Activation helps verify that your copy of Windows is genuine and hasn’t been used on more devices than the Microsoft Software License Terms allow. There are three methods to which you can activate your product: Online via the internet, by telephone using our automated systems, and by a live support advocate.
Online: When you begin activation, Windows will try to use your internet connection to activate online. If you have problems activating online or don't have an internet connection, you can activate by phone. Follow the “Activate using an Internet Connection” method below to attempt via the internet.
Automated System & Live Support Advocate: To get the telephone number for activation support, follow the “Activate by Phone” method below. You will get the option to activate your device over the phone. Please attempt to activate using this method and if you're not able to complete activation successfully, you will be connected to Microsoft support for your region and country.
To activate Windows 11 using an internet connection:
As Windows 11 will automatically activate if you are connected to the internet, you can confirm your activation status by selecting Start > Settings > System > Activation and looking under Windows.
If online activation fails, first try the activation troubleshooting in Activate Windows.
To activate Windows 11 by phone:
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Select Start > Settings > System > Activation.
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Under Activate Windows Now section, select Activate by Phone.
To activate Windows 10 using an internet connection:
As Windows 10 will automatically activate if you are connected to the internet, you can confirm your activation status by selecting Start > Settings > Update & Security > Activation and looking under Windows.
If online activation fails, first try the activation troubleshooting in Activate Windows 10.
To activate Windows 10 by phone:
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Select Start > Settings > Update & Security > Activation.
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Under Activate Windows Now section, select Activate by Phone.
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Select your location (or the location nearest to you) from the drop-down list, and then select Next.
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Call one of the available phone numbers listed. An automated system will guide you through the activation process.
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If you're not able to complete activation successfully, you will be connected to Microsoft support for your region and country.
Or, if you do not have the Activate by Phone option:
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Press Windows logo key + R, type slui 4 in the Open box, and select OK.
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Select your location (or the location nearest to you) from the drop-down list, and then select Next.
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Call one of the available phone numbers listed. An automated system will guide you through the activation process.
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If you're not able to complete activation successfully, you will be connected to Microsoft support for your region and country.
Support for Windows 8.1 has ended
Support for Windows 8.1 ended on January 10, 2023. We recommend you move to a Windows 11 PC to continue to receive security updates from Microsoft.
When you begin activation, Windows will try to use your internet connection to activate online. If you have problems activating online or don't have an internet connection, you can activate by phone.
To activate Windows 8.1 using an internet connection:
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Select the Start button , type PC settings, and then select PC settings from the list of results.
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Choose Activate Windows.
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Enter your Windows 8.1 product key, select Next, and follow the instructions.
To activate Windows 8.1 by phone:
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Select the Start button , enter PC settings, and then select PC settings from the list of results.
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Select Activate Windows, and then select Contact customer support for help.
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Select your location (or the location nearest to you) from the drop-down list, and then select Next.
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Call one of the available phone numbers listed. An automated system will guide you through the activation process.
If you're experiencing activation issues, see Why can't I activate Windows and Get help with Windows activation errors.
Support for Windows 7 ended on January 14, 2020
We recommend you move to a Windows 11 PC to continue to receive security updates from Microsoft.
To activate Windows 7 using an internet connection:
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Select the Start button
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If Windows detects an internet connection, select Activate Windows online now.
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Enter your Windows 7 product key when prompted, select Next, and then follow the instructions.
To activate Windows 7 by phone:
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Select the Start button
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Choose Show me other ways to activate.
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Enter your Windows 7 product key, and then select Next.
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Select Use the automated phone system.
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Select your location (or the location nearest to you) from the drop-down list, and then select Next.
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Call one of the available phone numbers listed. An automated system will guide you through the activation process.
If you're experiencing activation issues, see Why can't I activate Windows and Get help with Windows activation errors.
If you need to activate Microsoft Office, see Activate Office for the PC or Activate Office for Mac.
