How do I activate Windows on a Surface RT?

The RT does not need one.  It gets the upgrade through the update process only.  That product key is already in the system.  The Product key is for regular desktops and laptops.  For those machines who download the ISO image of the Preview, the Product key was posted on the web page just above the download links.

The RT is already covered for a Product key when the final version comes out and that will be through an upgrade process like you did with the 8.1 Preview.

You have to remember that the RT is in a world by itself and there will be no version of Windows that you can buy for it.

For those who have regular computers, they will have to buy the final version of Windows 8.1.  The beta will probably expire in about a month or two after the final release is on the market.  With the RT, you are already covered.

Additional note: if by any chance there is a charge for the 8.1 upgrade (final), then throw the tablet away and get something else.  These tablets can only run what came with them and you are stuck with it.  You cannot wipe them out and put Linux on them like you can with the Pro.

Personally, I don't think Microsoft will try to bilk people with the RT tablets.  I have never heard of any issue regarding that.

Hello Meridien_AU

There are several options to consider for this issue. First, make sure your date and time is set correctly.  

To set the date and time update the time, go to Settings -> Change PC Settings -> Time and Language -> Date and Time.

You can either set it to Automatically set the time or you can manually change it by turning the slider to Off.

You can also take a look at the article Troubleshoot Surface Activation. 

If that doesn't work, you can also reach out to Support.

Let us know if this helps.

Best regards

Hello mahdieh.sh78,

Thank you for Posting to the Microsoft Community. I understand you are having a question related to activating windows after resetting your Surface device.

First, your  Surface device must be connected to internet for the activation to take place. 

Activate Windows manually

Additional information can be found in this Troubleshoot Surface Activation article

If after trying the steps provided and still having issues, please do reach out to Support.

Let us know if this helps.

Greetings R. RudyFilek,

Sorry to hear about your experience. If you just recently got your Surface RT, I'd suggest exchanging it with the retailer you purchased it from. You can also reach out to Surface Technical Support.

Hello DianeHaworthYD,

There are several options to consider for this issue. First, make sure your date and time is set correctly.  

To set the date and time update the time, go to Settings -> Change PC Settings -> Time and Language -> Date and Time.

You can either set it to Automatically set the time or you can manually change it by turning the slider toOff.

You can also take a look at the article Troubleshoot Surface Activation. 

If that doesn't work, you can also reach out to Support.

Let us know if this helps.

Best regards

Greetings PrincessElizabeth,

Please contact Surface Technical Support.

Greetings Ahmed,

You will need to be in a country in which the Surface is sold in order to contact Surface Technical Support.

If you created a USB recovery on Windows RT prior to taking the Windows RT 8.1 upgrade, you can revert back and see if activation is successful.

Greetings AhmadSafarini,

Please contact Surface Technical Support.

Greetings KurtisKrohn,

Sorry to hear about your experience. Please contact Surface Technical Support, as they can give you a script to reactivate Windows 8.1 RT Preview on your Surface.

Greetings GemzReid,

Sorry to hear about your experience. Please contact Surface Technical Support.

Microsoft Windows 8.1 Support go back to me today July 10, 2013 and sent me a script file that has activated my Surface RT. So now my Surface RT is now activated with Windows 8.1 and everything seems fine.

I'm still trying to get the recovery files for the Surface RT, so I can get my surface back to it's original version, but for now my Surface RT is usable again.