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Windows 11 can be activated from an elevated Command Prompt with slmgr.vbs, but CMD cannot generate a license. You need either a valid digital license, a matching 25-character product key, or access to an organization’s volume-activation system.
The commands below cover retail and OEM keys, digital-license reactivation, MAK, KMS, Active Directory-based activation, Enterprise subscription activation, and supported offline methods. Before changing anything, check the installed edition and current license state.
Before you start: open Command Prompt as administrator
Most key-installation and activation commands require elevation.
- Open Start and type
cmd. - Select Run as administrator.
- Choose Yes at the User Account Control prompt.
The commands in this guide use the full path to the Windows licensing script. This avoids errors if Command Prompt is currently open in another folder:
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cscript.exe %windir%System32slmgr.vbs1. Check the Windows 11 edition
A product key must match the installed edition. A Home key will not activate Pro, and a Pro key will not activate Enterprise.
DISM.exe /Online /Get-CurrentEditionTypical results include:
| DISM result | Windows edition |
|---|---|
Core |
Windows 11 Home |
Professional |
Windows 11 Pro |
Enterprise |
Windows 11 Enterprise |
To display the Windows version and build, run:
winver2. Check Windows activation status with CMD
Display basic license information
cscript.exe %windir%System32slmgr.vbs /dli/dli shows basic licensing information for the current Windows installation.
Display detailed license information
cscript.exe %windir%System32slmgr.vbs /dlvTo inspect all applicable installed products, use:
cscript.exe %windir%System32slmgr.vbs /dlv allThese commands do not require an elevated Command Prompt.
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Check whether activation is permanent
cscript.exe %windir%System32slmgr.vbs /xprRetail and MAK installations normally report permanent activation. KMS clients instead show an expiration or renewal period because they must periodically contact the organization’s KMS host.
3. Activate Windows 11 with a retail, OEM, or MAK key
Use this method when you own a valid product key or have been given a MAK key by your organization.
- Confirm the installed edition with
DISM.exe /Online /Get-CurrentEdition. - Install the matching 25-character key.
- Start online activation.
- Verify the result with
/xpror/dlv.
Install the key:
cscript.exe %windir%System32slmgr.vbs /ipk XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXXReplace the example with your legitimate key, then request activation:
cscript.exe %windir%System32slmgr.vbs /ato/ipk installs or replaces the product key. It does not, by itself, prove that Windows is activated. /ato asks Microsoft’s activation service to activate a retail installation or a system with a MAK installed.
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Common product-key failures
| Error | Likely cause |
|---|---|
0xC004F034 |
The key is invalid for the installed edition or version. |
0xC004F210 |
The key does not match the installed Windows edition. |
0xC004F00F |
The license type and installed edition are incompatible. |
0xC004C008 |
The key has reached its permitted activation limit. |
0xC004C003 |
The product key has been blocked. |
A replacement motherboard or a new PC may also require a new key if the device has no transferable digital license.
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4. Reactivate Windows 11 with an existing digital license
A digital license is associated with the device rather than being entered as a 25-character key. It may also be linked to your Microsoft account.
- Connect the PC to the internet.
- Sign in to the Microsoft account associated with the license.
- Open Start > Settings > System > Activation.
- If Windows is not activated, select Troubleshoot.
After Windows has detected the entitlement, you can request another activation attempt from CMD:
cscript.exe %windir%System32slmgr.vbs /atoThere is no CMD command that creates a digital license or retrieves one from Microsoft. If a digital license is not associated with the hardware or account, /ato cannot manufacture one.
After replacing major hardware
A motherboard replacement can cause Windows to lose its activation association. Use Start > Settings > System > Activation > Troubleshoot, then choose the option indicating that hardware was recently changed if it appears. This process works best when the original digital license was linked to your Microsoft account.
5. Activate Windows 11 with a KMS volume license
Key Management Service is intended for organizations with a properly licensed KMS host. It is not a free retail activation method.
A KMS client generally needs:
- A supported volume edition such as Windows 11 Pro, Enterprise, or Education.
- A reachable organizational KMS host.
- Working DNS discovery or a manually specified KMS host.
- At least 25 unique Windows client activation requests before a KMS host activates client devices.
- Contact with the KMS host at least once every 180 days.
Install a KMS client setup key
Use the GVLK matching the installed edition. These public keys identify a device as a KMS client; they do not activate Windows on their own.
| Edition | GVLK |
|---|---|
| Pro | W269N-WFGWX-YVC9B-4J6C9-T83GX |
| Pro N | MH37W-N47XK-V7XM9-C7227-GCQG9 |
| Pro for Workstations | NRG8B-VKK3Q-CXVCJ-9G2XF-6Q84J |
| Pro for Workstations N | 9FNHH-K3HBT-3W4TD-6383H-6XYWF |
| Pro Education | 6TP4R-GNPTD-KYYHQ-7B7DP-J447Y |
| Pro Education N | YVWGF-BXNMC-HTQYQ-CPQ99-66QFC |
| Education | NW6C2-QMPVW-D7KKK-3GKT6-VCFB2 |
| Education N | 2WH4N-8QGBV-H22JP-CT43Q-MDWWJ |
| Enterprise | NPPR9-FWDCX-D2C8J-H872K-2YT43 |
| Enterprise N | DPH2V-TTNVB-4X9Q3-TJR4H-KHJW4 |
| Enterprise G | YYVX9-NTFWV-6MDM3-9PT4T-4M68B |
| Enterprise G N | 44RPN-FTY23-9VTTB-MP9BX-T84FV |
For example, to configure Windows 11 Pro as a KMS client:
cscript.exe %windir%System32slmgr.vbs /ipk W269N-WFGWX-YVC9B-4J6C9-T83GX
cscript.exe %windir%System32slmgr.vbs /atoWindows 11 Home is not listed because it is not a KMS volume-activation edition.
Specify the KMS host manually
If your organization supplied a KMS host name, configure it with:
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cscript.exe %windir%System32slmgr.vbs /skms kms.example.com
cscript.exe %windir%System32slmgr.vbs /atoThe normal KMS TCP port is 1688. If your organization uses another port:
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Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallcscript.exe %windir%System32slmgr.vbs /skms kms.example.com:1688Replace the example host with your organization’s actual server. To remove the manually configured host and return to DNS-based discovery:
cscript.exe %windir%System32slmgr.vbs /ckmsTroubleshoot KMS error 0xC004F074
This error usually means that the client cannot contact a suitable KMS host. Check DNS, firewall rules, the KMS service, and system time.
Test the KMS port from PowerShell:
Test-NetConnection -ComputerName <KMS-Host-Name> -Port 1688Typical causes include a missing _vlmcs._tcp DNS record, blocked TCP port 1688, an incorrect host name, a stopped Software Protection service, or excessive time difference between the client and host.
6. Use Active Directory-based activation
Active Directory-based activation is another organization-only method. A domain-joined Windows client obtains an activation object from Active Directory Domain Services instead of contacting a KMS host directly.
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cscript.exe %windir%System32slmgr.vbs /ato7. Activate through a Windows Enterprise subscription
Enterprise subscription activation is not a conventional product-key procedure. It can step a properly licensed Windows Pro or Pro Education installation up to Windows Enterprise or Education when the user, device, and Microsoft Entra configuration meet the licensing requirements.
Typical requirements include:
- A supported, already activated Windows Pro or Pro Education installation.
- A qualifying Windows Enterprise E3/E5 or Education A3/A5 user license.
- The required Microsoft Entra ID identity and device-join state.
- A supported Microsoft Entra-joined or hybrid-joined device for the applicable commercial scenario.
After the licensed user signs in with the associated Microsoft Entra credentials, Windows can perform the edition step-up without manually installing a GVLK or restarting. You can request an activation attempt with:
cscript.exe %windir%System32slmgr.vbs /atoThis command does not replace the subscription, identity, or device requirements.
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8. Use telephone or offline activation
Telephone activation
For supported editions, open the telephone activation wizard by searching for:
SLUI 04Select the result and follow the displayed instructions. Microsoft notes that Windows 11 Pro Education and Windows 11 Pro for Workstations must be activated over the internet and cannot use SLUI 04.
Volume or offline activation with an installation ID
For supported volume-licensing workflows, generate an installation ID:
cscript.exe %windir%System32slmgr.vbs /dtiAfter the activation service provides a confirmation ID, apply it with:
cscript.exe %windir%System32slmgr.vbs /atp <Confirmation-ID>/dti displays the installation ID; /atp uses the confirmation ID supplied by the activation service. These commands do not bypass licensing.
9. Find an embedded OEM key
Many manufacturer PCs store an original Windows key in firmware. Run this PowerShell command:
(Get-CimInstance -query 'select * from SoftwareLicensingService').OA3xOriginalProductKeyIf the firmware contains an exposed key, PowerShell displays it. Blank output does not prove that the PC lacks a digital license; the device may have a digital entitlement instead.
You may still see this older command online:
wmic path softwarelicensingservice get OA3xOriginalProductKeyIt is an older WMIC-based form. The current Microsoft-documented approach uses Get-CimInstance in PowerShell.
Commands that do not activate Windows
/rearm does not permanently activate Windows
cscript.exe %windir%System32slmgr.vbs /rearm/rearm resets activation timers for deployment and imaging scenarios. It does not provide a license or permanently activate an unlicensed copy. It may also have no effect when the SkipRearm setting is enabled.
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/upk removes the installed key
cscript.exe %windir%System32slmgr.vbs /upkThis uninstalls the current product key. After a restart, Windows remains unlicensed until another applicable key is installed. Do not use it as a routine troubleshooting step.
/cpky only removes the key from the registry
cscript.exe %windir%System32slmgr.vbs /cpkyThis removes the product key from the local registry to reduce the chance of key theft. It does not activate Windows or remove the license entitlement from Microsoft’s activation servers.
Verify activation after using any method
Always check the result rather than relying on a successful /ipk message:
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemscscript.exe %windir%System32slmgr.vbs /xpr
cscript.exe %windir%System32slmgr.vbs /dlvAn accepted /ipk command means that Windows installed a key applicable to the system. Actual activation still depends on Microsoft’s activation service, MAK authorization, a digital entitlement, or functioning KMS or Active Directory infrastructure.
Official Microsoft references
- Activate Windows
- Get help with Windows activation errors
- Slmgr.vbs options
- KMS client activation keys
- Troubleshoot KMS error 0xC004F074
- Windows subscription activation
FAQ
Can CMD activate Windows 11 for free?
No. CMD can install a legitimate key or request activation for an existing digital license, MAK, KMS, or Active Directory entitlement. No command creates a valid license.
What is the command to activate Windows 11?
The general activation command is cscript.exe %windir%System32slmgr.vbs /ato. It only works when Windows already has an eligible digital license, product key, MAK, KMS configuration, or organizational activation entitlement.
Can I activate Windows 11 Home with a KMS key?
No. Windows 11 Home is not a KMS volume-activation edition. Use a valid Home product key or an existing digital license.
Why does /ipk succeed but Windows remain unactivated?
/ipk only installs the key. Activation still requires online authorization, a valid digital license, MAK availability, or a reachable KMS or Active Directory activation service. Check with /xpr and /dlv.
How often must a KMS client reactivate?
A KMS client must contact its organization’s KMS host at least once every 180 days. If it cannot, activation eventually expires.
Will /rearm activate Windows permanently?
No. /rearm resets activation timers for deployment scenarios. It does not provide a product key or license.
Can I recover my Windows product key from CMD?
For a firmware-embedded OEM key, use PowerShell: (Get-CimInstance -query 'select * from SoftwareLicensingService').OA3xOriginalProductKey. Blank output does not rule out a digital license.
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The Bottom Line
Use /ipk followed by /ato when you have a matching product key. Use /ato alone to retry an existing digital, Active Directory, Enterprise subscription, or already configured volume license. KMS commands are only appropriate for an organization with its own licensed KMS infrastructure. If no valid license or entitlement exists, CMD cannot legitimately activate Windows 11.
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