If you are having problems activating Windows 10, Server 2016, Windows 8, or Server 2012one of these threesolutions below should get you through:
Command Line to Launch Activation GUI:
This is handy if the GUI won’t start and you want to skip some steps to get it to work.
- click START (gets you to the tiles)
- type RUN
- type slui 3 and press ENTER
- yes, SLUI: which stands for SOFTWARE LICENSING USER INTERFACE
- SLUI 1 brings up the activationstatus window
- SLUI 2 brings up the activationwindow
- SLUI 3 brings up theCHANGE PRODUCT KEY window
- SLUI 4 brings up the CALL MICROSOFT & MANUALLY ACTIVATE window
- Type in your product key
- Have a nice day.
Command Line to Activate Windows Through Command Line:
- Launch a CMD as an Administrator
- Type: slmgr.vbs /ipk xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx
- Press Enter
If yourkey is valid and you are connected to the internet, it should activate within a second or two.
Call Microsoft Activation Center:
In Canada and the US, call the support line directly at 1 800-936-4900, otherwise, use this table of Microsoft Activation Phone Numbers to do the deed.
You also might find some of our previous posts on activation problems to be helpful: urtech.ca/?s=activation
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FAQs
Once the setup screens are completed and Windows has finished installing, go to activation settings: Select the Start button, and then select Settings > Update & Security > Activation . Then select Go to the Store to purchase a digital license to activate Windows.
How to solve activate Windows problem in Windows 10? ›
If you're unable to activate Windows 10, the Activation troubleshooter could help. To use the troubleshooter, select Start > Settings > Update & Security > Activation , and then select Troubleshoot .
How do I activate Windows 10 if I don't have a product key? ›
If you don't have a digital license or product key
Select the Start button, then select Settings > Update & Security > Activation . Then select Go to Store to go to the Microsoft Store app where you can purchase a Windows 10 digital license.
How can I activate my genuine Windows 10 for free? ›
Activate Windows 10 for Free Using the Activation Setup
- Press Windows + I to open the Settings on your device.
- Navigate to the Update & Security section.
- Select Activation and click the "Change Product Key" menu to add a new product key.
- Now, enter the product key.
Stage 3. Install Windows 10 Without the Activation Code
- Boot Windows from USB, enter information about language, time format, and keyboard/input method, and click Next.
- Click Install Now.
- If you don't have a product key, select "I don't have a product key" below and click Next.
Run the Windows 10 Activation Troubleshooter: Select Start > Settings > Update & Security > Activation and then select Troubleshoot.
How do I trigger Windows 10 Activation? ›
Select the Start button, and then select Settings > Update & Security > Activation . Select Change product key . Type in the product key found on the COA and follow the instructions.
How to permanently activate Windows 10 free with cmd? ›
How to Activate Windows 10/11 with CMD
- You have to open the command prompt on your system first. Then, click and start and type "CMD". Now, run it as administrator.
- Type the following command. slmgr /ipk. slmgr /skms kms.xspace.in. Slmgr /ato. Now press enter. This command will activate your Windows 10/11.
- Select the Start button, then select Settings > Update & Security > Activation > Troubleshoot . ...
- Select "I changed hardware on this device recently", then select Next.
- Enter your connected Microsoft account and password, then select Sign in.
If your keyboard does not have a Windows key, you can access the Start menu, but not other shortcuts, by pressing Ctrl-Esc . If you are running Windows on a Mac in Boot Camp , the Command key functions as the Windows key. This is document bcrz in the Knowledge Base. Last modified on 2021-12-15 12:18:25.
You activate Microsoft 365 by signing in with a Microsoft account. If we detect your Microsoft account, we'll show it on this screen. After you sign in, your product is added to your Microsoft account, so that you can reinstall it later, or manage your new subscription, without a product key.
How do I get my Windows 10 product key? ›
The product key is in the confirmation email you received after buying your digital copy of Windows. Microsoft only keeps a record of product keys if you purchased from the Microsoft online store. You can find out if you purchased from Microsoft in your Microsoft account Order history.
How to remove activate windows watermark without product key? ›
How to remove the activation watermark in the desktop?
- Open Notepad.
- Type these following commands: @echo off. taskkill /F /IM explorer.exe. explorer.exe. exit.
- Save as Activation.bat.
- Locate the it in your file manager.
- Right-clickand select Run as administrator.
- Restart PC.
There is no free versions of Windows 10, thy provide the download on their website on the Internet for people who have a Windows licence, so they can re-install Windows any time they need to.
How to download Windows 10 for free without product key? ›
How to Download Windows 10 and Install it Without a Key
- If you aren't on Windows, you can visit the Windows 10 ISO download page to download an ISO directly (say, if you're installing Windows 10 in Boot Camp on a Mac). ...
- Just begin the installation process and install Windows 10 like you normally would.
The Activate Windows watermark always appears when your Windows 10 license key has expired. So, if you have a license key, you can go to Settings to active your Windows and then this watermark will disappear.
How to fix Microsoft product Activation failed? ›
To restore all features of Office, you'll need to fix the problem that's causing activation to fail.
- Step 1: Sign in to Office with the right account. ...
- Step 2: Check for multiple copies of Office. ...
- Step 3: Check your subscription status. ...
- Step 4: Troubleshoot activation.
This is because Windows uses a unique hardware identifier to verify that it is running on the same device it was originally activated on. To reactivate Windows, you can follow these steps: Go to Settings > Update & Security > Activation. Click on "Troubleshoot" and follow the prompts to reactivate Windows.
What happens if I can't activate Windows? ›
Some of the personalization features in Windows Settings are greyed out if you don't activate Windows. You cannot change the Windows desktop wallpapers, windows colors and themes, customize Start menu/taskbar/lock screen/title bar/fonts, etc. Still, you cannot use Windows Dark Mode.
