Activate Expression Blend

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Setup will automatically attempt to activate Microsoft Expression Blend during installation. If automatic activation fails, or if you choose not to activate Expression Blend during installation, you will be prompted to activate Expression Blend when you open a new or existing project. You can activate Expression Blend by using the following procedure.

Note

You must activate Expression Blend within 60 days of installation.

To activate Expression Blend

  1. Do one of the following:

    • Click Activate Product on the Help menu.

    • Click Activate now in the New Project dialog box (available when you click New Project on the File menu).

      New Project dialog box Activation prompt

    You may see a validation screen as your product key is verified. If activation of Expression Blend is successful, a message box informing you of the successful activation will be displayed. If activation fails, go to step 2.

  2. If you haven't entered a valid product key yet, you will be prompted to do so before you can successfully activate Expression Blend. Type the product key in the box under the first option in the dialog box.

    Tip

    The product key is located on the package of Expression Blend, or in a confirmation e-mail that was sent to you at the time that you purchased and downloaded Expression Blend online. Purchase the product online Ff723927.xtlink_newWindow(en-us,Expression.40).png.

  3. Make sure that the Activate product now check box is selected, and then click Continue.

  4. If product activation fails after you enter a valid product key, the failure may be because either an Internet connection or an activation server is unavailable. You will see a dialog box that provides an option to try to activate Expression Blend again by using an Internet connection, and an option to activate Expression Blend by using an automated phone system. Follow the on-screen instructions if you choose the Activate by phone option.

Note

If you have Expression Blend installed from Expression Studio Premium and you install Expression Blend for Windows Phone as part of the Windows Phone Developer Tools, you will automatically install a trial version of Expression Blend that includes SketchFlow. After 60 days, your trial of Expression Blend with SketchFlow will expire, after which you will be prompted to activate your installation of SketchFlow. If you do not enter an Expression Studio Ultimate product key, your installation of Expression Blend will revert to the version of Expression Blend that installs with Expression Studio Premium.

See also

Concepts

Activation FAQ

Other resources

What is activation?

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