Q: Do you have to call a Microsoft Product Activation Center to active a Microsoft product??
A: You do not have to call a Microsoft Product Activation Center to activate a Microsoft product. The Product Activation Wizard in the product can guide you through the activation process online. However, if you do not have an Internet connection, or if you experience an error, you may have to call a Microsoft Product Activation Center to activate the product.
Q: Do you have to locate the correct telephone number to call?
A: There are multiple Product Activation Centers worldwide. The correct telephone number is based on the product and your location. This article describes how to find use the built in product activation features to find a telephone number for a Product Activation Center.
Q: Is there a separate Activation Phone Number for Volume Licensing Products?
A: Yes, Microsoft Volume Licensing provides a separate activation experience. If you have used a Volume License or need more information about the activation telephone numbers for Volume Licensing products, see the following Microsoft website: Microsoft Volume Licensing Activation Centers Worldwide Telephone Numbers.
Resolution
Select the product that you are trying to activate from the drop-down menu Select Product Version: then follow the steps below that apply for your product, whether it is an operating system or a program.
Windows 10
To start Product Activation:
Go to Start, then select Settings, choose Update & security, and then select Activation.
If your device is not activated, the Activate by phone option will be available.
Windows 8.1 and Windows 8
To start the Product Activation Wizard, follow these steps:
At the Start screen, swipe in from the right side, or hover your mouse in the upper-right corner of the screen to display the charms menu.
Tap or click the Settings charm.
Tap or click Change PC Settings.
Tap or click Activate Windows.
If your computer is not activated, PC Settings provides instructions that are customized to your activation error. If telephone support can provide help resolve your error, tap or click the appropriate link, that may resemble one of the following:
Activate
Activate by phone
Contact customer support for help