Microsoft has officially retired the traditional phone-based activation system for Windows (and MS Office) that served as a reliable fallback for users for over two decades.

Ugh this kinda sucks but I guess it doesn't really matter. I had a bunch of Windows 7 keys from 2009 that have been great with 10 and 11. I get that this free ride is over but it still sucks. It ...

Microsoft has ended its phone-based activation for Windows and Office, pushing users to an online-only system requiring a Microsoft account. This change, discovered by a tech enthusiast, impacts older ...

Microsoft warned us last month that our favorite Windows upgrade loophole was over, but now it’s official: The activation servers no longer let you use Windows 7 or 8 license keys to activate Windows ...

According to Neowin, Microsoft has killed the final method for activating Windows without an internet connection—that is, activation by telephone. It appears to have been discontinued a few days ago.