Offline activation of Windows was possible using the phone. However, as we mentioned in a previous post, Microsoft quietly removed this method.
So, customers of the company who use this traditional activation should be aware that the process has changed and activation via phone call will no longer be supported. But that doesn't mean you can't activate Windows offline.
Although the process has been updated, offline activation capabilities are still supported.
What do you need to activate Windows using the new Product Activation Portal, now that activation by phone has been retired?
First, you need to find the “Activate by Phone” screen within Windows (or the product you want to activate). You will be presented with activation information and a phone number, but instead of calling it, you can write down all the information from this screen and use it in Product Activation Portal.
However, unlike activation by phone, the Product Activation Portal requires a browser and an internet connection. However, the target computer may be offline.
Now of course the Product Activation Portal cannot be used unless you have a Microsoft account.
The Product Activation Portal specifically requires a Microsoft Personal Account (MSA), a work or school account, a Microsoft Entra ID account, or an Azure Government tenant account.
Some argue that the company removed phone activation because it allowed customers to avoid creating an account. It's very likely, but it could have been removed due to low usage.
Although the press releases will range from very select to rare, I said I'd pass...because sometimes the editors hide.
