Trying to Figure Out Windows and Office Activation
After setting up my computer, I noticed that Windows and Office still need activation. I’ve seen lots of opinions online, but they all say different things, which makes it hard to decide what to trust. I don’t need anything fancy — just a reliable and safe solution. If anyone has a clear recommendation, I’d be grateful to hear it.
corndog 
Illo
zentravl You should have a microsoft account, log on and find SW and activate. I don't think you pay for this. My disk-based version of Office Student 2016 is there; I can download and activate still even though not supported.
Not sure if you need account, but probably do to call for a HUMAN. OMG: human!!!!
This number tends to change over time, but is still current: 800.865.9408. Be patient, sometimes takes a bit of a dance. When you connect, make sure they have your number in case of disconnect. I have used a number of times over the years and, as paranoid for good reasons I am, will let them take over my machine to fix.
I will say last adventure they wiped me out, but it was somewhat understandable and probably fixable IF I had been sure they had my number.
babbit You do not need to activate Windows to use it. If I remember correctly, there's a slight watermark and you may get reminded occasionally. Memory is fuzzy on this as it's been years.
https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/answers/questions/4285216/what-happens-if-you-dont-activate-windows
Activating Office is probably the more urgent one depending on your need
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/unlicensed-product-and-activation-errors-in-office-0d23d3c0-c19c-4b2f-9845-5344fedc4380#:~:text=Guided%20support%20can%20provide%20digital,2021%2C%202019%20and%20Office%202016
If you don't want to pay for a monthly subscription to Office 365, you can buy a one-time fee lifetime license
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/p/office-home-2024/cfq7ttc0pqvj
Just noticed that Windows 11 removed WordPad. Greedy SOBs!
Your other option is to use Google docs. It's free.
https://support.google.com/docs/answer/6388102?hl=en&co=GENIE.Platform%3DDesktop
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