Windows 10 Won’t Activate Online? Use a Confirmation ID

Windows 10 won't activate online? Don't give up: your license may still be fine. With a CID License, Windows 10 is activated in two possible ways. First, Windows tries to activate online when you enter the key, and many times that is all you need. If Windows shows an error, you use the second way: a Confirmation ID from Microsoft's own activation portal. This post shows when to use each one, with real screenshots.

IMPORTANT: sometimes Windows says it can't connect to the activation servers, and other times it says the key was already used on another device. With either error, don't give up: complete the activation with the Confirmation ID (CID). You only need an internet connection, and everything is done online on Microsoft's website: you don't need to call anyone.

1. First, try the online activation

1.1 Go to Settings > Update and Security > Activation, click "Change product key", enter your license key and click "Next" and then "Activate". If Windows says "Windows is activated", you are done and you don't need the rest of this post.

1.2 If Windows shows "Unable to activate Windows", like in the screenshot below, the online activation did not work. This is the moment to use a Confirmation ID. Click "Close".

2. Start the Confirmation ID activation

2.1 On the Activation page, click "Activate by phone". That is just the name Microsoft gives to this option: everything is done online.

2.2 Choose your country or region and click "Next". Windows shows your Installation ID, a 63-digit code in nine blocks. This is the code Microsoft needs to give you your Confirmation ID.

IMPORTANT: you can also open this window by pressing the Windows key + R, typing slui 4 and pressing Enter.

3. Get the Confirmation ID and enter it

3.1 Open Microsoft's Product Activation Portal at aka.ms/WindowsActivate, sign in with your Microsoft account, choose "Activate a Microsoft Product", then Windows and Windows 10, and enter your Installation ID. To copy the 63 digits without mistakes, use our Installation ID Extractor.

3.2 The portal shows your Confirmation ID in eight blocks, A to H.

3.3 Go back to the Windows window, click "Enter confirmation ID", type each block in its box and click "Activate Windows". You will see "Thanks, you're all done", and the Activation page will say "Windows is activated".

IMPORTANT: if an error appears during activation, switch to another network (for example, your phone's hotspot) or use a VPN, and try again.

Want every step with screenshots? Read our full guide: How to Activate Windows 10 with a Confirmation ID (CID). Don't have your license yet? Get your Windows 10 key at Licendeals, with 24/7 support.