1
Open Settings
Open the Start menu and click the settings cog.
Phone activation
When Windows asks for phone activation, submit the Installation ID and enter the Confirmation ID.
Step 1 / 11
Windows phone activation guide
Use this when online activation shows an error and Windows offers Activate by phone.
Important: follow the guide in order
Activation works best when each step is completed exactly as shown. Do not skip ahead, and keep this page open until you reach the phone activation screen and submit the Installation ID.
2
Go to Activation
Click the Windows isn't activated link at the bottom, or type Activate Windows in the search box.
3
Change the product key
Click Change product key, Change, or Activate product key. The wording can vary between Windows versions.
4
Enter the product key
Paste the product key from your private order page into the Product key field, then click Next.
Use the product key shown on your private order page. Keep that page open while you complete these steps.
5
Try activation
Click Activate. This attempt is needed so Windows shows the phone activation path.
6
Close the error
This error is expected. Click Close and return to the Activation page.
7
Open phone activation
Click Activate by phone.
8
Continue from region selection
Any country or region can stay selected. Click Next.
9
Send the Installation ID
Take a screenshot of the Installation ID screen or copy the numbers. Submit it on your private order page, then return to Windows and choose Enter confirmation ID.
Tip: press Windows key + Shift + S to capture this activation window, then paste the screenshot here.
Use your private order page for IID/CID
This public guide shows the steps. Your private order page reads the Installation ID screenshot and returns the Confirmation ID.
10
Enter the Confirmation ID
Enter the CID from our service into boxes A-H, then click Activate Windows.
11
Activation is done
When you see Thanks, you're all done, click Close. Windows activation is complete.
