How to Activate Windows XP in 2024

PDF download Download Article
A quick and easy guide to activate your Windows XP product key
PDF download Download Article

If you've installed Windows XP and have tried to activate it over the internet, you have probably run into some problems. Because Microsoft no longer supports Windows XP, you cannot activate it online using the traditional activation tool. Fortunately, you can still activate your product key over the phone, or even online by first applying all updates through a tool called Legacy Update. If your product key doesn't work at all, you can deactivate activation entirely in the registry.

Activating Windows XP Easily

Start the activation wizard by clicking the Activation icon in the System Tray, or by clicking Start → All Programs → Accessories → System Tools → Activate Windows. Choose the option to activate by phone and call the toll-free number to request your activation code.

For popular FAQs on activating Windows XP, jump to more common questions .

Method 1
Method 1 of 4:

Activating Over the Phone

PDF download Download Article
  1. Because Windows XP is unsupported due to its age, it’s no longer possible to activate it over the internet using the activation wizard. You can start the wizard for phone activation by clicking the Activation icon in the System Tray, or by clicking Start → All Programs → Accessories → System Tools → Activate Windows .
    • If you have already tried following the phone activation steps but were unsuccessful using the default activation phone number, visit this Microsoft support document and select your region for an alternative phone number to call.
  2. You may be prompted to enter your 25-character product key before proceeding with the activation process.
    Advertisement
  3. Select "Yes, I want to telephone a customer service representative to activate Windows now." You will be provided a toll-free and local phone number to call.
  4. Use the provided number to contact Microsoft. The rep will ask you to provide the 54 digit "installation ID". This is displayed on the same screen as the phone numbers.
    • In some cases, you may be able to request an activation code sent to you via text or email without speaking to a person.
    • If you're unable to use the default phone number and you're in the United States, try calling 866-421-7141. [1]
  5. After verifying your installation ID, the support rep will give you an activation code. Enter this code into the boxes at the bottom of the window to finish activating.
    6. Advertisement
Method 2
Method 2 of 4:

Using Legacy Update

PDF download Download Article
  1. This free tool exists to help users of unsupported Windows versions like Windows XP and Windows 7 activate their product keys and install updates no longer provided by Microsoft. [2] Once you download the tool and run all available Windows XP updates, you'll be able to activate Windows XP over the internet as long as your product key is legitimate.
    • Download the file from https://legacyupdate.net .
    • Double-click the installer. If nothing happens when you double-click the file:
      • Right-click the installer and select Properties .
      • Click Unblock and then OK .
      • Double-click the installer again to run it.
  2. The installation options will vary depending on which service pack you're on and which updates you've already been able to install. If you're not already running SP2, or you're using a custom ISO installation instead of the original CD or ISO, uncheck Service Pack 3 to prevent errors. You can still update to SP3 once after you're finished installing Legacy Update. [3]
    • Once the installation is complete, you'll be taken to the Legacy Update website, which will check for available updates for Windows XP.
  3. The first available update is Windows Update. Click Download and Install Now , and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the update and restart your computer.
  4. You'll now have a Legacy Update option in the Start menu where "Windows Update" once appeared. Click that option to check for available updates.
  5. You're going to see a lot of updates to install, and you'll want to install all of them (though the ones in the "Software Optional" section are optional). Select everything, then click Review and install updates to start updating.
    • The update process can take a while, as there are likely hundreds of updates. You'll need to restart your PC many times throughout the process.
    • After the first batch of updates is finished installing, run Legacy Update again to check for more updates. Continue updating until no more updates are available.
  6. Once Windows XP is completely up to date, you can use the standard online activation tools to validate your product key. Go to Start → All Programs → Accessories → System Tools → Activate Windows , enter your product key when prompted, and select the internet activation option to activate Windows.
    7. Advertisement
Method 3
Method 3 of 4:

Disabling Activation

PDF download Download Article
  1. If you don't want to upgrade to a newer version of Windows, you may still want to consider purchasing a valid key. There are many key resellers available online. If you have purchased Windows XP in the past but can't find your key, Microsoft may be able to retrieve it for you if you contact customer support.
    • If you have a Windows XP key that won't work, contact Microsoft before bypassing the activation. A rep may be able to get your key working and your computer activated.
  2. ⊞ Win + R and type regedit . This will open the Registry Editor, allowing you to bypass Windows XP activation. This is only recommended as a last-resort option.
  3. Use the tree on the left side of the Registry Editor to open HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE → SOFTWARE → Microsoft → Windows NT → CurrentVersion (or "Current Version") → WPAEvents .
  4. This will open a new window.
  5. Delete whatever is currently in the box and enter FF D5 71 D6 8B 6A 8D 6F D5 33 93 FD . Click OK to save your changes.
  7. Click the System group in the top frame, then check the box next to "Deny" for Full Control. Click OK , then exit Regedit.
  8. You may be finished! To check, go to Start → Activate Windows . If it says Windows is already activated, you're finished! If not, or if the activation tool won't open, continue to the next step.
  9. If Windows still wants you to activate or the activation tool won't open, follow these steps:
    • Go to Start > Run .
    • Type %systemroot%\system32\oobe\msoobe.exe \a and click OK .
    • Select the option to activate over the phone.
    • Click the Change Product Key button at the bottom.
    • Enter this product key: THMPV - 77D6F - 94376 - 8HGKG - VRDRQ and click Update . [4]
    • Click Remind me later and restart your computer.
    • When you're back to the desktop, go to Start > Run
    • Type %system and click OK . Activation is now disabled.
    10. Advertisement
Method 4
Method 4 of 4:

Activating with Safe Mode

PDF download Download Article
  1. Sometimes when you're re-installing Windows with non-standard hardware, you may not be able to access Windows to activate. You'll get a message that you must activate it to proceed, but you can't connect to the internet, and the "installation ID" is not generated. If this happens to you, you'll need to use Safe Mode to fix your drivers and activate Windows.
  2. You'll need to fix the problems with your device drivers. This will allow you to generate an installation ID to activate it over the phone.
    • Reboot your computer and rapidly strike F8 as it boots up. This will open the Advanced Boot Options menu. Select "Safe Mode" from the list of options.
  3. You'll likely need to download the drivers on another computer. Windows XP Safe Mode disables program installation, so you'll need the actual driver files, not an installer.
    • Determine the piece of hardware that isn't working. Press ⊞ Win + R and type devmgmt.msc . This will load the Device Manager. Look for items that have a "!" or "?" icon. These are the pieces of hardware that require drivers.
    • Visit the manufacturer's support site on another computer. If you are using a laptop or pre-built desktop, you should be able to find all of the drivers you need in one spot. If you're using a custom-built computer, you'll need to find the manufacturer of the hardware that's not working.
    • Download the INF files for the hardware piece. Since you can't use an installer, you'll need the actual driver files. These come in INF format. Transfer these files from the working computer to the non-working one via USB or disk.
  4. Right-click on the non-working piece of hardware in the Device Manager and select "Update Driver". Browse your computer for the INF file that you downloaded and load it up. You'll be prompted to reboot your computer.
    • For more detailed instructions on tracking down and installing drivers, click here .
  5. You should now be able to either boot into Windows and activate over the phone. See the above method for instructions.
    6. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Video

      Tips

      • Microsoft no longer supports Windows XP, so it is highly recommended that you switch to a more recent version of Windows . This will ensure that you have access to the latest security patches. Windows XP won't be getting any more updates.
        Thanks
        Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Install Windows XP (With Pictures)
      How to
      Activate Windows XP Without a Genuine Product Key
      How to
      Make Windows XP Genuine Forever
      How to
      Set Up a Wireless Internet Connection in Windows XP
      3 Ways to Access Windows XP with a Blank Administrator Password
      How to
      Create or Download a Bootable Windows XP ISO
      How to
      Change the Language of Your Computer (Windows XP)
      How to
      Install Windows XP Mode in Windows 7
      How to
      Enable Automatic Logon in Windows XP
      How to
      Back Up Windows XP
      How to
      Speed up a Windows XP Computer
      How to
      Retrieve Passwords in Windows XP
      Share Your Internet Connection on Windows XP
      How to
      Change a Windows XP Product Key
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/-telephone-activation-is-no-longer-supported-for-your-product-error-when-activating-office-9b016cd2-0811-4cb3-b896-5a6a13177713
      2. ↑ https://legacyupdate.net/
      3. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5faA4ph4Fo8
      4. ↑ https://www.americancomputerenterprises.com/downloads/how_to_activate_windows_xp_witho.htm

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      1. Connect to the internet.
      2. Start the Activation Wizard.
      3. Enter your product key.
      4. Select Yes, let's activate Windows over the internet now .
      5. Decide whether to register.
      6. Click Next .

      Did this summary help you?
      In other languages
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 181,867 times.

      Is this article up to date?

      Advertisement