Product activation for Windows - online & Microsoft Support Product Activation Portal

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 two methods to which you can activate your product: Online via the internet, and by using the Product Activation Portal.

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.

Product Activation Portal & Live Support Advocate: In your product follow the "Activate by Telephone" method below. You will be presented with information to activate your license and a phone number to call. Instead of calling the number, please visit Product Activation Portal ⁠and use the information from this screen to complete your activation attempt. If assisted support is needed to review your activation request, support options will be provided.

Activate Windows 11

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:

1. Select Start > Settings > System > Activation.
2. Under Activate Windows Now section, select Activate by Phone.

Activate Windows 10

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:

1. Select Start > Settings > Update & Security > Activation.
2. Under Activate Windows Now section, select Activate by Phone.
3. Select your location (or the location nearest to you) from the drop-down list, and then select Next.
4. Call one of the available phone numbers listed. An automated system will guide you through the activation process.
5. 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:

1. Press Windows logo key  + R, type slui 4 in the Open box, and select OK.
2. Select your location (or the location nearest to you) from the drop-down list, and then select Next.
3. Call one of the available phone numbers listed. An automated system will guide you through the activation process.
4. If you're not able to complete activation successfully, you will be connected to Microsoft support for your region and country.

Activate Windows 8.1

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:

1. Select the Start button , type PC settings, and then select PC settings from the list of results.
2. Choose Activate Windows.
3. Enter your Windows 8.1 product key, select Next, and follow the instructions.

To activate Windows 8.1 by phone:

1. Select the Start button , enter PC settings, and then select PC settings from the list of results.
2. Select Activate Windows, and then select Contact customer support for help.  You may be asked for an admin password or to confirm your choice.
3. Select your location (or the location nearest to you) from the drop-down list, and then select Next.
4. 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.

Activate Windows 7

To activate Windows 7 using an internet connection:

1. Select the Start button , right-click Computer, select Properties, and then select Activate Windows now.
2. If Windows detects an internet connection, select Activate Windows online now.  You might be asked for an admin password or to confirm your choice.
3. Enter your Windows 7 product key when prompted, select Next, and then follow the instructions.

To activate Windows 7 by phone:

1. Select the Start button , right-click Computer, select Properties, and then select Activate Windows now.
2. Choose Show me other ways to activate.
3. Enter your Windows 7 product key, and then select Next.
4. Select Use the automated phone system.  You may be asked for an admin password or to confirm your choice.
5. Select your location (or the location nearest to you) from the drop-down list, and then select Next.
6. 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.

Activate Microsoft Office products

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