Has Microsoft Really Stopped Phone Activation for Windows and Office?

It seems like Office LTSC 2024 still allows activation via KMS, and the regular Office 365 has never supported phone activation as far as I know. So, it looks like this change mainly impacts consumer products. If you’re just using consumer versions, you should manage just fine!

That’s a flawed viewpoint. Many small utilities operate with air-gapped systems and can’t connect to the internet due to strict regulations. Just because a company is small doesn't mean they don't have critical infrastructure needs. They shouldn’t be left scrambling to find a workaround for basic functions on their Windows systems.

Honestly, there aren’t many air-gapped environments out there, and those that exist are usually managed by bigger clients. I don’t see many downsides for the Windows user base in general. Who really uses a personal computer without an internet connection anyway?

I've heard that the new online activation method works well for offline setups, too. So if you're in a strictly air-gapped environment, you might still find a way around this problem.

Honestly, Windows has a lot of issues. It seems like they prioritize shareholders over actual user experience. Until they change that focus, things are likely to remain frustrating for most users.