Hello friends, I want to highlight today's article on how to activate Windows 10. Not only will I describe in this article all the known legal and effective activation methods, but I will also write about illegal ones that a very large number of users now use. This is true, because no one wants to pay about 8 thousand rubles for one copy of Windows 10 Pro.
In the material, I will analyze how to activate Windows by phone, using a key, and also without a key. We will learn about programs that can activate the system, as well as other software, in a couple of clicks. Let's try to understand why Windows is not activated and much more. If the article is very large, then I will divide it into two parts.
Activating Windows with a key
The easiest way to activate Windows 10 is by entering your product key. In the boxed version, this key is drawn on the box itself. On most laptops, it is glued to the back of the laptop. The next point is that the key is usually tied to the hardware, so it is unlikely to work on other devices, and on laptops it is sewn into the BIOS. This means that the key does not need to be entered, it is necessary to install the system of the required edition and it will activate itself.
If you have a Windows 10 key, then you can enter it as follows:
Open the system settings window by pressing the Win + I keys. Next, go to the "Update and Security" section. We go to the subsection "Activation" and on the right we find the parameter "Change product key".
In the same window, you can find out the edition of your system, for example, Windows 10 Home, and whether the system is activated or not.
Additional information about update 1607
Since about 2016, users who have upgraded to "tens" from Windows 7 and 8 have a key binding not only to hardware, but also to a Microsoft account.
Many already know that this solves problem situations with activation when replacing components and other nuances.
Windows 10 Digital License
There is a so-called digital license, which does not require entering a product key. When connected to the Internet, the system is activated automatically. This feature is available only to those users who upgraded from a licensed version or are members of the Windows Insider program. Once this is done, the user will no longer drive the key, because it is already tied to the hardware, this is called a digital license.
In the Update and Security window, you can see how Windows was activated.
Many sites and forums write that you should not enter the key during digital activation. This means that the activation may fail, and the entered key will not work. Although this does not always happen.
I also suggest that you read the article from Microsoft, which describes activation solutions.
Activating Windows 10 by phone
If it is impossible to activate via the Internet, or some activation methods do not work, you can use the following method.
- Press the Win + R keys until the "Run" window appears.
- We enter the command slui 4.
- A country selection window should appear.
- The number you need to call will be displayed, there will be activation instructions, just in case you can write everything down.
- Upon receipt of the code, enter it in the required field and activate it.
By the way, some editions do not allow you to activate Windows by phone. In this case, a corresponding message will appear.
How to activate Windows 10 after changing hardware
This question is very important. If you are linked to a Microsoft account, then there will be no problems. That's all pies. Before changing the configuration, bind the key to the account in order to avoid problems.
Where to get a license key to activate Windows 10
The legal way is to buy a key. There are several ways to purchase it:
- Purchase through the store Windows PRO version.
- Purchase of the boxed version.
- Buying a laptop or computer on which the key is already tied to the equipment. (The most expensive way).
From the store, you can easily upgrade to the Pro edition, but if you have any version other than "For one language". I have already encountered this myself and cannot update the top ten due to the fact that it costs OEM.
Buying a Windows 10 Product Key on eBay
Recently discovered an interesting way to activate the system. You need to install the desired version of the system, buy a key for about 200-300 rubles, enter and activate the system. Someone says that it is illegal, while others use this option and do not complain. I myself do not know how to relate to this, but I will tell you about the method.
We register on the eBay auction and enter “Windows 10 Pro” in the search bar. We have a large selection of products, the price of which varies greatly. But you need to take it from the seller with the highest rating and a lot of positive reviews.
Buy the key in a way convenient for you and wait for it to arrive in the mail. After receiving, enter it and enjoy a licensed copy.
How to activate Windows 10 without a key
Now let's start looking at options where we don't need a product key. Here we become a pirate, who we shouldn't become, but you can't change people.
Activating Windows 10 with KMS
The most popular Windows activation method is using a dedicated KMS activator. You can download it and activate clean Windows, or download some assembly where the activator will already be built in and do everything by itself.
The activator usually has several ways to activate the system and the ability to make even an office “licensed”.
There is other software that activates Windows. For example, Re-Loader Activator. Before use, it is advisable to disable the antivirus and click on the "Active" button. The utility will do everything on its own.
Well, I sort of sorted out all the methods and at least one should work. Of course, it is better to use legal methods so that there are no problems later. Did anyone have them? I don't think.
A couple of interesting items:
Recently (in connection with the release of Windows 10), there is an opinion very often on the network: the Windows 10 activation system has changed a lot, activation is now tied to a device and a Microsoft account, and the key is no longer needed. Often links to articles containing this opinion are used as arguments in disputes. Let's try to figure out if this is really the case.
To the question "where does this information come from?" usually they refer to what Gabriel Aul or someone else from Microsoft said something like that. At best, quotes like this are given:
If you’ve previously activated a genuine copy of Windows 10 on your device, you’ll be able to activate Windows 10 Insider Preview builds of the same edition without the need to enter a product key. This will also enable you to re-install the latest public release of Windows 10 without entering a product key if you no longer want Windows Insider Preview on your device.
An attentive reader (a little familiar with English) will pay attention to the fact that there is not a word in the quote about any changes in the activation system. And personally, I did not come across a single official source in which Microsoft or its employees would report such changes.
Now let's move on to the practical part:
In VMware Player, we will create a virtual machine (for Windows 10 x64), deprive it of access to the network (just in case), and install Windows 10 into it.
Myth 1 - Windows 10 installed keyless A: In Windows 10, Microsoft brought back the ability to skip entering a product key during the installation phase (as it was in Windows 7), this is true. However, does the OS install without a key?
In the installed system, open the command prompt (as administrator), and enter the command "slmgr.vbs / dlv":
As you can see, the system already has a key (3V66T), or rather:
- VK7JG-NPHTM-C97JM-9MPGT-3V66T for Pro Edition,
- YTMG3-N6DKC-DKB77-7M9GH-8HVX7 for Home Edition,
- or BT79Q-G7N6G-PGBYW-4YWX6-6F4BT for Home SL.
Myth 2 – Windows 10 can be activate keyless: we have already found out that the key is still in the system. Now let's see what we have there with activation: "Start / Settings / Update and Security / Activation".
Since there is no access to the network, the system prompts us to connect to the Internet for activation, or to activate by phone. Let's see what happens if we remove the key from the system (because, according to the myth, it is not needed) "slmgr.vbs / upk".
Surprisingly many mentions of a seemingly unnecessary product key, and not a single suggestion to activate the system without one. Apparently the "crooked Indians" screwed something up again.
Myth 3 - now activation is tied to a computer, not a key: let's go back to activation by phone (with the 3V66T key installed), select your country, and in the next step we see the following window:
What is this set of nine sequences of numbers? And this is an identifier obtained on the basis of a keychain (installed in the system) and equipment (on which this system is installed). At the time of activation, this identifier is stored on the server, and a response code (suitable only for this identifier) is generated. If you make significant changes to the PC configuration, install the system with the same key on another PC, or change the product key on this one, the identifier will change and will not match the one stored on the server, and activation will not be performed.
Windows used to bind to a device by this mechanism, but it is important to understand that this binding (both before and now) involves a key (without which an identifier will not be generated).
It is worth noting that the "boxed" keys have the right to be transferred to other devices (i.e. you can remove the boxed Windows from one device and install it on another), in this case the server (having recognized the "boxed" key) will save the new identifier and activate system on a new device.
Myth 4 – Windows 10 activation is tied to a Microsoft account: above, we already installed the system and got the opportunity to activate it (by phone) - without a single mention of a Microsoft account. Even if you install the system (with network access), the installer provides the option not to connect to the account:
How a device that has never connected to the Internet (activated by phone), or has never connected to a Microsoft account (using a local one), can bind to an account (which no one created) remains a mystery.
Myth 5 - now there will be no keys at all: will! Both in boxes and sewn into the BIOS of motherboards (devices with Windows 10 preinstalled). The key is the only proof (to the activation server) that you purchased Windows in one way or another.
Well, now a little about what has changed after all.: one single (small) change has nothing to do with activation mechanisms. It's just that everyone who updated their Windows 7/8.1 to 10 (at the time of the update) was activated with the same installation keys (by default), which is why when (clean) reinstalling Windows 10 on the same device, you do not need to enter the key (the installer will substitute the key with which the system is activated).
This "knight's move", however, creates one small problem (for owners of boxed licenses), because according to the Windows 10 license agreement:
b. Standalone software. If the software was purchased as a standalone product (and also if the software was upgraded from a standalone version), you may transfer the software to another device that you own. In addition, you may transfer the software to a device owned by someone else if (i) you are the first licensed user of the software and (ii) the new user agrees to be bound by the terms of this agreement. You may use an authorized backup copy or the media on which you received the software to transfer the software. Before transferring the software to a new device, you must uninstall it from the previous device. You may not transfer software for the purpose of sharing licenses across multiple devices."
Those. the license for Windows 10 (obtained by updating boxed Windows 7/8.1) has the right to transfer (without time limits), and in fact it is impossible to perform a clean installation and activation of 10 on another device without a (own) key, and installing boxed 7/8.1 on a new a device with a subsequent upgrade to 10 (which is how Microsoft support suggests using the right to transfer) will no longer be free after July 28, 2016. But that’s another story…
Windows 10 is a new operating system of the Windows family (and the latest edition, as Microsoft itself claims) Many have managed to install it, and many still think because they are afraid of problems with further Windows 10 activation. In this article, I will tell all ways to activate Windows 10. Via Skype, using a key, using an activator
I will not talk about licensed software. Everyone decides for himself whether to buy a licensed Windows 10 for him, or activate it by other methods.
The first activation method is the easiest. If you have a purchased Windows 10 operating system (or a laptop with Windows 10 installed). Then you have either a disk with Windows 10 (on which the key to Windows 10 is written) or you can look at your key to Windows 10 on the cover of the laptop.
The most important thing to activate Windows 10 is to install the version of Windows 10 you purchased. If you have Windows 10 Home, you need to install the Windows 10 home version, not Windows 10 Pro. The Windows 10 key is compatible with both 32-bit and 64-bit Windows 10.
Some desktop computers that are sold with licensed Windows installed also have a Windows 10 key sticker. 
When you know your key to Windows 10, then you can proceed with the activation of Windows 10 itself. Right-click on This Computer — Properties and press Windows Activation
Now enter your key and click Activate. If everything went well, your Windows 10 is activated 
Activating Windows 10 using an activator
For Windows 10, there are already many different activators that will also make your system activated. Decide for yourself whether to use them or not.
Option number 1. Re-Loader Activator
The Re-Loader Activator is a great and simple activator that will easily activate your operating system and make your Windows 10 activated
The Re-Loader activator "can" also activate the installed Office 2007, 2010, 2013, 2016
Attention: For the activator to work, you need to install .Net Framework 4.5
It is advisable to turn off the antivirus before using the activator. Launch Re-Loader 
Choose what you want to activate and click Active. 1 - Windows activation. 2-Office Activation
Option number 2. KMSAuto Lite
Kms Autolite is a popular activator from Ratiborus. The activator can activate both Windows 10 and Office 2016.
Now launch the KmsAuto Lite activator 
Select the products you want to activate and click activate 
Windows 10 activation via Skype
Only "selected" fans of Windows 10 know this method. Windows 10 can be activated by phone using Skype and a key found on the network. This method is quite time-consuming, but it makes your Windows 10 licensed, and forever.
First you need to find a key that is not yet blocked and suitable for activating Windows 10. You need to check the key using the MsAct v 1.06 program
Download MsAct v 1.06 to check Windows 10 keys
We launch the program MsAct v 1.06 - Paste the key into the field- Install key
If the key is suitable for activation in Skype, the program will display the following message: 
Now let's call the number +3728002230
Skype Microsoft. To activate Russian, press 2. Next, enter the key to Windows 10 when asked.
Then, the girl will dictate 8 blocks of letters and numbers. You must write them down on paper or in a notepad and then enter them in the MsAct v 1.06 program and press apply code
Activate Windows 10 by Skype through Msact
After that, save the activation somewhere by clicking on the floppy disk
Conclusion
I described all the ways to activate Windows 10. The most correct would be to purchase and install a licensed one bought in a store. Decide for yourself how you want to activate Windows 10. Here are described SELECTED
ways that do not contain viruses and will definitely activate your Windows 10
P.S: Look for activators on the Internet
Windows 10 - a popular operating system from Microsoft - after installation requires the user to activate, and quite complex and multi-step compared to most proprietary programs. In particular, you can go through the activation through a phone call. Let's see how to do it.
How to find the activation key
First of all, to activate the system, we need an activation key. As a rule, it is written on the back side of the disk with the system or sent to you in an email during installation. If you do not know it, it is recommended to use a simple program that analyzes the system and issues a key “embedded” into it to the user - for example, using the ShowKeyPlus utility. How to use it? Nothing complicated! Just run - and the utility itself will find all the data you need. ShowKeyPlus is free and open source. You can download it.
However, since the system is not activated, it means that you may not have a key at all. In this case, you must first obtain it from Microsoft and only then proceed with activation.
Video: where to find the key
Windows 10 activation by phone - step by step instructions
After you have learned the key, you can proceed to the main part of the work - activation. This requires you to have a phone, console, administrator rights and, preferably, a piece of paper with a pen in order to successfully record the number dictated by the robot.
- First you need to go to the console. This is done in several different ways: you can click "Run" (Win + R) and enter cmd in the window that opens, you can right-click on the "Start" button and select "Command Prompt (Admin)" from the menu that opens.
- In the console, type slmgr.vbs /upk. Thus, we will delete the old key. After that, you need to drive the command slmgr.vbs / ipk<ваш ключ>, and enter the key without spaces, through hyphens, as it was displayed initially. To activate the system in the standard way, you can enter slmgr.vbs /ato. But this is not our case, and another command will be needed to activate via phone.
- A message about the successful installation of the key into the system will appear. Now you can move on to the next step: on the same command line, you need to type the command slui 4. It will open the phone activation menu. In the menu that appears, you need to specify the country in which you live, and after that a window will appear with the data necessary for activation.
- All that's left is to make a phone call. To a free number. Don’t worry: you don’t have to communicate with people, the robot performs the activation, and all you have to do is press the buttons according to the given script:
- press 1 if you are a private person;
- press 1 if you want to activate Windows 10;
- during the briefing, you can press # if you do not want to listen to it;
- enter the first block of numbers from the activation window; then the second; then a third, and so on;
- if everything went well, the robot will report that the data has been received.
- The robot will begin to dictate the numbers of the confirmation code. If you type slower than you write, then this is where a piece of paper with a pen comes in handy. Carefully fix the code with you and enter it in the appropriate field in the activation window (it is called "Enter the confirmation code ...").
- "Ready!" - the system will happily report. Everything, Windows 10 is activated, and you can do whatever you want with it.
Is this method safe
In short, yes, it is safe. No more dangerous than any other type of activation. Of course, it is advisable to follow simple safety precautions: do not show anyone the key or confirmation code, do not activate in crowded places, do not record calls or delete the entry immediately after activation. But objectively the worst thing that can happen is that your activation code will be leaked to the Internet and will be used to activate pirated versions of the system. With prolonged use, this is fraught with code blocking and the need to re-obtain it - the procedure is not the easiest. But it is impossible to get any access to personal data or files on the computer through the activation code.
And if you follow the simple rules described above, the probability of leaking code into the network drops to such an insignificant level that it can be neglected. So activation by phone is safe and in some ways simpler than the standard one.
When it is impossible to activate the OS
The most common reason for not being able to activate by phone is the message of the robot: “Code not recognized”. What could cause this to happen?
Video: getting a Windows license key by phone
So, the activation of Windows 10 by phone is completed, and you can safely enjoy the system without restrictions and annoying inscriptions. In case you need to activate the system again, the experience gained will definitely be useful.
After the official release of Windows 10, users began to worry about how to activate the operating system, is it possible to do this for free? It was also not known where to get these code combinations of letters and numbers for a clean installation of the OS on a PC. It was also unclear why users from different parts of the world had the same keys.
Two months after the official presentation of the "tens", Microsoft shared the official instructions for updating the OS. Initially, the resource page was only in English, but now it can also be found in Russian, on the company's official portal.
Already in November, the corporation allowed activating Windows 10 using keys from versions 7 and 8. You can enter the code after installation or even during a “clean” installation of the system using OS images.
Clickable
According to official data, it was possible to find confirmation of the information that was discussed even before the release of Windows 10. This means that owners of computers that have been updated from the "seven" or "eight" or purchased the update in the Windows Store are not required to enter the key when updating product. Members of the Windows Insider program will also be able to activate the OS without a key. In these cases, the license is tied to the technology (at first, in the instructions from Microsoft, it was called Digital Entitlement, and in the Russian version of the article it was called "Digital Entitlement").
It is quite difficult for an ordinary user to deal with such a name, but in fact everything is very simple, after updating the operating system on their own computer, automatic activation occurs.
This activation method has many advantages. So, in the future, you won’t have to look for an answer to the question, where can I see my key. Whenever a desire or need arises, you can immediately create bootable media (CD or USB flash drive). Experts advise doing this immediately after installation so that the OS is always at hand. After that, you can install or reinstall Windows 10 on your computer at any time. 
During the process, entering the key is not required, everything will happen automatically. If during the installation it was possible to peep the key somewhere, then you should not use it, the security system may consider this to be the distribution of the OS.
Unfortunately, even such a simple method that allows you to activate the system does not always work smoothly. Developers also know about this, so on the Microsoft website you can find an article about the most common process errors and how to solve them.
When is an activation key needed?
Users are also interested in in what situations a key is still needed, because when buying an upgrade or applying activations of older versions for Windows 10, everything happens automatically. As PC owners from all over the world often notice, the keys can be the same on several computers at once, because they can be spied on. 
And yet, there are situations when you cannot do without using the key:
The situation is that most users do not need keys, and those who need a key for activation own it, and there are no questions about searching for code combinations.
OS activation after working with hardware settings
When Windows 10 activation is directly tied to a computer, this is very convenient, but how will such a function behave when changing settings or technical details. Users are especially interested in what will happen if important parts of a laptop or PC are replaced.
Microsoft has tried to give instructions that will tell you what to do in such cases. According to the corporation, when a user upgraded to Windows 10 for free, and then replaced important elements of equipment, the system would not be able to be activated. The only way to resolve the issue is to contact Microsoft support.
Important Points
First, it should be noted that everything described in the article applies only to owners of Windows 10 licenses, and activation of the "pirated" version is illegal. Also, an ordinary user should familiarize himself with the most important points that relate to the issue of activation:
- Most of the cases do without the use of a key. If during installation the program still asks about the code, then this moment must be skipped (and this can only be done by first activating the "top ten" on the same laptop or personal computer).
- If the user still needs a key, then he must have it (in the box, in addition to buying equipment, etc.), otherwise there may be an error on the part of the activation center.
- After installing new parts in the computer or significant changes in the settings, it is not always possible to activate the OS. Windows Support will help resolve the issue.
- Those who took part in the Insider Preview program will receive automatic activation of all new OS versions for a specific account in the Microsoft system.
If you still can’t figure out the problem, then you should contact the technical support of the OS developers.
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