If Windows is pre-installed on a computer by an original equipment manufacturer (OEM), the operating system is automatically activated without the need for interaction from the user. Businesses using this licensing system have the option of using Microsoft's activation servers or creating and managing their own. Programs purchased under this license must still be activated, with the exception of Windows XP and all versions of Office released prior to Office 2010. Ĭertain versions of Windows and Office are available under a volume license, where a single product key is used for multiple installations. Throughout this grace period, the user will be periodically reminded to activate the program, with warnings becoming more frequent over time. Immediate activation is not required following installation, but the program must be activated within a specific period of time in order to continue to function properly. When installing a retail copy of Windows or Office, the user is asked to input a unique product key supplied on a certificate of authenticity included with the program, which is later verified during activation.
