive an error code and none of the steps below help, see Get help with Windows activation errors . For more info about activation, see Activate Windows. For help with your product key, see Find your Windows product key. If the troubleshooter is unable to fix your issue, contact support.