Flight Simulator X Activation Support FAQ

This is the official support article from the Microsoft support website, explaining and answering questions related to the activation of your Microsoft product. This covers FSX and many other Microsoft Games and Software titles. This article lists the frequently asked questions about how to activate Microsoft Games for Windows and Home Products titles, and about how to troubleshoot activation issues for these titles.

Q1: What is Microsoft Product Activation?

A1: Microsoft Product Activation tries to reduce counterfeit software, and to make sure that Microsoft customers receive the software quality that they expect. After you activate the software product, a specific product key is assigned to the computer hardware on which you installed the product. After this product key is assigned, you cannot use the same product key to activate the product on other computers. Product Activation is required to use the product in full feature mode. If you choose not to activate the product, you can use the product only in a reduced trial mode.

Q2: What is the benefit of using Microsoft Product Activation?

A2: Microsoft Product Activation enables you to start and use the product without using the disc.

Q3: What information is collected, processed, or transmitted during the activation process?

A3: When you activate the software product, the product key information is sent to Microsoft together with a hardware hash. The hardware hash is a non-unique number that is generated by using the computer's hardware configuration. The hardware hash does not represent any personal information or information about the product. The hardware hash cannot be used to determine the make or the model of the computer. Additionally, the hardware hash cannot be backward-calculated to determine the raw computer information. In addition to standard computer information, some additional language settings are collected. This information is not used to identify you. The information is used only to confirm that you have a licensed copy of the product, and to aggregate the information for statistical analysis.

Q4: How many times can I activate the product?

A4: There is no limit to the number of times that you can activate the software product on the same computer. For example, you can remove and install or activate the product any number of times. An additional activation is provided so that you can remove and install the product on the same computer or on a different computer. See the Microsoft Software License Terms for more information. The Microsoft Software License Terms are located in the game folder.

Q5: How can I tell whether my software has already been activated?

A5: If the product has not been activated, the multiplayer capabilities in the game are not available. Note Some games that are only multiplayer games do not let you start the game until you activate it.

Q6: Can I install the product on more than one computer?

A6: Please refer to the End-User Agreement (Microsoft Software License Terms) for more information about how many computers you can install the product on. The End-User Agreement is located in the product folder or on the product DVD.

Q7: How do I activate my Microsoft product for Windows?

A7: When you start the product for the first time, you are prompted to click Activate now or to click Activate later. If you click Activate now, you must enter the product key. You can run the product without activating it for as long as you want. If you do not to activate the product, the product will run in the reduced functionality mode. Additionally, some features, such as the multiplayer feature, will be unavailable in the product. To continue using all the features of the product, you must activate the product.

To activate the product, follow these steps:

  1. Click Activate now, and then click Next.
  2. Type the product key, and then click Next.

    Note Do not lose the product key. Keep the packaging, or note the number. Keep the number information in a safe location.
  3. The Activation Wizard runs automatically. The Activation Wizard gives you the following options to continue:
    • Activate by using the Internet
      The Activation Wizard automatically contacts the Microsoft licensing servers through your Internet connection. When you activate the product by using the Internet, the product key is sent to Microsoft through an encrypted transfer. If you decide to activate the product through the Internet and you are not already connected, the wizard alerts you that there is no connection.
    • Activate by using the telephone
      You can telephone an Activation Center to obtain the help of a customer service representative and activate the product. Telephone activation might take longer than activation through the Internet. You should be at the computer when you call. Additionally, you should have your software product key. When you select this option, the Activation Wizard generates an Installation ID. You must have this Installation ID to activate the product by telephone.

      Important When you telephone the Activation Center, you are prompted to read the Installation ID numbers. If you have problems following the guidelines over the telephone, do not hang up. Wait until you receive an option for transfer. Say “transfer me.” You will be redirected to speak with the customer service representative.

      Note Activation Center numbers are not listed in this article because telephone contact numbers vary by license and also by country or region. The Activation Wizard gives you the number to telephone the Activation Center.

If the activation is successful, you receive the following message: You have successfully activated Microsoft <product title> on this computer.

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Ian Stephens

Ian Stephens

Ian Stephens is a flight simulation industry expert with over 20 years of experience and also has a keen interest in aviation and technology. Ian spends a lot of his time experimenting with various simulator packages but has a love for Microsoft Flight Simulator X because of the huge selection of add-ons available. However, Ian also has copies of Prepar3D and X-Plane installed.

Ian has been writing for Fly Away Simulation for over 9 years. Should you wish, you can contact Ian via email at ian.stephens@flyawaysimulation.com.

6 comments

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The content of the comments below are entirely the opinions of the individual posting the comment and do not always reflect the views of Fly Away Simulation. We moderate all comments manually before they are approved.

Bob LawhornTue, 13 Dec 2011 02:17:54 GMT

I am trying to activate flight Sim X deluxe on my windows 7 pro desktop. I continually get a message that a technical problem occurred while accessing the on-line activation server. What recourse do I have?

Ramon Sainz de VicuñaWed, 12 Sep 2012 00:39:59 GMT

I've the same problem after reinstalling the Aceleration Pack. No way to activate, neither by Internet nor telephone

Terry HoganSun, 21 Oct 2012 17:32:19 GMT

To the 2 gents having the technical problem messages when trying to activate. There is a registry fix for the upperfilters at the Microsoft games Flight Simulator x support site.I had the same problem after a reinstall and it worked like a charm. http://support.microsoft.com/kb/960480

Floyd HouckFri, 28 Feb 2014 16:36:15 GMT

I have been trying for five days to activate my Flight Simulator X Acceleration Expansion Pack, but it will not activate. Spent two and a half hours on the phone with Microsoft support while they removed the Flight Sim X and Acceleration pack and reinstalled it. When they tried to reactivate it, they got the same message I do. Technician finally agreed it was a Microsoft problem and we would have to wait until it was resolved. He promised to call back at a specific time the next day, but he's never called. Yesterday I called Support again. They again took control of my computer and tried again to resolve the problem with the same result. I asked to speak to someone in the U.S. but was told that all support is in India. When I asked for a supervisor, I was told there was no supervisor on the floor but that one would surely call me. No one has called. I can use my Flight Sim for a half hour, and then it turns itself off. I have tried all the fixes in the above mentioned link with no success. Do you have any idea what my options are now?

EDDIEThu, 27 Mar 2014 11:57:22 GMT

Problem solved. Go into the FSX folder and to right click on FSX.exe choose properties and uncheck the Run in Compatibility Mode box. Then the activation went through with no problem.

woolcombe HarrisTue, 19 Apr 2016 13:51:07 GMT

Greetings, I have had the unfortunate problems with Windows and their operating system, it has cost me a new PC and reinstalling Flightsim x there is this problem of activation calling the toll free No. form Trinidad it goes in a medical alert mode I do not find this situation fair from this side of the world (Trinidad and Tobago) as we (Trinidad) poses no threat to any one. pleas help to activate Thanks

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