Activation is the step that proves your copy of the software is licensed. You enter a product key (or sign in with an account), the software contacts Microsoft's servers and a green tick appears. When it does not, the cause is usually simple. Here is how it works for each product and what to check when it fails.
Buying Guides
How Software Activation Works and What to Do When It Fails
From entering a product key to a green tick: how activation works for Windows, Office and server products, the usual reasons it fails and the fixes to try first.
Direct Answer
Activation checks your product key with Microsoft and records that the software is licensed. Most failures come from a mistyped key, an edition that does not match the key, no internet connection or the wrong account. Check those four first.
Windows
- Open Settings, then System, then Activation (in Windows 10: Update & Security, then Activation).
- Select Change product key and type the key.
- Select Next, then Activate, and wait for the confirmation.
Office
- Follow the redeem steps in your delivery email, signing in with the Microsoft account you want the license on.
- Download and install Office from your account, then open any app to confirm it shows as activated.
Windows Server and volume (MAK) keys
- Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
- Run
slmgr.vbs /ipkfollowed by your key. - Run
slmgr.vbs /atoto activate online and wait for the message.
SQL Server
The product key is entered during setup, or you can update the edition later from the SQL Server installation centre. Your delivery email lists the steps for the exact product.
Pro Tip
Before contacting support, note the exact error message and code and where you saw it. It usually points straight to the cause.
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