The TechHub Get CID tool generates the Confirmation ID you need to finish phone activation for Microsoft Office (2016, 2019, 2021 and 2024) and Windows (10, 11 and Server editions). If you haven't purchased a licence key yet, browse our genuine Microsoft keys first — Get CID support is included with your order.
What is a Confirmation ID (CID)?
A Confirmation ID is a unique numeric code produced by Microsoft's activation servers. It's the final step of phone activation (also called offline activation): you enter the CID into the activation wizard on your PC and the product becomes fully licensed.
The flow is simple: your PC generates an Installation ID (IID) from your product key and hardware → the IID is submitted to Microsoft's activation system → Microsoft returns a matching Confirmation ID → you type the CID into the wizard. Think of the IID as the question and the CID as the answer.
How to use the TechHub Get CID tool — step by step
Step 1 — Have your TechHub Order ID ready
Get CID service is tied to your TechHub purchase. Your Order ID is in your delivery email — it authorises the tool.
Step 2 — Get the Installation ID from your PC
- Open the product you want to activate (Office app or Windows Settings → Activation).
- Choose "I want to activate the software by telephone" (Office) or Activate by phone (Windows).
- Select any country from the list.
- A long number appears in groups separated by hyphens — usually 48–63 digits. That's your Installation ID. Copy it exactly, all groups included.
Step 3 — Generate your Confirmation ID
Open the TechHub Get CID tool, paste your Order ID and the full Installation ID, and click Get CID. Your Confirmation ID appears within seconds.
Step 4 — Enter the CID on your PC
Back in the activation wizard, type the Confirmation ID into the fields exactly as shown and click Activate. Your product is now fully licensed. Still failing? Contact our support team — we'll sort it out.
Why use phone activation instead of online activation?
- No internet on the PC — phone activation works fully offline once you have the CID.
- Online activation errors — codes like
0xC004F074or0xC004C008often mean online activation refused the key; phone activation frequently succeeds where online fails. - Hardware changes — after replacing a motherboard or drive, phone activation lets you re-licence the same key on the upgraded machine.
- MAK / volume / LTSC licences — several licence types are designed for phone activation.
- Older versions — Office 2016/2019 keys sometimes fail online but activate reliably by phone.
Compatible Microsoft products
- Microsoft Office: 2024 (Pro Plus, Standard, Home & Business), 2021 (Pro Plus, Standard, LTSC), 2019, 2016
- Windows: 11 (Pro, Home, Enterprise, Education), 10 (all editions incl. MAK), 8.1
- Windows Server: 2022, 2019, 2016 (Standard / Datacenter / Essentials)
Not supported: Microsoft 365 / Office 365 — subscriptions activate by signing in with the Microsoft account, not with Installation IDs.
Why get your CID from TechHub?
- Instant — CID generated in seconds, 24/7, no call-centre queues.
- Included with your key — buy a genuine licence from TechHub and CID support comes with it.
- Private — your Installation ID is used only to generate the CID; it isn't stored or shared after activation.
- Local support — if a CID doesn't work, our Sri Lankan support team investigates and fixes it with you on WhatsApp or live chat.
Troubleshooting — CID not working?
- Check for typos — re-copy the Installation ID from the screen and run the tool again. One wrong digit produces an invalid CID.
- Fresh IID — if you closed the wizard and reopened it, the IID may have changed; always use the IID currently on screen.
- Version match — the IID must come from the exact edition your key was sold for (e.g. an Office 2021 Pro Plus key won't activate Office 2021 Standard).
- All groups copied — include every group of digits, first and last.
- Activation limit reached — if Microsoft rejects the IID because the key exceeded its activation limit, a new key is required. Browse genuine keys here.
- Still stuck? Open a support ticket with your Order ID and a screenshot of the error.
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between an Installation ID and a Confirmation ID?
The Installation ID is generated by your PC from your key and hardware; the Confirmation ID is Microsoft's answering code that completes activation.
How long does it take?
Typically under 5 seconds after you submit the Installation ID.
Can I use one order for multiple activations?
Each licence covers the number of activations stated on the product page. For bulk activations, ask us about reseller pricing at techhub.com.lk/become-reseller.
Does it work for Microsoft 365?
No — Microsoft 365 activates by account sign-in and never uses Installation IDs.
Is my data safe?
Yes. The Installation ID is used solely to query Microsoft's activation system and is not retained after your session.
