How to Get Windows XP Activated in 2024

Approach 1: Activate Windows XP by Phone

Step 1: Launch the Activation Wizard

Click Start → All Programs → Accessories → System Tools → Activate Windows, or click the Activation icon in the System Tray.
Note: Online activation is no longer supported. This will launch the phone activation wizard instead.

If the default phone number doesn’t work, visit a Microsoft support page and select your region for an alternative number.

Step 2: Enter Your Product Key

If prompted, enter your 25-character product key before continuing.

Step 3: Select the Phone Option

Choose: “Yes, I would like to call a customer support agent to activate Windows immediately.”
A toll-free number will be provided.

Step 4: Give Microsoft the 54-Digit Installation ID

Call the given number and provide the 54-digit “installation ID” to the Microsoft representative.
In some cases, an activation code may be sent via email or text message.

Try calling 866-421-7141 if you’re in the US and unable to use the default number.

Step 5: Enter the 35-Digit Activation Code

The representative will give you a 35-digit activation code. Enter it in the activation wizard to complete the activation process.

Technique 2: Use the Windows XP Legacy Update

Step 1: Download and Launch the Legacy Update

Download the tool from https://legacyupdate.net.
Double-click the installer. If it doesn’t work:

Right-click the file and choose Properties
Click Unblock, then OK
Double-click the file again to launch it

Step 2: Click Install (Uncheck Service Pack 3 if Needed)

During setup, uncheck Service Pack 3 if you aren’t running SP2 or are using a custom installation. Click Install.

Step 3: Install Windows Update

When prompted, click Download and Install Now for Windows Update. Restart your computer when instructed.

Step 4: Access Legacy Update

Go to Start → Legacy Update (it replaces the Windows Update option). Check for available updates.

Step 5: Install All Available Updates

Select all updates (including optional ones if desired), click Review and install updates, and restart as needed.

Repeat this process until no more updates are available.

Step 6: Activate Windows Online

Once fully updated:

Go to Start → All Programs → Accessories → System Tools → Activate Windows
Enter your product key and select the Internet activation option

Method 3: Use a Registry Edit as a Last Resort

Step 1: Consider Getting a Valid Key

If your key isn’t working, contact Microsoft or a licensed reseller for assistance. Microsoft may help you retrieve your original key.

Step 2: Open Registry Editor

Press ⊞ Win+R, type regedit, and press Enter.

Step 3: Navigate to the WPAEvents Folder

Go to:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE → SOFTWARE → Microsoft → Windows NT → CurrentVersion → WPAEvents

Step 4: Edit the OOBETimer Entry

Double-click OOBETimer, delete the existing value, and enter:
FF D5 71 D6 8B 6A 8D 6F D5 33 93 FD
Click OK.

Step 5: Modify Permissions

Right-click the WPAEvents folder and choose Permissions.
Select System, check Deny for Full Control, and click OK.

Step 6: Verify Activation

Click Start → Activate Windows. If it says “Windows is already activated,” you’re done.

Step 7: Change Product Key if Necessary

If not activated:

Press ⊞ Win+R and enter:
%systemroot%\system32\oobe\msoobe.exe /a
Choose the phone activation option
Click Change Product Key and enter:
THMPV-77D6F-94376-8HGKG-VRDRQ
Click Update, restart the computer, and verify if activation has been disabled

Method 4: Activate Using Safe Mode and Driver Fix

Step 1: Recognize When This Is Needed

Use this method when you can’t access Windows XP or generate an installation ID due to missing drivers or internet issues.

Step 2: Boot into Safe Mode

Press F8 repeatedly during startup. From the Advanced Boot Options menu, choose Safe Mode.

Step 3: Download Drivers on Another PC

On a working PC:

Identify the missing hardware in Device Manager (type devmgmt.msc)
Visit the manufacturer’s website and download the INF files
Transfer files via USB to the Windows XP computer

Step 4: Install the Driver

In Device Manager, right-click the device and select Update Driver. Browse to the INF file and install it. Restart when prompted.

Step 5: Attempt Normal Activation

After driver installation, attempt phone or internet activation using the steps mentioned earlier.

Conclusion

Although Windows XP is obsolete, you can still activate it in 2024 using manual methods such as phone support, registry edits, or tools like the Legacy Update. Be cautious and only use registry edits as a last resort.