What is activation?
Activation is the name for the process that ties together information from your Microsoft Passport account and your hardware device(s). Activation uses this information to create a permission code that’s stored on your device. This permission code enables you to access premium eBook content that has been packaged to help ensure secure distribution. (From Microsoft’s Activation FAQs.
Activation reduces piracy by associating your Windows Product Key-the 25-character security code located on your Certificate of Authenticity (usually affixed to your software package, PC, or laptop)-to a PC hardware key. Microsoft stores this information in a database so that no one else can use your Product Key on another PC.
Activation, also known as Microsoft Product Activation or Windows Product Activation, is an anti-piracy technology designed to verify that Microsoft software products are legitimately licensed. Activation works by verifying that the product key—the 25-character code located on your Certificate of Authenticity (usually affixed to your computer) or proof of license label (usually affixed to the installation disc case)—is authentic and is not in use on more personal computers than are permitted by the software license.
Activation ensures that each Windows product is only installed on the limited number of computers (usually one) that is allowed in the software’s end user license agreement (EULA). None of the information collected during product activation will be used to personally identify you. Activation is required.You have a 30-day grace period in which to activate your Windows product installation. If the grace period expires and you have not completed activation, all features except the product activation feature will stop working.Your computer will automatically attempt to connect to the Internet to activate. If your computer is not connected to the Internet, you will be prompted to activate by phone.
