Appendix: Information sent to Microsoft during activation
Applies To: Windows 8.1
When you activate a computer running Windows 8.1, the following information is sent to Microsoft:
The Microsoft product code (a five-digit code that identifies the Windows product you are 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 has not 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 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 retained temporarily.
Use of information
Microsoft uses the information to confirm that you have a licensed copy of the software. Microsoft does not use the information to contact individual consumers.
For additional details, see Windows 8.1 and Windows Server 2012 R2 Privacy Statement.