What Is An Activation Key?

Date First Published: 29th September 2023

Topic: Computer Systems

Subtopic: Computer Software

Article Type: Computer Terms & Definitions

Difficulty Level: 4/10

Learn about what an activation key is in this article.

An activation key, also known as a licence key, a product key, or a software key, is a unique string of alphanumeric characters often separated by hyphens, used to register a software application. This ensures that only users who have purchased the software can register it to activate its features and functionality. Most activation keys contain 10-30 characters.

How Do Activation Keys Work?

Activation keys often work by checking the entered key against a database or list of valid keys. If a user enters an activation key that matches one in the list, the software will be registered. If it does not match one in the list, it won't be registered. The activation process usually requires users to enter the activation key during the installation process or when opening the software after installation. Without an activation key, it may not be possible to get past the activation key page or the software might run as a limited version.

Activation is usually done online, which verifies the key on a server. Activation keys are often found inside retail boxes, on the side of computers, or on order confirmation emails.

Are Activation Keys Still Used?

Activation keys are still widely used by commercial software. However, most newer software applications are operating over the Web, allowing users to directly purchase it on the website with a paid subscription. This eliminates the need for an activation key to authenticate users. Activation keys can be inconvenient for end users because they must make sure not to lose them and if a purchased product comes with a missing or invalid activation key, it would be useless. Due to the inconvenience, this method of registering software is not used as much now and is being replaced by more modern methods.

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