Activate
Activate may refer to any of the following:
1. In general, activate describes making something operational. For example, the term "product activation" describes activating a program or game using a serial number, product key, or another special ID number. The original concept of product activation was invented by Ric Richard, who filed patent US 5,490,216 describing the process.
2. With Microsoft Windows or Windows-compatible software, activation is validating legal ownership and enabling software. Software must be activated before it can be used without limitations.
To activate Windows or installed software, you must have a valid product key. Microsoft Windows product keys may be printed on a sticker attached to the installation media, or on the side of the computer case.
After Windows or the software is successfully activated, you'll see an Activation was successful message, similar to the example below.
Activation is required by Microsoft. However, for versions of Windows previous to Windows 10, registration is not required. If you lost your activation key and you have an OEM (original equipment manufacturer) computer (e.g., ASUS, Dell, HP (Hewlett-Packard), etc.) you can contact the company to get a new number. If you've purchased Microsoft Windows or built your own computer, contact Microsoft for a new number.
If significant hardware upgrade changes are made to the computer, you must re-activate Windows.
3. Activate is also synonymous with "enable" when describing turning on a feature in a program.