How to Activate Windows and Office for Free (Complete Guide)

How to Activate Windows and Office for Free

A complete guide on How to Activate Windows and Office for Free.

Activating Windows and Microsoft Office can seem tricky, especially if you’re looking for a way to do it without spending too much. While you might feel tempted to look for free shortcuts, it’s important to understand that using unofficial methods to activate these products is illegal and can seriously harm your computer. In this guide, I’ll show you how to activate Windows and Office for free without breaking the bank.

Table of Contents

Why Activation Matters

Activation helps Microsoft verify that your copy of Windows or Office is genuine and isn’t being used on more devices than allowed. Activating your software unlocks all the features, keeps your software updated, and ensures your device stays secure. So, let’s make sure you get it done right!

How to Activate Windows and Microsoft Office Legally (Official Method)

Step 1: Check Your Activation Status

Check Your Activation Status

Before diving into activation, it’s a good idea to check if your software might already be activated:

  • For Windows: Head over to Settings > Update & Security > Activation. If it says “Windows is activated,” you’re good to go!
  • For Microsoft Office: Open any Office app like Word or Excel, click on File > Account, and you’ll see your activation status there.

Step 2: Activate with a Digital License or Product Key

Activate with a Digital License or Product Key

If you’ve purchased a product key or your computer came with Windows pre-installed, you can use that to activate:

  • For Windows:
    1. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Activation.
    2. Click on Change product key and enter your key.
    3. Follow the prompts to finish activation.
  • For Microsoft Office:
    1. Open an Office app and go to File > Account.
    2. Click on Change Product Key or Activate Product.
    3. Enter your key and follow the instructions.

Step 3: How to Get Windows and Office for Free or Cheap

Educational Discounts and Free Offers

If you’re a student or work in education, you’re in luck! Microsoft offers free or discounted versions of Windows and Office:

  • Free Office for Students and Teachers: If you have a school email address, you can get Office 365 Education for free. It includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and more. Sign up at Office 365 Education.
  • Windows Discounts: Many educational institutions also offer free or discounted Windows licenses. Check with your school’s IT department or visit the Microsoft Education site.

Free Windows Upgrade

If you have an older version of Windows (like Windows 7 or 8), you might still be eligible for a free upgrade to Windows 10 or 11:

  • Download the Windows Media Creation Tool from Microsoft’s official site and follow the steps to upgrade. This will provide a digital license for Windows 10 or 11 that’s linked to your device.

How to Activate Windows and Office for Free (Unofficial Method)

Step 1: Check Your Activation Status

Before diving into activation, it’s a good idea to see if your software might already be activated:

  • For Windows: Go to Settings > Update & Security > Activation. If it says “Windows is activated,” you’re all set!
  • For Microsoft Office: Open any Office app like Word or Excel, click on File > Account, and check the activation status there.

Step 2: Connect Your Computer to the Internet

Once you discover that your computer shows [NOT ACTIVATED], the next step is to connect to the internet. You can use mobile data or WIFI.

Step 3: Open Windows PowerShell (Terminal)

1. Using the Start Menu

  1. Click on the “Start” button located at the bottom-left corner of your screen or press the “Windows” key on your keyboard to open the Start Menu.
  2. In the search bar, type “PowerShell.”
  3. Right-click on “Windows PowerShell” in the search results.
  4. From the context menu that appears, select “Run as administrator.”
  5. If prompted by the User Account Control (UAC) dialog, click “Yes” to grant administrative privileges.
  6. An elevated PowerShell prompt will now open, indicated by “Administrator” in the title bar.

2. Using the Run dialog

  1. Press the “Windows” key + “R” on your keyboard to open the Run dialog.
  2. Type “powershell” into the Run dialog.
  3. Press “Ctrl” + “Shift” + “Enter” on your keyboard or press “OK” to open PowerShell with elevated privileges.
  4. If prompted by the User Account Control (UAC) dialog, click “Yes” to grant administrative privileges.
  5. An elevated PowerShell prompt will now open, allowing you to execute commands with elevated permissions.

3. Using Command Prompt

  1. Open Command Prompt with administrative privileges. You can do this by searching for “Command Prompt” in the Start Menu, right-clicking on it, and selecting “Run as administrator.”
  2. In the Command Prompt window, type “powershell” and press “Enter” to switch to PowerShell.
  3. Alternatively, you can directly run PowerShell elevated from the command line prompt by typing “PowerShell” followed by “Enter.”
  4. An elevated PowerShell prompt will now open, indicated by the presence of “Administrator” in the title bar.

4. Using the Task Manager

  1. Right-click on the taskbar and select “Task Manager” from the context menu, or press “Ctrl” + “Shift” + “Esc” on your keyboard to open Task Manager.
  2. In the Task Manager window, click on “File” in the menu bar.
  3. From the drop-down menu, select “Run new task.”
  4. In the “Create new task” dialog box, type “PowerShell” and check the box next to “Create this task with administrative privileges.”
  5. Click “OK” to open an elevated PowerShell prompt.
  6. If prompted by the User Account Control (UAC) dialog, click “Yes” to grant administrative privileges.
  7. An elevated PowerShell prompt will now open, ready for you to execute commands with elevated permissions.
  • Press the Windows Key + X
  • Then select A
  • User Account Control Dialog box will appear.
  • Then select Yes.

Step 4: Activate Windows and Office

Run the command:

 irm https://massgrave.dev/get | iex

OR

irm https://get.activated.win | iex

Avoid Unofficial Activation Methods

While it might be tempting to use free activation tools or scripts you find online, these pose significant risks:

  • Security Risks: These tools often contain malware that can harm your computer or steal your personal information.
  • Legal Issues: Unauthorized activation violates Microsoft’s terms and could lead to legal consequences.
  • System Problems: Using unofficial methods can cause errors, crashes, and other annoying issues with your software.

Need Help? Reach Out to Microsoft Support

If you’re having trouble activating your software or need help finding a license, don’t hesitate to reach out to Microsoft Support. They’re super helpful and can guide you through the process:

  • Use the Activation Troubleshooter: In Windows, go to Settings > Update & Security > Activation and click on the troubleshooter to fix common issues.
  • Contact Microsoft Support: Visit the Microsoft Support site for more help.

Read Also: How to Activate Microsoft Office for Free.

Final Thoughts

Activating Windows and Microsoft Office doesn’t have to be stressful, and you don’t need to rely on risky methods to get your software running. With the steps above, you can activate your software legally and safely, often without spending much. Plus, using genuine software keeps your computer secure and ensures you receive all the latest features and updates.

Disclaimer: The information found on this website is to gain traffic. We do not support or promote illegal activities. Also, we are not responsible for any issue that may arise from your use of the information found on this website. Use this information at your own risk!

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