How to Check Activation Status on Windows 11, 10, 8, & 7

PDF download Download Article
Make sure the copy of Windows you're using is genuine
PDF download Download Article

Want to find out if the version of Microsoft Windows on your PC is legit? Whether you installed Windows yourself or bought a computer with the operating system preinstalled, it's easy to view your activation status on Windows 11, 10, 8, 7, and Vista. This wikiHow article will teach you five simple ways to check if your copy of Microsoft Windows is activated and licensed.

Things You Should Know

  • On Windows 11, go to Settings > System > Activation.
  • On Windows 10, go to Settings > Update & Security > Activation.
  • On Windows 8, press the Windows and Pause keys at the same time.
  • On Windows 7 and Vista, right-click Computer and select "Properties."
Method 1
Method 1 of 5:

Windows 11

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/7\/72\/Check-if-Microsoft-Windows-is-Activated-Step-1-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Check-if-Microsoft-Windows-is-Activated-Step-1-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/7\/72\/Check-if-Microsoft-Windows-is-Activated-Step-1-Version-3.jpg\/v4-728px-Check-if-Microsoft-Windows-is-Activated-Step-1-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":347,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":549,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    It's the gray gear icon in your Start menu.
    • You can also launch the Settings app quickly by pressing Windows key + i at the same time.
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/8\/82\/Check-if-Microsoft-Windows-is-Activated-Step-2-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Check-if-Microsoft-Windows-is-Activated-Step-2-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/8\/82\/Check-if-Microsoft-Windows-is-Activated-Step-2-Version-3.jpg\/v4-728px-Check-if-Microsoft-Windows-is-Activated-Step-2-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":341,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":540,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Advertisement
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/a\/ae\/Check-if-Microsoft-Windows-is-Activated-Step-3-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Check-if-Microsoft-Windows-is-Activated-Step-3-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/a\/ae\/Check-if-Microsoft-Windows-is-Activated-Step-3-Version-3.jpg\/v4-728px-Check-if-Microsoft-Windows-is-Activated-Step-3-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":341,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":539,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    It's toward the bottom of the right panel.
  4. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/d\/d4\/Check-if-Microsoft-Windows-is-Activated-Step-4-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Check-if-Microsoft-Windows-is-Activated-Step-4-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/d\/d4\/Check-if-Microsoft-Windows-is-Activated-Step-4-Version-3.jpg\/v4-728px-Check-if-Microsoft-Windows-is-Activated-Step-4-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":349,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":552,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    If Windows is activated, you'll see "Active" and a green checkmark at the top of the window. Clicking the activation status displays one of the following messages:
    • Windows is activated: Windows was activated manually with a 25-digit product key , but the key is not linked to a Microsoft account .
    • Windows is activated with a digital license: Windows was activated digitally when installed, but the digital license isn't connected to a Microsoft account.
    • Windows is activated with a digital license linked to your Microsoft account: Windows is activated, and your key is linked to your Microsoft account.
    • Windows is not activated: Windows is not active. Follow the instructions in the on-screen error message to activate. [1]
    5. Advertisement
Method 2
Method 2 of 5:

Windows 10

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/e\/e7\/Check-if-Microsoft-Windows-is-Activated-Step-5-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Check-if-Microsoft-Windows-is-Activated-Step-5-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/e\/e7\/Check-if-Microsoft-Windows-is-Activated-Step-5-Version-3.jpg\/v4-728px-Check-if-Microsoft-Windows-is-Activated-Step-5-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":342,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":542,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Open the Settings app . Click the Start
    Windows Start
    {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/0\/07\/Windowsstart.png","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/0\/07\/Windowsstart.png\/30px-Windowsstart.png","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":460,"bigWidth":30,"bigHeight":30,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>I edited this screenshot of a Windows icon.\n<\/p><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"http:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Public_domain\">Public Domain<\/a><br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    button and click the settings gear.
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/d\/d6\/Check-if-Microsoft-Windows-is-Activated-Step-6-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Check-if-Microsoft-Windows-is-Activated-Step-6-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/d\/d6\/Check-if-Microsoft-Windows-is-Activated-Step-6-Version-3.jpg\/v4-728px-Check-if-Microsoft-Windows-is-Activated-Step-6-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":346,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":547,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/c\/ca\/Check-if-Microsoft-Windows-is-Activated-Step-7-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Check-if-Microsoft-Windows-is-Activated-Step-7-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/c\/ca\/Check-if-Microsoft-Windows-is-Activated-Step-7-Version-3.jpg\/v4-728px-Check-if-Microsoft-Windows-is-Activated-Step-7-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":343,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":543,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
  4. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/7\/7f\/Check-if-Microsoft-Windows-is-Activated-Step-8-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Check-if-Microsoft-Windows-is-Activated-Step-8-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/7\/7f\/Check-if-Microsoft-Windows-is-Activated-Step-8-Version-3.jpg\/v4-728px-Check-if-Microsoft-Windows-is-Activated-Step-8-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":348,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":550,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Review the text to the right of "Activation" under the "Windows" header.
    • Windows is activated: Windows 10 was activated with a 25-digit product key , but the key is not linked to a Microsoft account.
    • Windows is activated with a digital license: Windows was activated digitally when installed, but the digital license isn't connected to a Microsoft account.
    • Windows is activated with a digital license linked to your Microsoft account: Windows is activated, and your key is linked to your Microsoft account .
    • Windows is not activated: Windows is not active. Follow the instructions in the on-screen error message to activate.
    5. Advertisement
Method 3
Method 3 of 5:

Windows 8

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/7\/79\/Check-if-Microsoft-Windows-is-Activated-Step-9-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Check-if-Microsoft-Windows-is-Activated-Step-9-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/7\/79\/Check-if-Microsoft-Windows-is-Activated-Step-9-Version-3.jpg\/v4-728px-Check-if-Microsoft-Windows-is-Activated-Step-9-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":346,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":548,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    This will open the System Properties window in the Control Panel.
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/9\/90\/Check-if-Microsoft-Windows-is-Activated-Step-10-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Check-if-Microsoft-Windows-is-Activated-Step-10-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/9\/90\/Check-if-Microsoft-Windows-is-Activated-Step-10-Version-3.jpg\/v4-728px-Check-if-Microsoft-Windows-is-Activated-Step-10-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":343,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":543,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Look under the "Windows activation" section to see if Windows 8 is activated. Since it's at the bottom of the System Properties window, you may need to scroll down.
    3. Advertisement
Method 4
Method 4 of 5:

Windows 7 and Vista

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/7\/7a\/Check-if-Microsoft-Windows-is-Activated-Step-12.jpg\/v4-460px-Check-if-Microsoft-Windows-is-Activated-Step-12.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/7\/7a\/Check-if-Microsoft-Windows-is-Activated-Step-12.jpg\/v4-728px-Check-if-Microsoft-Windows-is-Activated-Step-12.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":346,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":548,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/2\/22\/Check-if-Microsoft-Windows-is-Activated-Step-11.jpg\/v4-460px-Check-if-Microsoft-Windows-is-Activated-Step-11.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/22\/Check-if-Microsoft-Windows-is-Activated-Step-11.jpg\/v4-728px-Check-if-Microsoft-Windows-is-Activated-Step-11.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":347,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":549,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/7\/7b\/Check-if-Microsoft-Windows-is-Activated-Step-13.jpg\/v4-460px-Check-if-Microsoft-Windows-is-Activated-Step-13.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/7\/7b\/Check-if-Microsoft-Windows-is-Activated-Step-13.jpg\/v4-728px-Check-if-Microsoft-Windows-is-Activated-Step-13.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":346,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":547,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    This will open the System Properties window in the Control Panel.
  4. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/d\/d9\/Check-if-Microsoft-Windows-is-Activated-Step-14.jpg\/v4-460px-Check-if-Microsoft-Windows-is-Activated-Step-14.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/d\/d9\/Check-if-Microsoft-Windows-is-Activated-Step-14.jpg\/v4-728px-Check-if-Microsoft-Windows-is-Activated-Step-14.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":343,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":543,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Look under the "Windows activation" section to see if Windows is activated. Since it's at the bottom of the System Properties window, you may need to scroll down.
    • Want to see your Windows 7 product key? Open Command Prompt and run the command wmic path softwarelicensingservice get OA3xOriginalProductKey .
    5. Advertisement
Method 5
Method 5 of 5:

Command Prompt (All Versions)

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/2\/2b\/Check-if-Microsoft-Windows-is-Activated-Step-15.jpg\/v4-460px-Check-if-Microsoft-Windows-is-Activated-Step-15.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/2b\/Check-if-Microsoft-Windows-is-Activated-Step-15.jpg\/v4-728px-Check-if-Microsoft-Windows-is-Activated-Step-15.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":346,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":547,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Open the Command Prompt . A quick way to check your Windows activation status is to enter a command in Command Prompt. This will work with any version of Windows, from Windows 11 down to Windows Vista.
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/0\/00\/Check-if-Microsoft-Windows-is-Activated-Step-16.jpg\/v4-460px-Check-if-Microsoft-Windows-is-Activated-Step-16.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/0\/00\/Check-if-Microsoft-Windows-is-Activated-Step-16.jpg\/v4-728px-Check-if-Microsoft-Windows-is-Activated-Step-16.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":341,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":540,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    After a few seconds, you'll see a pop-up window that displays your activation status.
    • If Windows is activated, you'll see "The machine is permanently activated."
    • You can see more activation details, including the type of license you have, using the command slmgr /dli . [2]
    3. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Video

      Tips

      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Take a Screenshot on a Windows PC: 8 Simple Tricks
      How to
      Check Your Windows Version
      How to
      Find Your Windows Product Key
      How to
      Check Your Mouse DPI on Windows & Mac
      Easily Download and Install FFmpeg on a Windows PC
      How to
      Start Windows in Safe Mode: 6 Easy Options
      4 Easy Ways to Access the Boot Options Menu in Windows
      How to
      Access the BIOS on Any PC: Guide + Troubleshooting
      How to
      Disable BitLocker Encryption in Windows 10 and 11
      2 Ways to Alter the Size of Your Windows Desktop Taskbar
      How to
      Automatically Shut Down Your Computer at a Specified Time
      Installing Windows After Ubuntu: A Step-by-Step Guide
      How to
      Stop Windows from Freezing: Easy Troubleshooting Guide
      3 Easy Ways to Create a New Folder on a Windows PC
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/activate-windows-c39005d4-95ee-b91e-b399-2820fda32227
      2. ↑ https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server/get-started/activation-slmgr-vbs-options

      About This Article

      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 136,904 times.

      Is this article up to date?

      Advertisement