Microsoft silently kills Windows and Office phone activation and forces online activation with a Microsoft account — Windows users are now herded into an online-only portal for activation

Microsoft has discontinued phone activation for Windows and Office, pushing users towards online activation through a Microsoft account. This change affects users, especially those on older operating systems like Windows 7. A recent YouTube video by Ben Kleinberg demonstrates the shift to online-only activation, as calling the listed number now directs users to the Microsoft Product Activation Portal. While this modern portal streamlines the activation process, it requires a Microsoft account, a requirement that some users find inconvenient.