Microsoft Ends This Decades-Old Offline Activation Method For Windows

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

Indeed, the "slui 4" command has up until now been served PC builders, privacy advocates, and IT administrators well since the days of XP. It allowed users to activate a software license by calling an automated hotline and exchanging long strings of numeric codes without ever connecting the computer to the internet. This was particularly crucial for air-gapped/high-security systems such as in research labs or manufacturing plants where network isolation is a security requirement. Instead, administrators are now required to have a browser and internet connection to register any Windows and Office license.

Anyone calling the activation hotline today will receive this message: "Support for product activation has moved online. For the fastest and most convenient way to activate your product, please visit our ...