Windows product activation is a technology in Microsoft Windows that verifies its license to prevent unauthorized use. If your system comes with a pre-installed Windows operating system, you will automatically activate Windows. Under normal circumstances, you should never need to activate. This article lists possible situations where you may be asked for activation and what to do to resolve them.

The license in a pre-installed Windows is strictly tied to the Acer product. This activation mechanism will only be applicable to Acer products, and the motherboard and BIOS must be provided by Acer.

If you are prompted to activate Windows:

1. If you use CD or DVD to restore the operating system, please confirm that your recovery disc is suitable for your computer . System recovery discs other than Acer may not be able to activate Windows properly.

2. If you are prompted to activate after updating the BIOS, please confirm that the upgraded BIOS version is suitable for your computer and your operating system. Using the wrong version of BIOS may cause the system to display an activation prompt.

3. Use the Windows installation CD to activate the product using the product serial number on the COA label on the chassis. In this case, Windows may not be activated normally. Acer pre-installed Windows operating system uses different methods to activate the operating system. Therefore, please use the Acer system recovery disc to restore the system.

If the pre-installed operating system prompts you to activate after updating, these versions of Windows are retail versions and do not use automatic activation.