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

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Make sure the copy of Windows you're using is genuine
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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.

Quick Steps to Check Windows Activation

  • On Windows 11, go to Settings > System > Activation.
  • On Windows 10, go to Settings > Update & Security > Activation.
  • On Windows 8, press the Windows + 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

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  1. Step 1 Open your Windows Settings icon.
    It's the gray gear icon in your Start menu.[1]
    • You can also launch the Settings app quickly by pressing Windows key + i at the same time.
  2. Step 2 Click System at the top-left corner.
    You can find this between Home and Bluetooth & devices.[2]
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  3. Step 3 Click Activation.
    It's toward the bottom of the right panel.[3]
  4. Step 4 Click the activation status.
    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.[4]
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Method 2
Method 2 of 5:

Command Prompt (All Versions)

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  1. Step 1 Open the Command...
    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.[5]
  2. Step 2 Type slmgr /xpr and press ↵ Enter.
    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.[6]
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Method 3
Method 3 of 5:

Windows 10

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  1. Step 1 Open the Settings...
    Open the Settings app. Click the Start
    Windows Start
    button and click the settings gear.
  2. Step 2 Click Update & Security.
    This will open a new page.[7]
  3. Step 3 Click Activation.
    You can find this in the left panel.[8]
  4. Step 4 Check if Windows is activated.
    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.
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Method 4
Method 4 of 5:

Windows 8

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  1. Step 1 Press the ⊞ Win+Pause keys simultaneously.
    This will open the System Properties window in the Control Panel.
  2. Step 2 Review your activation status.
    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.[9]
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Method 5
Method 5 of 5:

Windows 7 and Vista

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  1. Step 1 Click the Start icon button.
    This is at the bottom, in your taskbar.
  2. Step 2 Right-click Computer.
    You can find this in the right column.
  3. Step 3 Click Properties from the context menu.
    This will open the System Properties window in the Control Panel.
  4. Step 4 Review your activation status.
    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.
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References

  1. ↑ https://www.windowscentral.com/software-apps/windows-11/how-to-determine-activation-status-on-windows-11
  2. ↑ https://www.windowscentral.com/software-apps/windows-11/how-to-determine-activation-status-on-windows-11
  3. ↑ https://www.windowscentral.com/software-apps/windows-11/how-to-determine-activation-status-on-windows-11
  4. ↑ https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/activate-windows-c39005d4-95ee-b91e-b399-2820fda32227
  5. ↑ https://www.geeksforgeeks.org/techtips/open-the-command-prompt-in-windows/
  6. ↑ https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server/get-started/activation-slmgr-vbs-options
  7. ↑ https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/activate-windows-c39005d4-95ee-b91e-b399-2820fda32227#windowsversion=windows_10
  8. ↑ https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/activate-windows-c39005d4-95ee-b91e-b399-2820fda32227#windowsversion=windows_10
  9. ↑ https://download.lenovo.com/pccbbs/thinkcentre_pdf/how_to_determine_if_windows8_is_activated.pdf

About This Article

Rain Kengly
Written by:
Rain Kengly
wikiHow Technology Writer
This article was co-authored by wikiHow staff writer, Rain Kengly. Rain is a tech writer and editor for wikiHow with over 5 years of professional writing experience. In the past, Rain has worked with other creative writers as a Writing Tutor at San Francisco State University and has published gaming features, guides, and news articles for a variety of media outlets. Rain shares a lifelong passion for writing and gaming and is eager to grow alongside new tech inventions. This article has been viewed 167,002 times.
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Updated: October 21, 2025
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