How to Use the Slmgr Command in Windows
The Slmgr (Software Licensing Management Tool) command is a powerful and essential utility in Windows for managing your operating system's licensing and activation. Whether you're looking to activate Windows, change your product key, or check your activation status, Slmgr provides the necessary tools to accomplish these tasks efficiently. In this article, we'll explore how to use the Slmgr command in Windows to manage your system's licensing.
Note: Some of the commands mentioned here may require administrative privileges. Make sure you have the necessary permissions before proceeding.
1. Check Activation Status
To verify the activation status of your Windows installation, follow these steps:
– Open the Command Prompt with administrative privileges. You can do this by searching for “cmd” in the Start menu, right-clicking it, and selecting “Run as administrator.”
– Type the following command and press Enter:
slmgr /xpr
– A dialog box will appear, indicating whether your Windows installation is permanently activated. If it's not activated, it will provide information about the time remaining for activation.
2. Activate Windows
If your Windows installation is not activated or you need to change the product key, you can do so using the Slmgr command:
– Open an elevated Command Prompt.
– To activate Windows with a product key, run the following command:
slmgr /ipk
Replace `
– To activate Windows online, use this command:
slmgr /ato
– If you need to activate Windows by phone, you can do so by running:
slui 4
This will start the activation wizard, which will guide you through the phone activation process.
3. Change Product Key
To change your product key, follow these steps:
– Open an elevated Command Prompt.
– Use the following command:
slmgr /ipk
Replace `
– After entering the new key, activate Windows by running:
slmgr /ato
4. Uninstall the Product Key
In some cases, you may need to uninstall a product key. For example, when you're moving a license to another computer, you should uninstall the key from the current machine:
– Open an elevated Command Prompt.
– Run the following command:
slmgr /upk
– This command will remove the product key from the system.
5. Licensing information about the Windows operating system “slmgr -dli”
The “slmgr -dli” command is used to display detailed licensing information about the Windows operating system. When you run this command, a dialog box will appear containing information about your Windows activation status. This includes details such as the edition of Windows, the license status, and whether it's permanently activated or in a grace period.
6. Display detailed license and activation information for the Windows operating system.
The “slmgr /dlv” command is used to display detailed license and activation information for the Windows operating system. When you run this command, a window will appear with extensive information about the Windows activation status, including details about the license type, activation expiration date (if applicable), and the operating system edition.
Open the Command Prompt with administrative privileges. You can do this by searching for “cmd” in the Start menu, right-clicking it, and selecting “Run as administrator.”
Type the following command and press Enter:slmgr /dlv
A window will open, displaying detailed information about your Windows activation status, including the License Status, Description (edition of Windows), and the Activation ID.
The Slmgr command in Windows is a versatile tool that allows you to manage your system's licensing and activation. Whether you need to check your activation status, activate Windows, change your product key, or uninstall a product key, Slmgr provides the necessary functionality. However, remember that it's crucial to use legitimate product keys and follow Microsoft's licensing guidelines. Always ensure you have the appropriate permissions when working with system-level tools like Slmgr.