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Microsoft Activation portal issues leave businesses scrambling to provision Windows 11 PCs – January 2026

Author/Source: Mary Jo Foley See the full link here

Takeaway

This article explains that businesses are having trouble activating Windows 11 on their new computers using Microsoft’s online tools. This problem means they cannot set up new PCs for their employees, causing significant delays and extra work.


Technical Subject Understandability

Intermediate


Analogy/Comparison

This situation is like buying a new appliance for your kitchen but then finding out you cannot plug it in because the special outlet needed for it is not working.


Why It Matters

This issue directly prevents companies from getting new computers ready for their workers, which means people cannot do their jobs. For example, some system administrators reported spending hours trying to activate Windows 11 on just one computer, making them lose valuable time they could have spent on other tasks.


Related Terms

activation, MAK (Multiple Activation Key), KMS (Key Management Service), OEM Activation, Volume Licensing Service Center (VLSC). Jargon Conversion: Activation is the process where your computer checks with Microsoft to make sure your software is real and you are allowed to use it. MAK (Multiple Activation Key) is a special code that lets a business activate Windows on many computers at once. KMS (Key Management Service) is a system businesses use to activate a large number of computers on their own network without each one contacting Microsoft directly. OEM Activation is when Windows comes already activated on a computer by the company that made it. Volume Licensing Service Center (VLSC) is Microsoft’s website where companies manage their software licenses and activation keys.

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