---
title: Appendix Information sent to Microsoft during activation (Windows 10)
description: Learn about the information sent to Microsoft during activation.
ms.reviewer: nganguly
manager: aaroncz
ms.author: frankroj
author: frankroj
ms.prod: windows-client
ms.technology: itpro-fundamentals
ms.localizationpriority: medium
ms.date: 11/07/2022
ms.topic: article
---

# Appendix: Information sent to Microsoft during activation

**Applies to:**

- Windows 10
- Windows 8.1
- Windows 8
- Windows 7
- Windows Server 2012 R2
- Windows Server 2012
- Windows Server 2008 R2

**Looking for retail activation?**

- [Get Help Activating Microsoft Windows](https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/p/?LinkId=618644)

When you activate a computer running Windows 10, the following information is sent to Microsoft:

- The Microsoft product code (a five-digit code that identifies the Windows product you're activating)
- A channel ID or site code that identifies how the Windows product was originally obtained

    For example, a channel ID or site code identifies whether the product was originally purchased from a retail store, obtained as an evaluation copy, obtained through a volume licensing program, or preinstalled by a computer manufacturer.

- The date of installation and whether the installation was successful
- Information that helps confirm that your Windows product key hasn't been altered

- Computer make and model

- Version information for the operating system and software

- Region and language settings

- A unique number called a *globally unique identifier*, which is assigned to your computer

- Product key (hashed) and product ID

- BIOS name, revision number, and revision date

- Volume serial number (hashed) of the hard disk drive

- The result of the activation check

    This result includes error codes and the following information about any activation exploits and related malicious or unauthorized software that was found or disabled:

  - The activation exploit's identifier

  - The activation exploit's current state, such as cleaned or quarantined

  - Computer manufacturer's identification

  - The activation exploit's file name and hash in addition to a hash of related software components that may indicate the presence of an activation exploit

- The name and a hash of the contents of your computer's startup instructions file

- If your Windows license is on a subscription basis, information about how your subscription works

Standard computer information is also sent, but your computer's IP address is only kept temporarily.

## Use of information

Microsoft uses the information to confirm that you have a licensed copy of the software. Microsoft doesn't use the information to contact individual consumers.
For more information, see [Windows 10 Privacy Statement](https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/p/?LinkId=619879).

## Related articles

- [Volume Activation for Windows 10](volume-activation-windows-10.md)