How to activate Windows 8

If you have installed Windows 8 Developer Preview, the first thing you might want to do is activate it. Activation promises certain benefit, such as the ability to customize your lock screen and access additional services. There are two ways to Activate Windows 8, Metro or using the Classic interface. Lets start with metro.

Activate

On the Start screen, click on Control Panel

Activate 2

If you are connected the Internet, Windows will automatically begin the activation process. If not, click the Activate by phone link.

Classic Windows

Press Windows key + Pause Break key on your keyboard to take to the System Properties window. Or hover your mouse pointer over Start, click Search, enter system properties, click Settings to filter your search query and click the result.

Activate 3 

Click Activate online.

Thats it. The new metro style is obviously much quicker, whichever method you choose, that’s how you can activate Windows 8.

7 Comments

Filed under Windows 8

7 Responses to How to activate Windows 8

  1. Well, I don’t actually see the request for activation on my machine. Perhaps it is due to the fact that I have made my PC connected to the Wi-Fi at home when I first started to run Windows “8” Developer Preview.

  2. Hi Andre
    I’d just like to ask if I should install Windows 8 on my main PC. I have a backup of the PC and also have a recovery disc. Is it worth giving a shot?
    Can I rollback if I want?
    Would appreciate a detailed answer if you understand my worries!
    Thank you

  3. pratik

    it says this pre released version of windows has expired. your computer will restart every two hours and you might lose any unsaved data.

  4. Ravi

    Activation is taking a long time. Its over half an hour

    • Try the following:

      Press Windows key + X
      Click Command Prompt (Admin)
      Type the following commands:
      ipconfig/release
      Hit Enter

      then
      ipconfig/renew
      Hit Enter

      then
      ipconfig/flushdns
      Hit Enter

      Exit command prompt and try activating again.

      If the problem persist, try the following:
      1. Press Windows key + X then clickRun, then type: slui.exe 4
      2. Next press the ‘ENTER’ key
      3. Select your ‘Country’ from the list.
      4. Choose the ‘Phone Activation’ option.
      5. Stay on the phone (do not select/press any options) and wait for a person to help you with activation.
      6. Explain your problem clearly to the support person.

  5. Adacosta excellent answer. I used it but I put the number 3 instead of 4 because I needed to change the product key number. Thanks

  6. khwelast@gmail.com

    I just install windows 8 on my pc but the problem is that I do not know how to activate

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