To confirm the authenticity of the operating system copy, the developer has provided an activation procedure. If you have a digital license or an electronic product key, this process will take only 2 minutes maximum.
Problems arise when a user installs a pirated version of the operating system, tries to apply activation codes from untrusted sources, or uses a single license for multiple devices. In such cases, the authenticity of the OS cannot be legally confirmed. The security system will constantly remind you to re-activate, and updates may stop or require constant downloading of pirated activation programs, which, in most cases, are the source of malware that gets on your computer.
Why do I need Windows activation?
Activation of the Windows operating system is an integral responsibility of every user. In this way, you confirm the legality of your copy purchased in accordance with the law. Otherwise, you will not be able to access the full functionality of the system, and annoying notifications will interfere with your work on the computer. In addition, you will not be able to customize the appearance of your desktop according to your preferences, such as downloading a theme from the Microsoft Store or setting your own family photo as your screensaver.
What will Windows activation do for me?
- Customization settings: change theme or wallpaper, select accent colors and system sounds;
- Guaranteed operability of the operating system after activation;
- No annoying notifications about the need to confirm the authenticity of the product;
- Protection of data from loss in case of system failure;
- Full set of functions in a licensed software product.
If you have passed Windows activation, you are not afraid of failures. The system recovery procedure will allow you to easily return to the point where the OS worked without errors.
How do I activate Windows without a key?
If you have previously upgraded your operating system from Windows 7 to Windows 10 or purchased an upgrade from the Microsoft Store, you do not need to enter a key. In such cases, you have a digital license that is tied to your Microsoft account. The activation process will automatically be done as soon as you connect your computer to the Internet and log in to your Microsoft account.
Otherwise, Windows activation involves installing specialized third-party programs. An activator works by modifying system files or using a private KMS server to authenticate your copy of Windows. In most cases, users download and install a program called KMSpico.
How to activate a Windows license
The KMSpico 11 utility will help us with that.
The .NET Framework 4.5 is required to run the program.
The program's algorithm is simple and straightforward: it simulates the operation of a KMS server by activating the operating system, and then automatically deletes this server.
The process of activating Windows using the KMS method is a legal and common method. However, in Windows 8.1, the normal method of connecting to the local activation server via localhost (127.0.0.2-254) was blocked. However, using a special utility, you can trick the system into thinking that the KMS server is somewhere on the network and not on your computer.
Step 1
Install the latest version of KMSpico utility from the official website and run it as administrator.
Step 2
When you open the program, the main window will open in front of you, where you will immediately see a large "Activate" button. This button will start the mechanism of installing the key into the Windows operating system and activate it.
Step 3
Wait for the end of the Windows activation process. You will receive a special message that the activations are complete. If necessary, the program will ask you to restart your computer to save the license.
Tip: It is important to first activate your Windows operating system manually using the KMSpico program. After successful activation, you can create a task in your scheduler to reactivate your products every 25 days. If activation does not happen automatically, try switching to "Professional Mode" by going to the "Utilities" tab and installing the GVLK key for your Windows edition. Then try activation again.
Still having issues activation your Microsoft Windows Product? Read how other people done that in few simple steps!
Additional information
To activate Windows 8.1, you need to install a TAP network adapter and use an IP address between 10.3.0.2 and 10.3.0.254, or use a special driver. All necessary components are already built into the program.
However, for LAN activation, you can leave the TAP interface uninstalled and use the computer's IP address. If you have made changes to the program that made it stop working correctly, reset the program settings via the menu item. As a result, all settings will be restored to default.
KMSpico operation modes for Windows activation
- Auto - The program automatically searches for the best activation method compatible with your system. It tries to activate both the system and office programs using all available options, and remembers the one that successfully activates the system. If you want to reset the activation settings and return to the original mode, you can switch to another mode and select automatic activation again. This mode is the default mode in the program.
- Hook - A method that uses substitution of the main system file with a modified version with certain changes. After activation, the original file is returned to its place. In subsequent versions of the program, this method operates in memory, avoiding the need to replace files.
- WinDivert - During system activation, a special driver and control program is installed that emulates a remote connection to the KMS server.
- NoAuto - In this mode, there is no automation of any kind and operation depends solely on your settings. This mode is not suitable for everyone, but is most often used by experienced professionals.
- TAP - The developed system includes the ability to install a virtual device, the main control of which is performed through the TAP interface. Allowing users to activate the system, the program provides two TAP adapter drivers. If one of these drivers is already installed on the system, the program automatically switches to use the other type of driver for activation. As a result, and your adapter remains completely safe and secure.
Why does KMSpico activation fail in Windows?
KMSpico application problems may be related to the following factors:
- Blocked by the built-in operating system protector or other antivirus;
- Incorrect date and time settings on your device;
- Recent replacement of your computer's hard disk drive;
- Damage to system files while working on your PC;
- Running the program without administrator rights.
Please note that before proceeding with the following steps, please make sure that the date and time on your computer corresponds to the region where you live. Also, temporarily disable your antivirus programs. Then run the program called KMSpico with administrator rights. In case the program does not start in automatic mode, you should choose manual mode.
How to add KMS activator to Windows antivirus exceptions?
Open "Windows Settings" and under "Update and Security" go to the "Windows Security" subsection. Find the first item in the Protection Zones list and select the "Manage Settings" option. In the window that opens, you can specify that the KMSpico program does not pose a security threat to the operating system. After that, the operating system's built-in defender will not block it. Now you will be able to perform the operating system authentication procedure at a specified frequency, for example, once every 10 or 30 days.
KMSpico is a free third-party program that interferes with the antivirus protection of the Windows operating system. However, the system considers such behavior as potentially dangerous and may block this utility. Therefore, to avoid conflicts, it is recommended to disable the built-in antivirus before downloading and installing the program. This will help to maintain security and data integrity while using KMSpico.
Windows Defender prevents the program from running
If an error code 0xc004f074 appears when using KMSpico. To eliminate it, disable the built-in defender for the time of system activation with the program.
How do I disable Windows defender?
- Click on the Start button and go to Settings.
- Then select the "Windows Security" subsection.
- In this section, disable firewall, network danger protection, and virus threats.
- Next, run the KMS Activator again.
- After successfully completing this operation, don't forget to enable Windows Defender.
If you already have another antivirus installed and running on your device, you should temporarily disable it before using third-party software.
Overall result
In conclusion, ensuring the authenticity and activation of your Windows operating system is crucial for a seamless and hassle-free user experience. By following the activation procedure provided by the developer, you can confirm the legality of your copy and gain access to the full functionality of the system. This includes customization options, guaranteed operability, protection of data, and a full set of functions in a licensed software product. Avoid the pitfalls of pirated versions and untrusted sources, as they not only compromise the authenticity of your OS but also expose your computer to malware. Take the necessary steps to activate your Windows and enjoy a secure and optimized computing experience.