December 12, 2025, from the Windows Support team at Microsoft Japan,Changes to the "telephone activation" procedure for Windows license activationWas announced.
The previous method of "making a call and following the automated voice guidance" will be abolished, and going forward, "web authentication using a separate device with an internet connection (such as a smartphone)" will become the standard.
This article provides an overview of the changes, specific authentication procedures, and points to note.
Summary of changes
The biggest changes are that signing in with a Microsoft account is now required and that phone calls (voice calls) are no longer used.
- Change before: Make a call and follow the automated voice prompts to enter the number to authenticate.
- After change: Access the dedicated website using your smartphone or PC and enter your ID on the screen to authenticate.
- Mandatory requirements:
- Internet-connected devices (smartphones, tablets, PCs, etc.)
- Microsoft account(or Microsoft Entra ID account)
- Supplement: The PC you want to authenticate can remain offline.
New activation procedure
The process involves using two devices: the PC you want to authenticate (the target device) and a device connected to the Internet (such as your smartphone).
1. [Target device] Advance preparation (ID confirmation)
First, run the command prompt as administrator on the PC on which you want to activate the license, and then follow the steps below.
Learn how to open a command prompt
1. Press Windows key + R to open Run.
2. Type "cmd".
3.Shift + Ctrl + Enter Please press.
4. When the "User Account Control" message appears, click "Yes".
① Installing the product key
Type the following command and press Enter:
cscript %WinDir%\system32\slmgr.vbs /ipk <プロダクト キー>■ <プロダクト キー> Please replace the part with the actual key (5 characters x 5 sets).
- The product key used in the image is a sample key (KMS client key) published by Microsoft. Please enter the correct key you have.
② Display the installation ID Next, type the following command and press Enter:
cscript %WinDir%\system32\slmgr.vbs /dti
Make a note of the number that appears (Installation ID).
2. [Smartphone, etc.] Issuance of confirmation ID
Work on a smartphone or PC with an internet connection.
1. Access the following URL in your browser, and when the "Welcome to the Microsoft Product Activation Portal!" screen appears, click the "Let's get started" button.
URL: https://aka.ms/aoh
2. The security verification screen will appear, so click "Start".
3. Perform security verification (move the train to the designated icon and click "Submit").
4. You will be asked to sign in with your Microsoft account (or Entra ID), so click the "Continue to sign in" button to sign in.
Licenses are not linked to accounts, so you can use any account.
5. After signing in, the "Microsoft Product Activation" screen will appear. Select "Activate Microsoft Product."
6. Select Windows or Windows Server (the product you want to activate).
Screen when "Windows" is selected
7. After selecting the Windows version, click "[Target device] Advance preparation (ID confirmation)Enter the "Installation ID" you confirmed in " and click "Submit."
8. A "Confirmation ID" (48 digits) will be displayed on the screen, so make a note of it.
- The top "Windows 10" will be displayed as "Windows 10" even if you select "Windows 11."
How to read the ID:The confirmation ID is A to H Under each alphabet 6 digits each When entering the number into a PC, connect these numbers in order from A to H to create a total of 48 digits.
3. [Target device] Authentication completed
Now go back to the PC you want to authenticate on.
① Apply confirmation ID:Use the confirmation ID obtained on your smartphone or other device to confirm authentication.
Type the following command and press Enter:
cscript %WinDir%\system32\slmgr.vbs /atp <確認 ID><確認 ID>is the obtained 48-digit numeric string.
② Check the status:Finally, check if the authentication was successful.
Type the following command and press Enter:
cscript %WinDir%\system32\slmgr.vbs /dlv"License Status: Licensed" is displayed, the process is complete.
Frequently asked questions and points to note
Here are some important FAQs explained on the official blog:
- Can I still authenticate by phone (automated voice) as before?
-
No The traditional telephone authentication (voice guidance) is no longer available. You must have a device with an internet connection (such as a smartphone) and complete the authentication via the website.
- Do I need to sign in with a Microsoft account?
-
Yes, it is required. This has been made mandatory for security reasons, so if you don't have an account, you'll need to create one.
- Will the license be linked to the account I signed in with?
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No, it can't be linked. Signing in here is strictly for security verification (bot exclusion, etc.). The account used to sign in will not be linked to your license information. There will be no license management issues even if you use a personal or work account.
Reference links: Changes to the telephone activation procedure for Windows license activation | Japan Windows Support Blog (Based on information updated on December 12, 2025)
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