Microsoft's long-standing phone activation method for Windows has been replaced with online activation, impacting users reliant on offline systems.
Shift to Online Activation
For two decades, Microsoft offered an offline phone activation option crucial for government and enterprise users. This method has been replaced, forcing users towards online activation. The shift was observed across Windows 11, Windows 10, and Windows 7.
- Microsoft has ended phone activation for Windows, a method in use since Windows XP.
- As of today, Windows activation must be done online, following feedback from Microsoft's activation hotline.
- This affects users in isolated networks, enterprises without internet, and offline batch deployments.
- The official Microsoft support documents still incorrectly list phone activation as an option.
- Recent user tests confirm that obtaining a manual confirmation ID via phone is no longer possible.
Impact on Offline Systems
This change disrupts isolated systems like government and enterprise environments, which relied on offline activation channels. Criticism has grown among users who view this as another step towards increased dependency on online services.
Without clear communication from Microsoft, the abrupt change leaves many scrambling for solutions to activate Windows without internet access.
