Quick start: Activation

1. The activation process

During Windows Vista installation, you must enter your product key. Select the Automatically activate Windows when I'm online checkbox to allow Windows to automatically attempt activation after three days (or, if you prefer to activate Windows Vista manually, leave this unchecked) and then click the Next button.

2. Automatic activation of Windows Vista

If you selected the option for automatic activation, you'll have three days before activation will take place. Use this time to set up an Internet connection and customize your hardware and software configurations, if desired.

When the automatic activation process begins, a small notification window will appear on your screen.

Once Windows activates, a notification will tell you that activation was successful.

3. Manual activation of Windows Vista

If you cleared the Automatically activate Windows when I'm online checkbox, or if you have not provided a product key, you will be reminded to activate before the end of the grace period. As the end of the grace period nears, the reminders to activate will appear more frequently. Activation is required within 30 days of installation; some manufacturers automatically activate Windows when it is pre-installed on some systems.

Unless your copy of Windows has previously been activated, a notification will remind you to activate each time you start Windows.

When you click the notification, a Windows Activation dialog box will open. Click Activate Windows online now to enter a valid product key and complete the activation process.

4. How can I check to see if my activation was successful?

If you are manually activating your copy of Windows Vista, you should see a notification at the end of the activation process that tells you that your activation was successful.

To check your Windows activation status at any time:

1. Click the Start button, click Control Panel, click System and Maintenance, and then click System.

2. Under Windows activation, you can view your activation status. You can also change your product key by clicking Change product key.

5. Windows Vista with service packs delivers periodic notifications

If Windows Vista with Service Pack 1 (SP1) or Service Pack 2 (SP2) is not activated within the required timeframe, you will receive periodic notifications reminding you to activate your copy of Windows.

After the activation grace period has been exceeded, a message will appear at the next logon directing you to activate your copy of Windows. If you wish to skip activation there is a 15 second waiting period before you can select the option to activate later and log on to your desktop. This step will be repeated at each logon if Windows isn’t activated.

When the desktop is loaded, the desktop wallpaper will be changed to a black background. You can immediately restore your favorite wallpaper or choose a new one; however, after one hour, the system will reset the desktop background to black. At that time, a system tray balloon notification will advise you to activate Windows.

An additional message will appear in the lower right corner of your screen that reads, "This copy of Windows is not genuine". Because activation is required, this message will continue to appear until Windows Vista has been successfully activated.

For each logon where you choose to skip activation, you will see a black background, balloon notifications in the system tray reminding you to activate Windows, and the additional non-genuine message—even if you choose to restore a favorite wallpaper or choose a new one.

6. What if I have Windows Vista without SP1 or SP2?

If you have Windows Vista without SP1 or SP2 and you have not activated within the 30-day grace period, your system will begin operating with reduced functionality.

As you can see, the desktop is black, and there is no Start menu. An additional message will appear in the lower right corner of the screen that reads, "This copy of Windows is not genuine". Because activation is required, this message will continue to appear until Windows Vista has been successfully activated.

A Windows Activation dialog box will provide you with the option to activate now, access your computer with reduced functionality , retype your product key, or select other ways to help you activate Windows.

Windows Vista SP2 includes all Windows Vista updates Microsoft has issued since SP1, plus support for new types of hardware and emerging hardware standards. Learn more about how to update your Windows Vista-based PC. Learn more about how to update your Windows Vista-based PC.

7. Activation is successful

Once you've activated your copy of Windows, you can enjoy all the rich features and benefits that are part of Windows Vista and take advantage of free downloads and the full range of updates available exclusively to genuine Windows users.

To provide continuing protection, Windows Vista may also require validation from time to time, which confirms your activation status. Learn more about validation.