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Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →To check whether Windows is activated, open the Activation page in Settings: System > Activation in Windows 11 or Update & Security > Activation in Windows 10. From there, you can activate with a digital license or a matching product key, change a key, and troubleshoot activation after a hardware change.
The steps differ by Windows version and license type. Windows 10 support ended on October 14, 2025, but that does not change its Activation settings path or make activation and support the same thing.
Check Windows activation status
Windows 11
- Open Start and select Settings.
- Go to System > Activation.
- Read the message beside Activation status.
Typical results include:
- Windows is activated with a digital license
- Windows is activated with a digital license linked to your Microsoft account
If Windows is not activated, the page normally provides options to enter a product key, troubleshoot the problem, or purchase a license.
Windows 10
- Open Start > Settings.
- Select Update & Security > Activation.
- Check the message beside Activation.
Windows 10 reached end of support on October 14, 2025. That does not remove or change the Activation page; activation remains a separate licensing process.
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Activate Windows with a digital license
A digital license is associated with the device hardware, so you do not normally need to type a product key. This is common after a qualifying upgrade or on a computer that was sold with Windows preinstalled.
- Connect the computer to the internet.
- Sign in to Windows with the Microsoft account associated with the digital license.
- Open the Activation page for your Windows version.
- Allow Windows to contact Microsoft’s activation servers.
For a reinstall, install the same Windows edition that was previously licensed. When Setup asks for a key, select I don’t have a product key. After installation, connect to the internet and sign in with the linked Microsoft account. Windows should reactivate online.
A Home digital license will not activate a Pro installation. If the wrong edition was installed, the Activation troubleshooter may identify the licensed edition and provide instructions for installing it.
Activate Windows with a product key
A Windows product key is a 25-character code in this format:
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Windows 11
- Open Start > Settings > System > Activation.
- Beside Change product key, select Change.
- Enter the 25-character key and select Next.
- Follow the activation prompts.
Windows 10
- Open Start > Settings > Update & Security > Activation.
- Select Change product key.
- Enter the 25-character key.
- Continue through the activation wizard.
The key must match both the Windows version and edition installed on the computer. For example, a Windows 11 Pro key cannot activate Windows 11 Home, and an Enterprise key cannot activate Home or Pro.
Activate Windows during installation
- Start Windows Setup from installation media.
- When Setup requests a product key, enter it if you have one.
- If Windows uses a digital license, select I don’t have a product key.
- Install the edition that matches your license.
- After installation, connect to the internet and open the Activation page.
You can also select I don’t have a product key if you plan to buy a license later. Once setup finishes, open Activation settings and select Go to Store. This opens the Microsoft Store, where you can purchase a digital license.
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Change the Windows product key
Changing the key is useful when you have upgraded editions, replaced a temporary installation key, or need to use a valid key that was previously associated with the computer.
| Windows version | Menu path |
|---|---|
| Windows 11 | Settings > System > Activation > Change product key > Change |
| Windows 10 | Settings > Update & Security > Activation > Change product key |
To upgrade an activated Windows 11 Home installation to Pro, open Settings > System > Activation, select Change beside Change product key, enter a qualifying Pro key, and select Next. The existing Home installation must already be activated.
Check activation from Command Prompt
Settings is the simplest method, but the Software Licensing Management Tool can show more detail. Open Command Prompt and run the following commands.
Display basic license information
slmgr.vbs /dli
This displays license information for the active installed Windows edition. It does not require an elevated Command Prompt.
Display detailed license information
slmgr.vbs /dlv
To display details for all applicable installed products, including activation IDs, run:
slmgr.vbs /dlv all
These commands do not require elevation.
Check the activation-expiration result
slmgr.vbs /xpr
/xpr displays an activation expiration date. It is particularly useful for KMS clients. Retail and MAK activation are generally perpetual, so this command is not a complete test of every licensing state and should not be treated as universal proof of permanent activation.
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Install a key or activate from Command Prompt
Use an elevated Command Prompt for commands that install a key or activate Windows. Search for Command Prompt, right-click it, and select Run as administrator.
Install or replace a product key
slmgr.vbs /ipk XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX
The command checks whether the key applies to the installed Windows operating system. If another key is installed, a valid new key replaces it. Restart Windows, or restart the Software Protection Service, afterward if activation-related behavior becomes unstable.
Attempt online activation
slmgr.vbs /ato
For retail editions and systems using a MAK or KMS host key, this attempts online activation. A system with a GVLK attempts KMS activation instead, so it requires access to the organization’s KMS infrastructure.
Remove the current key
slmgr.vbs /upk
This removes the key for the current Windows edition. After a restart, Windows is unlicensed unless another valid key is installed. Do not run this command merely to “refresh” activation.
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Important: slmgr.vbs /rearm is not an activation method. It resets activation timers and is also used by sysprep /generalize; it does not provide a valid license.
Edition limitation: On Windows 11 Pro EDU and Windows 11 Pro for Workstations, use the Settings Activation page’s Change product key option rather than slmgr.vbs /ipk. Microsoft says key injection with slmgr is unsupported for these editions.
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Reactivate Windows after a hardware change
A motherboard replacement or another substantial hardware change can make Windows unable to recognize a hardware-associated digital license.
- Sign in with the same Microsoft account that was linked to the digital license.
- Open Settings > System > Activation in Windows 11, or Settings > Update & Security > Activation in Windows 10.
- Select Troubleshoot.
- If the troubleshooter cannot activate Windows, select the displayed option to reactivate after a hardware change.
- Choose the affected device, confirm that this is the device you are using, and follow the prompts.
If a valid product key was previously used on the computer, select Change product key and enter that key instead.
An OEM license may be tied to the original motherboard. If the motherboard was replaced by the manufacturer, contact the OEM about its recovery or replacement-license process. A user-installed motherboard replacement may require a new license.
Common activation errors and fixes
| Error or message | Likely cause | What to do |
|---|---|---|
0xC004FC03 |
The computer is offline or a firewall is blocking activation. | Check the internet connection and firewall. For Microsoft’s phone-activation fallback, search for SLUI 04 and follow the prompts. This fallback is unavailable for some editions, including Pro EDU and Pro for Workstations. |
0xC004C008, 0xC004C770, or 0x803FA071 |
The key has been used on another device or exceeds the license terms. | Use the key only within its license terms. Each additional device needs its own qualifying license. |
0xC004F034 |
The key is invalid or belongs to another Windows version. | Verify the key and the installed Windows version and edition. |
0xC004F210 |
The key or digital license does not match the installed edition. | Enter a matching key or install the Windows edition associated with the license. |
0xC004F212 |
The key is incompatible with the installed edition, often after reinstalling the wrong edition. | Run the Activation troubleshooter and install the edition it identifies. |
0xC004F213 |
Windows cannot find a product key, sometimes after a motherboard change. | Try the Activation troubleshooter, sign in with the linked Microsoft account, or enter a valid key. |
0x803F7001 |
No valid license was found. | Use Change product key, or select Go to Microsoft Store to purchase a license. |
0x800704CF |
Microsoft did not find a valid license for the device. | Enter a valid product key. |
0xC004E028 |
Another activation request is already being processed. | Wait for the first request to finish, then check Activation again. |
| “Your Windows License Will Expire Soon” | A volume-license client is installed, commonly on an organization-managed Pro computer. | Connect to the organization’s licensing network or contact its IT administrator. Do not replace an organizational key with an unrelated retail key without authorization. |
Edition-specific limitations
Windows 11 Pro EDU and Windows 11 Pro for Workstations must activate over the internet. Phone activation and SLUI 04 are unavailable for these editions. Microsoft also specifies that slmgr.vbs cannot inject a new product key for them; use Settings > System > Activation > Change product key.
Activation is not the same as proving authenticity
Activation confirms that a product key or digital entitlement is associated with the device hardware. It does not, by itself, prove that a Windows copy is genuine or evaluate every aspect of the software’s authenticity. Use a properly purchased license and obtain installation media from an appropriate official source.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.FAQ
How do I know whether Windows is activated?
In Windows 11, open Settings > System > Activation and read Activation status. In Windows 10, open Settings > Update & Security > Activation and read the status beside Activation.
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Can I reinstall Windows without entering the product key?
Yes, if the computer has a digital license. Install the same Windows edition, select I don’t have a product key during Setup, connect to the internet afterward, and sign in with the Microsoft account linked to the license.
Why does my Windows key not work?
The key may be invalid, already used beyond its license terms, or intended for a different Windows version or edition. Check the installed edition in Settings and compare it with the license. Errors such as 0xC004F210 and 0xC004F212 specifically indicate an edition mismatch.
Does slmgr /xpr prove that Windows is permanently activated?
No. Microsoft describes /xpr as primarily useful for KMS clients. Retail and MAK activations are generally perpetual, so use Settings and /dli or /dlv as part of a broader check.
What should I do after replacing the motherboard?
Sign in with the Microsoft account linked to the digital license, open Activation, select Troubleshoot, and use the hardware-change reactivation option if it appears. If the license was an OEM license tied to the original motherboard, contact the computer manufacturer.
Can a Windows 11 Pro key activate Windows 11 Home?
No. The key and installed edition must match. To move from activated Home to Pro, use Settings > System > Activation and enter a qualifying Pro key.
The Bottom Line
For most computers, start at Settings > System > Activation in Windows 11 or Settings > Update & Security > Activation in Windows 10. A linked digital license normally reactivates automatically online; otherwise use Change product key with a key that matches the installed edition. After a motherboard change, run the Activation troubleshooter before buying another license.
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