If online activation fails, Windows can be activated by telephone. This normally happens when a key has been used on a device before, or when the computer has no internet connection.
Step 1 — Open the activation wizard
Press Windows + R, type slui 4 and press Enter. The phone activation wizard opens.
Step 2 — Choose your country
Select the country you are in and click Next. Windows then shows an Installation ID, a long number split into groups.
Step 3 — Call the activation centre
Call the number shown on screen. An automated system asks for your Installation ID. Read the groups of digits in order.
Step 4 — Enter the Confirmation ID
The system reads back a Confirmation ID. Type it into the boxes in the wizard and click Activate Windows.
If the automated system will not give you an ID
Ask to be transferred to an operator, or contact us. We will check the key and, if it is faulty, replace it.
Still stuck?
Send us your order number and the error you see. Support is included with every purchase.