How to Register With Microsoft Certificate Authority

Registering your copy of Microsoft Windows with the Microsoft Certificate Authority, known as activating Windows, is an important step that is usually accomplished during the installation of Windows. Reasons for not activating Windows on installation include not having the activation key at hand or not having an active Internet connection available. Typically, you have 30 days to activate Windows after installing it.

Activate Via Internet

• 1

  Click the "Start" button. Right-click "Computer" and then click "Properties." Select "Activate Windows now."

• 2

  Click "Activate Windows online now" if you have an Internet connection active.

• 3

  Locate the certificate of authenticity, which is a document that comes with Windows and is labeled "Certificate of Authenticity." Look for the activation key at the bottom of the document. Type the key into the computer exactly as it appears on the certificate of authenticity and click "Next."

Activate Via Modem

• 1

  Click the "Start" button. Right-click "Computer" and then click "Properties." Select "Activate Windows now."

• 2

  Click "Show me other ways to activate."

• 3

  Locate the certificate of authenticity, which is a document that comes with Windows and is labeled "Certificate of Authenticity." Look for the activation key at the bottom of the document. Type the key into the computer exactly as it appears on the certificate of authenticity and click "Next."

• 4

  Click "Use my modem to connect directly to the activation service." Click "Next."

Activate Via Telephone

• 1

  Click the "Start" button. Right-click "Computer" and then click "Properties." Select "Activate Windows now."

• 2

  Click "Show me other ways to activate."

• 3

  Locate the certificate of authenticity, which is a document that comes with Windows and is labeled "Certificate of Authenticity." Look for the activation key at the bottom of the document. Type the key into the computer exactly as it appears on the certificate of authenticity and click "Next."

• 4

  Click "Use the automated telephone service." Click "Next." Choose a phone number to call (local numbers are available in most areas of the world) and write it down. Click "Next." A string of numbers appears on the screen.

• 5

  Dial the phone number. Enter the string of numbers on the screen into the telephone keypad. Click "Next." A screen appears asking for the confirmation number, which is an additional string of numbers. Type the numbers you are given from the telephone system into the computer. Click "Next."