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The activation screen is stuck at "Communicating with Norton Server..."
Applicable for: Windows
To check if the issue you are experiencing is related to a known system problem or outage, visit Norton Services Status page.
This problem can happen if a default browser is not set on your computer. If you have Google Chrome installed on your computer, change the settings to set it as your default browser.
Depending on the version of Windows on your computer, do one of the following:
I have Windows 11/10
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On your Windows desktop, go to Start > Settings > System.
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Click Default apps.
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Under Web browser, select Google Chrome as the default web browser.
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Activate Norton.
I have Windows 8 or earlier
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Press the Windows + R keys to open the Run dialog box.
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Type in the following text, and then press Enter.
control
If the User Account Control window appears, click Continue.
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In the Control Panel window, next to View by, select Category from the drop-down list.
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In the Control Panel window, click Programs.
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Under Default Programs, click Set your default programs.
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In the Set your default programs window, under Programs, select Google Chrome, and click Set this program as default.
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Click OK.
Last modified: 04/24/2025
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