How to Activate Windows 10 with a Confirmation ID (CID)

Do you have a Windows 10 CID License? A CID license is activated with a Confirmation ID from Microsoft's own activation portal. Many times your license activates online in a few seconds, and then you don't need anything else. If Windows shows an error, you use the Confirmation ID method. This guide shows both, step by step, with real screenshots.

IMPORTANT: If Windows says it can't activate, for example "we can't connect to the activation servers", or says that the key was already used on another device, don't give up. With either of those errors, complete the activation with the Confirmation ID (CID), as shown in section 2 and the sections after it.

IMPORTANT: For this process, you only need an internet connection. The entire procedure is carried out on Microsoft's self-service website.

IMPORTANT: Install any pending Windows updates and restart your computer before you start.

1. Try the online activation first

1.1 Open the Start menu and click "Settings".

1.2 On the Settings home page, click "Windows isn't activated. Activate Windows now." It opens Update and Security > Activation.

1.3 On the Activation page, click "Change product key".

1.4 Type your Windows 10 license key in the "Enter a product key" window and click "Next".

1.5 Click "Activate". Windows connects to Microsoft and tries to activate online. If it works, you will see "Windows is activated" and you are done.

If Windows shows an activation error instead, such as the one below (it may say that the activation servers aren't available, or that the key was already used on another device), don't worry and don't give up. This is when you use the Confirmation ID. Click "Close" and continue with section 2.

2. Get your Installation ID

2.1 On the Activation page, click "Activate by phone". That is just the name Microsoft gives to this option: you won't call anyone, and everything is done online.

IMPORTANT: You can also open this window with a command: press the Windows key + R, type slui 4 and press Enter. It works once a product key is installed.

2.2 Select your country or region (for example, United States) and click "Next".

2.3 The window "Call and provide your installation ID" shows your Installation ID. This is a 63-digit code, divided into nine blocks, that is essential for the activation. Keep this window open.

2.4 To copy the 63 digits without mistakes, take a picture of them: open the Start menu, type "Snipping Tool", open it, click "New" and drag a box around the Installation ID.

2.5 Press Ctrl + S and save the picture in your Pictures folder, with the name "Capture".

3. Copy the Installation ID with our extractor

3.1 Open the Installation ID Extractor, click the box to upload your picture, choose the picture you just saved and click "Extract Installation ID".

3.2 The tool shows the nine blocks of your Installation ID. Scroll down a little and click "Copy Full ID".

4. Get your Confirmation ID from Microsoft

4.1 Open the Microsoft Product Activation Portal at aka.ms/WindowsActivate. Click "Let's get started".

4.2 Complete the security verification (a short puzzle).

4.3 Sign in with your Microsoft account when the portal asks you to, and click the "Activate a Microsoft Product" button.

4.4 From the list of products, select "Windows".

4.5 Select "Windows 10".

4.6 Paste the code you copied from the Installation ID Extractor in the "Enter Installation ID" field. The website splits it into nine groups by itself: check that they match the ones in your Windows window and click "Submit".

4.7 When the website asks on how many computers the product is installed, enter 1 and click "Next".

4.8 The website generates your Confirmation ID, in eight blocks (A to H). Copy it or write it down carefully.

5. Enter the Confirmation ID in Windows

5.1 Go back to the Windows window you left open and click "Enter confirmation ID".

5.2 Type each of the eight blocks, A through H, in its own box. Then click "Activate Windows".

5.3 All done! Windows shows "Thanks, you're all done". Click "Close".

On the Activation page, the activation state now says "Windows is activated with a digital license".

IMPORTANT: If an error appears during activation, switch to another network (for example, your phone's hotspot) or use a VPN, and try again. If a license doesn't work, tell us within 24 hours of revealing it and we will replace it right away. Your statutory rights are not affected.