Here are answers to some common questions about activating Windows.
No. Activation is required, but registration is not. Activation is the process of ensuring that Windows on your computer is used according to the Microsoft Software License Terms. Registration is the process of entering information (such as your e‑mail address) to sign up for product support, tools and tips, and other product benefits.
No. The information collected during activation will not be used to contact you.
Yes. You have 30 days after installing Windows to activate it online or by telephone. When Windows is activated, you'll be able to use every feature of Windows.
To activate Windows on this computer, do the following:
Open Windows Activation by clicking the Start button , clicking Computer, clicking Properties, and then clicking Click here to activate Windows now. If you're prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, type the password or provide confirmation.
Genuine Windows is a recurring process that checks your product key to ensure it's being used with the hardware it was paired with during activation. If the product key is found to be non-genuine, or not valid, it's likely that the product key is either being used on another computer or is counterfeit.
For more information about genuine Windows, go to the genuine Windows website.
Maybe. When you make a significant hardware change to your computer, such as upgrading the hard disk and memory at the same time, you might be required to activate Windows again.
If automatic activation fails, follow the screens that walk you through activating Windows by phone. You'll have three days to activate Windows after changing your hardware.
Maybe. You might have to activate Windows again if:
You make a significant hardware change to your computer, such as upgrading the hard disk and memory at the same time. If a major hardware change requires activating Windows again, you'll be notified and will have three days to activate Windows.
You reinstall Windows. In this case, you’ll have 30 days to activate Windows again.
If you have to activate Windows again on the same computer, you don't need to buy a new product key.
You can find your product key on the computer or inside the Windows package—or in a confirmation e‑mail if you purchased and downloaded Windows 7 online.
Go to the Microsoft website to see examples of product key stickers.
You cannot use Windows on more computers than the Microsoft Software License Terms allow. Usually, the license terms allow the Windows product key to be used on one computer. If you use the installation disc to install Windows on a second computer, you must buy an additional product key to activate the second installation.
Buy an additional product key online now.
