If you are having problems activating Windows 10, Server 2016, Windows 8, or Server 2012 one of these three solutions below should get you through:
Command Line to Launch Activation GUI:
This is handy if the GUI won’t start and you want to skip some steps to get it to work.
click START (gets you to the tiles)
type RUN
type slui 3 and press ENTER
yes, SLUI: which stands for SOFTWARE LICENSING USER INTERFACE
SLUI 1 brings up the activation status window
SLUI 2 brings up the activation window
SLUI 3 brings up the CHANGE PRODUCT KEY window
SLUI 4 brings up the CALL MICROSOFT & MANUALLY ACTIVATE window
Type in your product key
Have a nice day.
Command Line to Activate Windows Through Command Line:
Launch a CMD as an Administratorcommand-line-to-activate-windows-slmgr-slui
Type: slmgr.vbs /ipk xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx
Press Enter
If your key is valid and you are connected to the internet, it should activate within a second or two.
Call Microsoft Activation Center:
In Canada and the US, call the support line directly at 1 800-936-4900, otherwise, use this table of Microsoft Activation Phone Numbers to do the deed.
