While Windows usually activates automatically when you install it, sometimes you have to activate it manually. Activating Windows will certify that the copy of Windows is only used on your computer's hardware, so this can help fight piracy. If you recently purchased a computer, or you can't connect to the internet after installing Windows, you may have to manually activate your copy of Windows.
Step
Method 1 of 4: Via the Internet
Step 1. Click Start
Right-click Computer and then click Properties. The System Properties window will open.
This can also be done by pressing the Win+Pause key
Step 2. Click the “Activate Windows Now” link at the bottom of the window
Windows will try to detect an active internet connection. If a connection is detected, the "Activate Windows online now" option will appear for you to choose from. If it still doesn't appear, make sure that you are actually connected to the Internet.
Step 3. Enter your Windows 7 product key when prompted
Enter a valid 25-character code for your copy of Windows to be activated. The Windows product key can be located on the bottom of your laptop, on the back of your computer case, on your Windows 7 DVD disc case, or in your Windows 7 manual.
- If you got Windows from the internet, you will receive a product key in a confirmation email.
- If your product key is still missing, you will need to purchase a new product key.
Step 4. Click
Next to activate your copy of Windows.
The activation process may take a few minutes. After the process is complete, a confirmation message will appear in the activation window. To make sure that your Windows is active, open System Properties again (by right-clicking Computer and selecting Properties). At the bottom of the window will appear a message that says "Windows is activated".
Method 2 of 4: By Phone
Step 1. Click Start
Right click Computer and then click Properties. The System Properties window will open.
This can also be done by pressing Win+Pause
Step 2. Click the "Activate Windows now" link at the bottom of the window
Step 3. Select "Show me other ways to activate" from the Activation menu
Step 4. Enter the Windows 7 product key when prompted
Enter a valid 25-character code for your copy of Windows to be activated. The Windows product key can be located on the bottom of your laptop, on the back of your computer case, on your Windows 7 DVD disc case, or in your Windows 7 manual.
- If you got Windows from the internet, you will receive a product key in a confirmation email.
- If your product key is still missing, you will need to purchase a new product key.
Step 5. Click
Next.
Select "Use automated phone system" from the list of available options. If you are prompted for an administrator password, enter it and then click OK.
Step 6. Choose the location closest to where you live
You will be given a list of phone numbers to call, then the installation ID number will appear in the window.
Step 7. Call the number
You will be connected to an automated system to guide you through the activation. You will be asked to enter the installation ID that is displayed on the computer screen.
Step 8. Use the keypad on the phone to enter the Installation ID
Step 9. Write the confirmation number
You will be given a confirmation number after entering the installation ID. Write or type the number in Notepad.
Step 10. Enter the confirmation number into the activation window and then click
Next.
If you do not succeed in activation, do not hang up, and contact the Microsoft support team
Method 3 of 4: Using a Modem
Step 1. Click Start
Right-click Computer and then click Properties. The System Properties window will open.
This can also be done by pressing Win+Pause
Step 2. Click the "Activate Windows now" link at the bottom of the window
Step 3. Select "Show me other ways to activate" from the Activation menu
Step 4. Enter the Windows 7 product key when prompted
Enter a valid 25-character code for your copy of Windows to be activated. The Windows product key can be located on the bottom of your laptop, on the back of your computer case, on your Windows 7 DVD disc case, or in your Windows 7 manual.
- If you got Windows from the internet, you will receive a product key in a confirmation email.
- If your product key is still missing, you will need to purchase a new product key.
Step 5. Click
Next.
Select "Use my modem to connect directly to the activation service". If you are prompted for an administrator password, enter it and then click OK.
Step 6. Select the location closest to where you live from the drop-down list
Click Next to connect and start activation. Your modem will turn on and connect to the activation service. The activation process may take a few minutes. When the activation is complete, a confirmation message will be displayed in the activation window.
Reopen System Properties to make sure that your Windows is really active (right click Computer and select Properties). At the bottom of the window will appear a message that says "Windows is activated"
Method 4 of 4: Turning Off Activation
Step 1. Download the InfiniteRearm utility
You can get this program on many Windows fan sites. This is illegal if the copy of Windows you want to disable activation for is pirated. And this utility is not endorsed or created by Microsoft.
You may have to download InfiniteRearm as part of the "Rearm Wizard" software package
Step 2. Extract the program you downloaded
Double-click the file you downloaded and then drag the Rearm Wizard.cmd file to your desktop or another easy-to-find location.
Step 3. Double-click the
Rearm Wizard.cmd.
A Command Prompt window will open and take you through the InfiniteRearm setup process.
Step 4. Select "A" from the main menu
This will load IR7 (InfiniteRearm 7).
Step 5. Select "A" from the InifinteRearm menu
This will install the InfiniteRearm service on the computer. Then your computer will reboot.
Step 6. Use your Windows computer as usual
InfiniteRearm will reset the timer in your trial period, so you can get full access to all features..
Step 7. Reinstall the program when the trial time has expired
Your trial time will eventually run out, but you can extend it again by reinstalling the program and restarting the process. You will be asked to reinstall the program once every 180 days.
Tips
- If you have problems trying to activate Windows 7 using your phone, do not hang up, and you will be contacted by a customer service representative for assistance.
- You can find the Windows 7 product key in the software disc case. If you got Windows from the internet, you can find the product key in the confirmation email.
