How to Register With Microsoft Certificate Authority

If you don't have Internet access, you can register over the telephone.

Registering your copy of Microsoft Windows with the Microsoft Certificate Authority, known as activating Windows, is an important step that is usually accomplished during the installation of Windows. Reasons for not activating Windows on installation include not having the activation key at hand or not having an active Internet connection available. Typically, you have 30 days to activate Windows after installing it.

Instructions

Activate Via Internet

1. Click the "Start" button. Right-click "Computer" and then click "Properties." Select "Activate Windows now."

2. Click "Activate Windows online now" if you have an Internet connection active.

3. Locate the certificate of authenticity, which is a document that comes with Windows and is labeled "Certificate of Authenticity." Look for the activation key at the bottom of the document. Type the key into the computer exactly as it appears on the certificate of authenticity and click "Next."

Activate Via Modem

1. Click the "Start" button. Right-click "Computer" and then click "Properties." Select "Activate Windows now."

2. Click "Show me other ways to activate."

3. Locate the certificate of authenticity, which is a document that comes with Windows and is labeled "Certificate of Authenticity." Look for the activation key at the bottom of the document. Type the key into the computer exactly as it appears on the certificate of authenticity and click "Next."

4. Click "Use my modem to connect directly to the activation service." Click "Next."

Activate Via Telephone

1. Click the "Start" button. Right-click "Computer" and then click "Properties." Select "Activate Windows now."

2. Click "Show me other ways to activate."

3. Locate the certificate of authenticity, which is a document that comes with Windows and is labeled "Certificate of Authenticity." Look for the activation key at the bottom of the document. Type the key into the computer exactly as it appears on the certificate of authenticity and click "Next."

4. Click "Use the automated telephone service." Click "Next." Choose a phone number to call (local numbers are available in most areas of the world) and write it down. Click "Next." A string of numbers appears on the screen.

5. Dial the phone number. Enter the string of numbers on the screen into the telephone keypad. Click "Next." A screen appears asking for the confirmation number, which is an additional string of numbers. Type the numbers you are given from the telephone system into the computer. Click "Next."

Tips & Warnings

• In addition to activating the computer with Microsoft's certificate authority, you may also wish to register your copy of Windows. While not a requirement to make Windows work, registration may provide you with updates about new software additions that are not made available to those who choose not to register. See Resources for more information.

• If you are reinstalling Windows from a copy that was previously installed on the computer, you will find the certificate of authenticity somewhere on a sticker on the body of the computer -- on the top or back for desktop computers, on the bottom for laptops.

• Be sure to type in your activation key exactly as it appears on the certificate of authenticity. Making even one change will cause activation to fail. Repeated failures will cause Windows to stop working properly.

References

• Microsoft: Activate Windows on This Computer
• Microsoft: Microsoft Genuine Software Frequently Asked Questions
• Microsoft: What is a Certificate of Authenticity?

Resources

• Microsoft: Register Windows 7