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Microsoft Ends Phone Activation for Windows 10, 11 Users

1/6/2026

32 2 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Microsoft has discontinued telephone activation for Windows 10 and Windows 11, removing offline activation.
Users calling the activation hotline are redirected to an online portal, even though official support pages still list phone activation.
The change affects users with older systems or limited internet access.
Content creator Ben Kleinberg confirmed the shift.
Kleinberg noted that Windows 7 and Office 2010 now require online activation.

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Story summary

Microsoft has discontinued telephone activation for Windows 10 and Windows 11, removing offline activation.
Users calling the activation hotline are redirected to an online portal, even though official support pages still list phone activation.
The change affects users with older systems or limited internet access.
Content creator Ben Kleinberg confirmed the shift.
Kleinberg noted that Windows 7 and Office 2010 now require online activation.