Activate Windows: Online or Offline activation using an Installation ID and Confirmation ID

Applies To
Windows 7 Windows 8.1 Windows 10 Windows 11 Windows 8.1 Windows Vista Windows XP

Summary

This article explains how to activate Windows online or offline using an Installation ID and Confirmation ID across Windows 11, Windows 10, Windows 8.1/8, Windows 7, Windows Vista, and Windows XP. It explains online activation steps, offline activation through the Product Activation Portal, and three offline workflows: Activation page, SLMGR command prompt, and SLUI command prompt. It also includes fallback guidance for activation failures and links to Office activation resources.

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 a few different ways to activate your Microsoft product: Online via the internet, and offline using the Product Activation Portal or assistance from Microsoft Support.

Online Activation - Internet: When you connect to the internet, Windows will try to use your internet connection to activate online. Follow the Online Activation steps to determine if you're activated or attempt activation via the internet.

Offline Activation - Product Activation Portal & Microsoft Support: If you have problems activating online or don't have an internet connection, you can attempt activation offline. Follow the Offline Activation steps. You may be asked to provide the Installation ID and then enter a Confirmation ID to complete activation.

This article provides steps to activate online, and explains how to find your Installation ID, and where to enter the Confirmation ID you receive for offline activation.

Online Activation

Windows automatically attempts to activate if you are connected to the internet. As online activation requires an internet connection, first confirm Windows is connected to the internet. Then, locate your Windows version below and follow the steps to activate online.

Activate using an internet connection

  1. In Windows, select the Windows logo on the taskbar (or using the keyboard, press the Windows logo key) to open the Start menu.

  2. Select Settings > System > Activation or select the button below to open Activation settings.

    Open activation settings

  1. Review the activation state.
  2. Enter the product key if needed.

Windows should now be activated.

Offline Activation

You may need this process if:

  • You don't have an internet connection and need to activate Windows offline.
  • Windows activation didn't successfully complete online.
  • The Product Activation Portal asks for an Installation ID.
  • A Microsoft Support representative asks for an Installation ID.

Important

When attempting to activate offline, you may be presented with an activation phone number to call. Don't call the telephone number. Instead, visit the Product Activation Portal and use the information from this flow to complete your activation attempt. If Microsoft Support is needed to review your activation request, support options are provided.

Find your Installation ID and enter your Confirmation ID

Locate your Windows version below and follow the steps to locate your Installation ID. Once located, enter it into the Product Activation Portal, or provide it to the Microsoft Support representative. Once your Confirmation ID has been delivered, enter it in Windows to complete activation.

There are three possible methods to activate offline. The methods are as follows:

Method 1: Use the Activation page in Windows Settings (recommended)

Builds: 26200.8973, 26100.8973, and newer

Step Instructions
Find your Installation ID
  1. In Windows, select the Windows logo on the taskbar (or using the keyboard, press the Windows logo key) to open the Start menu.
  2. Select Settings > System > Activation, then Automated Help.
Your Installation ID is displayed on the screen.
Get your Confirmation ID
  1. Visit the Product Activation Portal.
  2. Pass the Captcha challenge and sign in.
  3. Select Activate a Microsoft Product > Windows > Windows 11.
  4. Enter your Installation ID and select Submit.
Your Confirmation ID is returned.
Activate Windows
  1. Return to the Windows Activation screen.
  2. Select Enter Confirmation ID.
  3. Enter your Confirmation ID.
  4. Select Activate Windows.
Windows should now be activated.

Builds: Earlier builds

Step Instructions
Find your Installation ID
  1. In Windows, select the Windows logo on the taskbar (or using the keyboard, press the Windows logo key) to open the Start menu.
  2. Select System > Activation, then Activate by Phone.
  3. Select your Country or Region, then select Next.
Your Installation ID is displayed on the screen.
Get your Confirmation ID
  1. Visit the Product Activation Portal.
  2. Pass the Captcha challenge and sign in.
  3. Select Activate a Microsoft Product > Windows > Windows 11.
  4. Enter your Installation ID and select Submit.
Your Confirmation ID is returned.
Activate Windows
  1. Return to the Windows Activation screen.
  2. Select Enter Confirmation ID.
  3. Enter your Confirmation ID.
  4. Select Activate Windows.
Windows should now be activated.

Method 2: Use a SLMGR Command Prompt

You may need this process if:

  • Automated Help or Activate by Phone is not displayed on the Activation page.
  • SLUI command prompt is not available.
Step Instructions
Find your Installation ID
  1. In Windows, select the Windows logo on the taskbar (or using the keyboard, press the Windows logo key) to open the Start menu.
  2. Type Command, right-click Command Prompt, and select Run as administrator.
  3. Type SLMGR /dti, then press Enter.
  4. A Windows Script Host dialog appears and displays the Installation ID.
Get your Confirmation ID
  1. Visit the Product Activation Portal.
  2. Pass the Captcha challenge and sign in.
  3. Select Activate a Microsoft Product > Windows > Windows 11.
  4. Enter your Installation ID and select Submit.
Your Confirmation ID is returned.
Activate Windows
  1. Return to the Command Prompt screen.
  2. Type SLMGR /atp <enter your Confirmation ID> and press Enter. Do not include <, >, hyphens, or spaces.
Verify activation Type SLMGR /dli, then press Enter.

Method 3: Use a SLUI Command Prompt

Builds: 26200.7922 and newer

Step Instructions
Find your Installation ID SLUI may no longer provide the expected activation experience or be available. Use Automated Help or SLMGR Commands instead.
Enter your Confirmation ID SLUI may no longer provide the expected activation experience or be available. Use Automated Help or SLMGR Commands instead.

Builds: Earlier builds

Step Instructions
Find your Installation ID
  1. In Windows, select the Windows logo on the taskbar (or using the keyboard, press the Windows logo key) to open the Start menu.
  2. In Search, type Command and right-click Command Prompt, then select Run as administrator.
  3. Type SLUI 4, then press Enter. The Windows Activation screen appears.
  4. Select your Country or Region, then select Next.
Your Installation ID is displayed on the screen.
Get your Confirmation ID
  1. Visit the Product Activation Portal.
  2. Pass the Captcha challenge and sign in, then select Activate a Microsoft Product > Windows > Windows 11.
  3. Enter your Installation ID and select Submit.
Your Confirmation ID is returned.
Activate Windows
  1. Return to the Windows Activation screen.
  2. Select Enter Confirmation ID.
  3. Enter your Confirmation ID.
  4. Select Activate Windows.
Windows should now be activated.

If activation still fails

If you're still experiencing Windows activation issues, try the activation troubleshooting in Activate Windows. Or see Why can't I activate Windows? and Get help with Windows activation errors.

Activate Microsoft Office products

If you need to activate Microsoft Office, see Activate Office for PC or Activate Office for Mac.