Microsoft retires phone-based Windows activation

Microsoft has retired its 20-year-old offline phone-based activation method for Windows and Office products. This change impacts users who previously relied on calling a number to activate their software without an internet connection. The company replaced the phone system with an online Product Activation Portal. While the target PC can remain offline, users now need a browser and internet connection to access the portal and activate their licenses, often requiring a Microsoft account. Microsoft states that offline activation capabilities remain supported through the new portal, aiming to modernize the activation experience and suggesting the phone method had low usage.