How to activate Windows by phone

Phone activation is the backup route when online activation is refused, for example after moving a licence to a new PC.

Steps

1. Enter the key in Settings, or run slmgr /ipk with the key.
2. Press Win+R, type slui 4 and press Enter.
3. Choose your country or region.
4. Call the number shown, or follow the on-screen option, and read out the installation ID.
5. Enter the confirmation ID you receive and click Activate.

If slui 4 does not open

Check that the key was entered first and run the command again. Some recent builds point you to the support app instead. In that case use the Activation troubleshooter or write to us.