How to Check if Windows Is Activated (3 Quick Methods)
Checking your Windows activation status takes 10 seconds. Open Settings, look at the Activation page,…
Checking your Windows activation status takes 10 seconds. Open Settings, look at the Activation page, and you’ll see whether your copy is activated, what type of license you have, and whether it’s linked to your Microsoft account.
This guide covers three ways to check — through Settings, Command Prompt, and PowerShell — for both Windows 10 and Windows 11.
Key Takeaways
- The fastest check: Settings → System → Activation (Windows 11) or Settings → Update & Security → Activation (Windows 10). Look for “Activation state.”
- Command Prompt method: Run
slmgr /dlias admin to see license type, partial product key, and activation status in a dialog box. - Four possible statuses: Active, Active with a digital license, Active with a digital license linked to your Microsoft account, or Not active.
Method 1: Check in Settings (Easiest)
Windows 11
- Press
Windows + Ito open Settings. - Click System in the left sidebar.
- Click Activation.
- Read the “Activation state” line.
Windows 10
- Press
Windows + Ito open Settings. - Click Update & Security.
- Click Activation in the left sidebar.
- Read the activation status at the top.
What Each Status Means
| Status | Meaning | Action Needed |
|---|---|---|
| Windows is activated | Activated with a product key | None |
| Windows is activated with a digital license | Activated via hardware-linked license (OEM or upgrade) | None — but consider linking to Microsoft account for easier recovery |
| Windows is activated with a digital license linked to your Microsoft account | Best status — activated and linked for easy reactivation after hardware changes | None |
| Windows is not activated | No valid license detected | Activate Windows |
Method 2: Check with Command Prompt (slmgr)
This shows more detail than Settings — including your license type, partial product key, and expiration status.
- Press
Windows + S, type cmd, right-click Command Prompt, select Run as administrator. - Run one of these commands:
Basic Info
slmgr /dli
Shows: license name, description, partial product key (last 5 characters), and license status (Licensed/Unlicensed).
Detailed Info
slmgr /dlv
Shows everything from /dli plus: activation ID, application ID, extended PID, installation ID, remaining rearm count, and license status.
Expiration Check
slmgr /xpr
Shows: “The machine is permanently activated” or the expiration date. Retail and OEM licenses show permanent activation. Volume/KMS licenses show an expiration date.
Tip: Each command opens a dialog box with the information. Wait a few seconds after running the command — the dialog can take a moment to appear.
Method 3: Check with PowerShell
Open PowerShell as Administrator and run:
Get-CimInstance -ClassName SoftwareLicensingProduct | Where-Object {$_.PartialProductKey} | Select-Object Name, LicenseStatus
LicenseStatus values: – 1 = Licensed (activated) – 0 = Unlicensed (not activated) – 2 = OOBGrace (in grace period) – 3 = OOTGrace (out of tolerance grace) – 5 = Notification (non-genuine)
How to Tell if You Have a Digital License or Product Key
| Clue | License Type |
|---|---|
| Settings says “digital license” | Digital license — no key to find, linked to hardware |
| Settings says “activated” (no mention of digital license) | Product key — entered manually or via manufacturer |
slmgr /dli shows “OEM” in the description |
OEM key embedded in UEFI firmware |
slmgr /dli shows “RETAIL” |
Retail key — purchased separately, transferable |
slmgr /dli shows “VOLUME_KMSCLIENT” |
Volume license — managed by organization |
Knowing your license type matters when transferring licenses, finding your key, or troubleshooting activation issues.
What to Do if Windows Is Not Activated
If your check shows “Not active,” here’s a quick decision tree:
- PC came with Windows pre-installed? Connect to the internet — OEM digital license should activate automatically.
- Upgraded from Windows 10? Sign in with your Microsoft account — the digital license should transfer.
- Recently changed hardware? Use the Activation Troubleshooter (Settings → Activation → Troubleshoot).
- Have a product key? Enter it in Settings → Activation → Change product key.
- None of the above? You need a product key. Genuine keys start at $49.99 from The Software City.
For step-by-step activation instructions, see our guides for Windows 11 and Windows 10.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I check activation status without admin rights?
Yes. The Settings method (Method 1) works for all users — no admin required. Only the slmgr and PowerShell methods need administrator privileges.
Why does my activated Windows still show a watermark?
This is rare but can happen after a major Windows Update. Check Settings → Activation. If it says “Active,” restart your PC — the watermark should disappear. If it says “Not active,” your license may need reactivation.
Does “digital license linked to your Microsoft account” mean I can move it?
It depends on the license type. OEM digital licenses are locked to the original motherboard even when linked. Retail digital licenses can be transferred using the Activation Troubleshooter after hardware changes.
How do I link my digital license to my Microsoft account?
Go to Settings → Accounts → Your info and make sure you’re signed in with a Microsoft account (not a local account). If already signed in, Settings → Activation should show “linked to your Microsoft account.”
What does “Licensed” mean in slmgr vs “Activated” in Settings?
They mean the same thing. “Licensed” is the technical term used by the Software Licensing Manager. “Activated” is the user-friendly term in Settings. Both confirm your Windows is genuine and fully functional.
Can I check if someone else’s PC is activated remotely?
IT administrators can check activation on remote PCs using: slmgr /dli \\COMPUTERNAME in Command Prompt (requires admin access to the remote machine and appropriate network configuration).
by Editorial Team
Updated on April 4, 2026
by Editorial Team
Updated on April 4, 2026
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