Microsoft has reportedly discontinued its telephone activation service for Windows. This change effectively eliminates the last official method for users to activate their operating system without an active Internet connection.

For many years, phone activation served as a crucial alternative for users in areas with limited connectivity or for those installing Windows on machines that were not yet connected to a network. It was also a solution for people who either wanted or were required to run a computer without an Internet connection for security reasons (known as an "air gap" approach.) The process has now been seemingly replaced entirely by an online-only system.

Activation Code Unavailable

The system, which allowed users to call an automated number to receive an activation code, appears to have been quietly retired. People who now attempt to call the activation phone numbers are now being met with a recorded message. (Source: pcworld.com)

This message directs them to use an online portal to complete the process, thereby making an Internet connection mandatory. The change reportedly impacts users of Windows 10 and Windows 11, with one user even finding the problem when they tested it on Windows 7.

Conflicting Support Information

Interestingly, the change appears to have been made without a formal announcement from the company. Some of Microsoft's own official support documentation still refers to activating a device over the phone as a viable option for users who cannot get online.

The text from a Microsoft support page clearly outlines three methods for activation: online via the Internet, by telephone using automated systems, and by a live support advocate. This discrepancy between the official documentation and the user experience has caused some confusion. (Source: neowin.net)

What's Your Opinion?

Is this a big deal? Should Microsoft have made a formal announcement before discontinuing this long-standing feature? What challenges might this change create for users in environments with strict Internet restrictions?