Microsoft Corporation developed Product Activation for Microsoft® Windows® operating systems to help ensure that each Windows operating system license is installed in compliance with the End User License Agreement (EULA), and that it is not installed on more than the limited number of computers (usually one) allowed by the product EULA. Please note, however, that volume licensed versions of Microsoft® Windows Server™ 8 operating systems do not require activation.

Notes:

• To perform the activation procedure, you must be a member of the Administrators group on the local computer, or you must have been delegated the appropriate authority. If the computer is joined to a domain, members of the Domain Admins group might be able to perform this procedure.

• For further information about Windows Product Activation, see the "How to" and "Concepts” information in help and support center.

• Windows Product Activation is not available on 64-bit versions of Windows Server Technical Preview.

An alert is generated by this rule when Windows has not been activated and the activation threshold is reached. The threshold for this rule is when product activation must occur when 5 days or less.

To resolve this alert, Windows must be activated on the relevant computer. There are a number of ways that this can be done, including:

• Activate Windows on the Internet

• Activate Windows with your modem when you have no Internet service provider

• Activate Windows by phone

• Activate Windows using Microsoft Text Telephone

Instructions for each of these methods are listed below.

Activate Windows on the Internet

To activate Windows on the Internet, click Start, point to All Programs, and then click Activate Windows. In Windows Product Activation, select Yes, let's activate Windows over the Internet now. After this selection, you will be given the option to register at the same time.

Notes:

• To perform this procedure, you must be a member of the Administrators group on the local computer, or you must have been delegated the appropriate authority. If the computer is joined to a domain, members of the Domain Admins group might be able to perform this procedure. As a security best practice, consider using the Run as tool to perform this procedure.

• To open a system tools item, click Start, point to Programs, point to Accessories, point to System Tools, and then click the appropriate icon. Click Activate Windows.

• Alternatively, you can open the Windows Product Activation Wizard by clicking Start, then Run, and then typing oobe/msoobe /a.

• You are strongly encouraged to activate your Windows operating system before using it in a productive environment to prevent loss of time later.

• If you choose not to activate Windows now, reminders will appear periodically during your grace period. After that time has expired, your login process will remain incomplete until activation.

• If you have not yet activated your Windows operating system, you can do so at any time by clicking the Windows Activation icon in the Notification Area on the Status Bar on the Desktop to initiate activation.

• If you have neither an Internet connection nor a modem, see "Activate Windows by phone" for instructions on how to contact a customer service representative by phone.

• Activating any of the Windows operating systems is fast and does not require your name or other personal information.

Activate Windows with your modem when you have no Internet service provider

To activate Windows with your modem when you have no Internet service provider:

Click Start, point to All Programs, and then click Activate Windows. In Windows Product Activation, select Yes, let's activate Windows over the Internet now. After this selection, you will be given the option to register at the same time.

Notes:

• To perform this procedure, you must be a member of the Administrators group on the local computer, or you must have been delegated the appropriate authority. If the computer is joined to a domain, members of the Domain Admins group might be able to perform this procedure. As a security best practice, consider using the Run as tool to perform this procedure.

• To open a system tools item, click Start, point to Programs, point to Accessories, point to System Tools, and then click the appropriate icon. Click Activate Windows.

• Even without Internet service, you can use your modem to activate, or activate and register, your copy of Windows.

• You are strongly encouraged to activate your Windows operating system before using it in a productive environment to prevent loss of time later.

• When Windows operating systems require activation, a shortcut logo appears in the Notification Area on the Status Bar on the Desktop. You can begin the activation process by clicking on this icon. Once you have activated, this icon disappears. Confirm activation by checking with your Application event log.

• Alternatively, you can open the Windows Product Activation wizard by clicking Start, then Run, and typing oobe/msoobe /a.

• If you choose not to activate now, reminders will appear periodically during the grace period. After that time has expired, you will be required to activate in order to continue to use your Windows operating system.

• Activating any of the Windows operating systems is fast and does not require your name or other personal information.

Activate Windows by phone

To activate Windows by phone click Start, click All Programs and then click Activate Windows. In Windows Product Activation, select Yes, I want to telephone a customer service representative to activate Windows. After you select the appropriate location, you are provided with a telephone number and an installation ID that you can give to the customer service representative to complete the activation process.

Notes:

• To open a system tools item, click Start, point to Programs, point to Accessories, point to System Tools, and then click the appropriate icon. Click Activate Windows.

• Alternatively, you can open the Windows Product Activation Wizard by clicking Start, then Run, and typing oobe/msoobe /a.

• You are strongly encouraged to activate your Windows server operating system before using it in a productive environment to prevent loss of time later.

• If you have not yet activated your Windows operating system, you can initiate activation at any time by clicking the Windows Activation icon in the Notification Area. Once you have activated, this icon disappears. If you choose not to activate now, reminders will appear periodically during the grace period. After that time has expired, you will be required to activate in order to continue to use your Windows operating system interactively.

• Activating any of the Windows operating systems is fast and does not require your name or other personal information.

Activate Windows using Microsoft Text Telephone

To activate Windows using Microsoft Text Telephone dial (800) 718-1599 on your TT/TTY modem from the United States or Canada. Once you are connected to Microsoft, you will be guided by on-screen instructions for activation. You are strongly encouraged to activate your Windows operating system before using it in a productive environment to prevent loss of time later.

Notes:

• Microsoft Text Telephone (TT/TTY) services are available for individuals who are deaf or hard-of-hearing.

• From outside the United States, dial the United States number (716) 871-6859, using your TT/TTY modem, and then follow the on-screen instructions for activation.

TT/TTY service is available only in English.