Troubleshoot Windows Activation Errors

Windows can present an error during activation for many different reasons, please run through the troubleshooting steps in the order listed below.

  1. Internet connection & system time

    No internet connection

    Make sure your computer is connected to the internet and that the system date and time is set correctly for your timezone.

    If you have no internet connection, you will see the icon shown in the image above.

  2. Activation Troubleshooter

    Activation troubleshooter

    Run the Windows Activation Troubleshooter which will attempt to automatically resolve any issues.

  3. Windows Update

    Windows update

    Check Windows Update for any outstanding updates, download and install any outstanding updates.

  4. Restart your PC

    Restarting

    Restart your PC and retry the activation.

  5. Phone activation

    Phone activation

    If all of the above steps fail to get Windows activated, Microsoft recommends attempting a phone activation.

    Do this by clicking the Activate by Phone link on the activation page or by typing the following into the search bar and hitting enter: slui.exe 4