In this post, we will see how to activate Windows 8 or Windows 7. Activation is the initial process by which a Windows running on a PC is determined to be properly licensed and genuine, and it’s really quick and easy. It is different from Registration, in the sense that,  Activation is the process of ensuring that your copy of Windows is used according to the Microsoft Software License Terms, whereas registration is the process of entering information to sign up for product support, tools and tips, and other product benefits.

It’s a great time to talk about Windows activation and how it’s going to work. For customers who are already familiar with activating Windows Vista this will feel pretty familiar and, as far as the user experience goes, it’s not too different from Windows XP.

You can activate either online or by phone.

Activate Windows 7/8

To activate Windows 7 do the following: Click the Start > Right click Computer > Properties > Windows Activation > Click here to activate Windows now.

You can then select the method you want to use to activate. However, if you had chosen to automatically activate Windows online when you set up your computer, it will do so automatically in 3 days.

You can also activate Windows using the SLUI.EXE 3 command. You can get more information in this post on how to activate Windows 8 Enterprise Edition.

Or you can run the following command from an elevated command prompt:

Cscript.exe %windir%\system32\slmgr.vbs /ipk <Your Windows product key>

Hope this helps!

These posts may interest you:

1. Activate Windows 8 Enterprise Edition
2. Troubleshoot Windows Activation States
3. Upgrade to Windows 8.1
4. Disable Auto-activation in Windows
5. This copy of Windows is not genuine
6. Activate Windows 8 by Phone.