Microsoft has ceased one of the final methods for activating Windows without an internet connection: telephone activation. The company officially ended telephone activation for Windows on December 3, 2025, requiring all users to activate through an online portal instead.
Microsoft published a new support page explaining the shift, stating that “Beginning December 3, 2025, the traditional telephone-based product activation automation process has been moved from telephone to online.” The stated reason for the change is that the new digital workflow is more secure, reliable, and user-friendly, helping to prevent fraud.
The process now requires users to activate via an online portal and demands an active internet connection and a Microsoft account. While the specific PC being activated does not need to be connected to the internet, the license activation itself must be performed online using a secondary device, such as a smartphone, tablet, or internet-connected PC. Users must also possess a Microsoft account, though this account does not need to be linked to the Windows PC.
When calling the previously used Windows activation phone number, users are now greeted by a robotic voice informing them that activation is exclusively possible online, directing them to visit aka.ms/aoh.
Despite this shift, Microsoft’s documentation presents discrepancies. The company’s support pages still explicitly mention the option of telephone activation for multiple versions, including Windows 11, Windows 10, Windows 8.1, and even Windows 7. Furthermore, a corresponding menu item for telephone activation remains available within Windows, although users report that this function no longer works, only playing a short voice message upon attempt.
Though Microsoft has not officially announced the end of telephone activation, the requirement for an online portal and the altered functionality of the call number confirm the discontinuation of this method.