product activation Archives

Winsage

January 4, 2026

20+ Years of Windows Activation Method Invalidated Overnight: Win11/Win10 Phone Activation Suddenly Fails Without Microsoft Announcement or Notice

Reports indicate that the phone activation feature for Windows 11, Windows 10, and Windows 7 is no longer operational, affecting users in government agencies, enterprise organizations, and industrial control systems. This change was made without any official announcement from Microsoft, and practical tests show that nearly all offline activation methods have become ineffective. Users attempting to activate via phone are met with an automated message directing them to online activation, despite support documentation still suggesting phone activation is possible. This shift poses significant challenges for environments that require offline activation, leading to user backlash against Microsoft for the abrupt disruption of established activation processes.

Winsage

December 23, 2025

Windows activation phone line now redirects callers to the web, users report

Microsoft has discontinued phone activation for Windows products, redirecting users to an online portal for activation. The automated message informs callers that it is no longer possible to activate Windows or any Microsoft product over the phone. This change has been confirmed by users on social media, and the phone activation system was still operational as recently as October 2025. Users now must sign in with a Microsoft account to activate their products online, which poses challenges for those without internet access or using legacy systems. The official support documentation still mentions phone activation, causing confusion. Additionally, Microsoft has blocked the KMS38 activation method, further limiting activation options.

Winsage

October 11, 2025

The Truth About Windows XP License Key: FCKGW-RHQQ2-YXRKT-8TG6W-2B7Q8

On October 10, Dave W. Plummer, a Microsoft engineer, revealed that the infamous Windows XP license key FCKGW-RHQQ2-YXRKT-8TG6W-2B7Q8 was the result of an internal data breach rather than a software crack. The key was initially a Volume License Key (VLK) meant for corporate use, but management oversight led to its exposure, allowing it to spread among hackers. The Windows Product Activation (WPA) system allowed this key to bypass verification processes, making it easy for users to install unauthorized versions of Windows XP. The proliferation of "pre-activated" Windows XP CDs and ISO images led to widespread piracy. Microsoft eventually blacklisted the key and eliminated the VLK mechanism with the introduction of Service Pack 2 (SP2).

Winsage

October 9, 2025

Legendary Microsoft developer reveals the true story behind the most famous product activation key of all time — infamous Windows XP ‘FCKGW’ licensing key was actually ‘a disastrous leak’

Dave W. Plummer, a Microsoft developer, revealed that the alphanumeric string FCKGW-RHQQ2-YXRKT-8TG6W-2B7Q8 is the first valid Windows XP volume licensing key that was leaked and subsequently used by software pirates. This leak was described by Plummer as a "disastrous leak" rather than a clever hack. At the time of the leak, broadband internet was not widely available, with only about 20% of households having access, making it difficult for users on 56K modems to download the 455.1MB 'pre-activated' XP, which would take a full day. In contrast, those with ADSL connections could download the Windows XP VLK install ISO image in about two hours on a 512K line.