Highlights
If Windows is not activated, you get the below message. You’ll get an error message explaining the reason for the failure.
Windows is not activated
If you activate Windows using a digital license linked to your Microsoft account, then you get the message below.
Windows is activated with a digital license linked to your Microsoft account
If Windows is activated with a digital license but the license is not linked to your account, you get the message below. And you will be provided with an option to link an account.
Windows is activated with a digital license
If Windows is activated using a volume license, you get the message below.
Windows is activated using your organisation's activation service.
NB; see everything you need to know about Windows activation from Microsoft’s official website or follow below for a thorough, but simple explanation.
Let’s Get Started
During the Installation of the Windows OS, you’ll be asked to activate it along the line. The reason Microsoft requires that Windows be activated is to prevent piracy, to make sure you’re running a genuine copy of Windows and to make sure a copy of Windows has not been installed on many machines than the Terms specify – these are just some of the reasons. Without activation, some features are locked. The activation process makes use of a 25 character key. If your PC came with Windows preinstalled, then you’re good to go. If you’re freshly installing Windows on a PC, you’ll need this key, same as when you buy a genuine copy of Windows. each key has a limit to the number of machines it can activate.
Now what happens to big organisations that have many computers? Do they need to stressfully install a license key in each and every computer? Microsoft came out with a solution to this some years back by introducing a technology called Key Management Service (KMS). Here, all the organisation needs to do is get a server and link all the necessary computers to it. Through this server, all the connected computers are activated at once, without need to use different license keys to activate one by one. The master key used in such a method is called a Volume License Key. The activation lasts for 180 days. During this time, the computers are automatically activated again and the cycle continues – internet service is needed for this but it is not a problem to organisations right? Without going online after the 180 days has passed, Windows become deactivated and the activation process needs to be redone. Since this way of activation has been made specially for organisations or large scale activation, any computer activated this way simply tells that this method was used and hence will carry the label Windows is activated using your organisation's activation service.
So as an individual user why do you get that message which is meant for organisations or large scale activation or the KMS technology? Well if you used the normal activation method meant for individual users i.e using a genuine license, then your activation status won’t show this way. Instead it will show Windows is activated with a digital license or something similar.
Those who have lost or can’t remember their license key or those who don’t have at all might be looking for tricks on how to activate Windows without spending money – hahaha! This will of course work (see how to do that here). The issue here is that they will come across activator tools. These tools usually work using the KMS method. They install a KMS server into your machine and then uses tricks to get Windows activated the same way that of organisations does. By so doing, you also get the Windows is activated using your organisation’s activation service. The tools work in the same way such that even the PC or Microsoft itself that created the technology won’t detect. Hence, you too will enjoy all benefits that Windows activation offers. These tools work 100% and will get your Windows activated in few seconds. The downside here is that your machine needs to be connected online after 180 days for reactivation – even if you used the tools to activate Windows, don’t worry, just go online, Windows activation will automatically be extended and this is how the cycle will continue. If after this time you don’t go online, Windows would be deactivated and you’ll need to repeat the activation process. If you don’t want it this way, then use a genuine key. If you don’t have it, try buying from Microsoft or any other trusted retailer.
With this, you should now know why your PC has that activation message on it.
Types Of Microsoft Licenses
Following what we have explained above, you can now see there are three types of licenses:
• OEM License
This is the license that a manufacturer installs on new devices. In this case, the product key is meant for that device only (for example, say you’re reactivating a new installation on the same computer) and isn’t transferable (you can’t use it to activate on another computer).
• Retail License
This one applies when you’re buying a copy of the Windows OS may be from Microsoft itself, Amazon or somewhere else. The license can be used on another computer once you have deactivated the old device.
• Volume License
This is the one used by organisations; schools, businesses, government that have many computers. A single master key is used to activate multiple computers through the KMS technology.
Check What Type Of License Is On Your PC
To check what type of product key is used to activate Windows on your computer, follow the steps below
— Search CMD (command prompt), right-click on it and choose Run as administrator from the options.
— When command prompt window opens, type slmgr /dli and press enter (you can use the same command syntax in PowerShell).
— A new window will open carrying your Windows Edition, license type, activation expiration, most recent activation information, partial product key, etc
How To Change Product Key
If you decide to change the product key of the installed OS or you want to switch from a generic key to your authentic key, follow below. Note that you don’t need to reinstall the OS, you can just apply on the currently installed OS.
Method 1: Using Command
This method makes use of slmgr commands. slmgr means Software Licensing Manager. It is a Visual Basic script in your Windows\System32 folder to manage licensing related operations.
— Search CMD, right-click on it and choose Run as administrator from the options.
— In the command prompt window, input the code slmgr.vbs newproductkey. Replace newproductkey with the actual product key. Hit enter.
— Now to activate windows, type slmgr.vbs -ato and hit enter.
Method 2: From Settings
— Go to Settings (or Press Win Logo + I) > Update & Security > Activation > Update product key > Change product key.
— You will be prompted to input the key during or right after the installation process.
How To Get The Windows Product Key On Your Computer
Method 1
The method works well for Windows 7, 8 and 8.1.
If you’ve lost or can’t remember your product key and don’t want to use third party tools to get it, use the trick below.
— Open a notepad, copy the below text and paste into it
function Get-WindowsKey {
## function to retrieve the Windows Product Key from any PC
## by Jakob Bindslet (jakob@bindslet.dk)
param ($targets = ".")
$hklm = 2147483650
$regPath = "Software\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion"
$regValue = "DigitalProductId"
Foreach ($target in $targets) {
$productKey = $null
$win32os = $null
$wmi = [WMIClass]"\\$target\root\default:stdRegProv"
$data = $wmi.GetBinaryValue($hklm,$regPath,$regValue)
$binArray = ($data.uValue)[52..66]
$charsArray = "B","C","D","F","G","H","J","K","M","P","Q","R","T","V","W","X","Y","2","3","4","6","7","8","9"
## decrypt base24 encoded binary data
For ($i = 24; $i -ge 0; $i--) {
$k = 0
For ($j = 14; $j -ge 0; $j--) {
$k = $k * 256 -bxor $binArray[$j]
$binArray[$j] = [math]::truncate($k / 24)
$k = $k % 24
}
$productKey = $charsArray[$k] + $productKey
If (($i % 5 -eq 0) -and ($i -ne 0)) {
$productKey = "-" + $productKey
}
}
$win32os = Get-WmiObject Win32_OperatingSystem -computer $target
$obj = New-Object Object
$obj | Add-Member Noteproperty Computer -value $target
$obj | Add-Member Noteproperty Caption -value $win32os.Caption
$obj | Add-Member Noteproperty CSDVersion -value $win32os.CSDVersion
$obj | Add-Member Noteproperty OSArch -value $win32os.OSArchitecture
$obj | Add-Member Noteproperty BuildNumber -value $win32os.BuildNumber
$obj | Add-Member Noteproperty RegisteredTo -value $win32os.RegisteredUser
$obj | Add-Member Noteproperty ProductID -value $win32os.SerialNumber
$obj | Add-Member Noteproperty ProductKey -value $productkey
$obj
}
}
— Rename the file “GetProductKey.ps1” (the double quotes should be included) and save as Text document (.txt) in the Desktop folder.
— Search PowerShell, right-click on it and choose Run as administrator.
— To enable the execution of local files which are not digitally signed, input the command then hit enter.
Set-ExecutionPolicy RemoteSigned
— Type the next command below and hit enter. Take note of the path of the saved file. Change the path to yours.
Import-Module C:\Users\Winaero\Desktop\GetProductKey.ps1; Get-WindowsKey
— Your product key will be displayed on the screen
Method 2
— Run CMD or PowerShell as administrator.
— Input the command wmic path softwarelicensingservice get OA3xOriginalProductKey and press enter for CMD. For PowerShell, use the command powershell "(Get-WmiObject -query ‘select * from SoftwareLicensingService’).OA3xOriginalProductKey" and hit enter.
— A window will pop up carrying the product key.
Method 3
This method makes use of Windows registry. Below is the script which will translate all the unreadable registry values into a readable format. This VBScript is shared on the Microsoft forums.
— Open a notepad
— Copy the below script and paste into the notepad
Set WshShell = CreateObject("WScript.Shell") MsgBox ConvertToKey(WshShell.RegRead("HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\DigitalProductId")) Function ConvertToKey(Key) Const KeyOffset = 52 i = 28 Chars = "BCDFGHJKMPQRTVWXY2346789" Do Cur = 0 x = 14 Do Cur = Cur * 256 Cur = Key(x + KeyOffset) + Cur Key(x + KeyOffset) = (Cur \ 24) And 255 Cur = Cur Mod 24 x = x -1 Loop While x >= 0 i = i -1 KeyOutput = Mid(Chars, Cur + 1, 1) & KeyOutput If (((29 - i) Mod 6) = 0) And (i <> -1) Then i = i -1 KeyOutput = "-" & KeyOutput End If Loop While i >= 0 ConvertToKey = KeyOutput End Function
— Rename the file as product.vbs Choose All Files option in the Save as Type field.
— Locate the saved file and double-click to open it. The product key will be displayed in the pop up.
Method 4
If you still can’t see your product key, then try out third party softwares using any of the links below
How To Deactivate Windows Or Transfer License
Are you looking for a way to use your license on another computer, then worry no more.
If Windows came preinstalled on your computer (i.e OEM license), you can’t transfer the license. The license is meant to be used on that computer only. This also means if you change motherboard, you would be taking away the license and to get it back, you have to contact your OEM. But if you bought the license from somewhere (retail license), may be from Microsoft or Amazon, then you can transfer the license to another computer after deactivating it from the current one. We know that volume license can be used on many computers. To deactivate a license and transfer it, follow below.
— Run CMD as administrator.
— Type the codeslmgr.vbs -upk and hit enter. This removes the installed license key.
— Alternatively, you can just format your computer instead of using command prompt.
You can then install a new license key or reactivate the one just uninstalled.
Transferring the key that you deactivated to another computer is a bit complicated here as Microsoft Activation Servers are not aware that the license is no longer in use on the current machine. So you’ll need to contact Microsoft through telephone or Contact support.
° To contact through telephone, Press Win Logo + R then type slui.exe 4 and press Enter. If that didn’t work, type slui instead, then hit Enter.
° This launches the activation wizard. Choose your country and hit enter.
° Call the number on the Activation screen.
° Or if you prefer the other way, launch Contact Support then explain your situation to the Microsoft Answer Tech; provide the Installation ID on the screen
° The agent will verify your product key, then provide a confirmation ID for reactivating Windows.
If you purchased the Windows from Microsoft, you will need to sign in to the Microsoft account used in order to reactivate.
You can also get help from Microsoft through this link.
How To Remove Windows 10 Product Key From Registry And Protect It From Being Stolen
Windows store your product key in the registry. In case you want to know which product key is used in the current installation or you lose your product key and want to recover it, this might be helpful.
At the same time, your product key is at risk of being stolen. So to remove it permanently from the registry, follow below. Make sure to write down the product key somewhere before removing in order not to forget it in times of need.
— Search CMD, right-click on it and choose Run as administrator.
— Enter the code slmgr /cpky and press enter. You will get a success message as in the photo below
NB: Even after the product key has been removed, you can still view the partial product key by using slmgr /dli (run in CMD opened as administrator). The partial product key is a specific portion of the full product key. On your computer, the partial product key that will be displayed is that of the product key that is currently installed. If you have used many product keys or have many at hand and you are doubting which is current on your device (especially if you have removed the full product key from the registry), then use the partial product key to know by looking at the product key that contains that particular section of the partial product key.
Generic Keys
Think of generic product keys in the same way as you would think of a free trial for an application. You get access to all the features so you can test or explore them out but you know these features would be locked in subsequent time (after the free trial) unless you meet the necessary requirements after. You can use a generic key to install Windows (even if you don’t have an authentic license). But after a 30 days trial, you’ll need an authentic product key if you are to continue enjoying all privileges.
The keys, also called default keys, are released by Microsoft itself and are free. They can be used to install any version of Windows in all Windows-supported environments. Generic keys are ideal for people who are building systems or who want to run Windows in a virtual environment.
Note that you can’t use generic keys to activate Windows. It is impossible just like using a wrong product key to activate Windows.
If you have an authentic key and want to switch from a generic key to it, use the method above on how to change product keys.
For each Windows version, the different Editions have different generic product keys, so always check this before using.
To find the latest KMS generic keys for all versions and editions, it is wise to check Microsoft’s official list. They are prone to change from time to time.
Below are the generic keys of the different Windows versions and editions. In case your version or edition did not appear on the list, search online.
| Windows 10 Editions | Generic Product Keys |
|---|---|
| Home | TX9XD-98N7V-6WMQ6-BX7FG-H8Q99 |
| Home Single Language | 7HNRX-D7KGG-3K4RQ-4WPJ4-YTDFH |
| Professional | VK7JG-NPHTM-C97JM-9MPGT-3V66T |
| Enterprise | NPPR9-FWDCX-D2C8J-H872K-2YT43 |
| Windows 8.1 Editions | Generic Product Keys |
|---|---|
| Standard/Non -Professional | 334NH-RXG76-64THK-C7CKG-D3VPT |
| Professional | XHQ8N-C3MCJ-RQXB6-WCHYG-C9WKB |
| Professional with Media Center | GBFNG-2X3TC-8R27F-RMKYB-JK7QT |
| Windows 8 Editions | Generic Product Keys |
|---|---|
| Standard/Non -Professional | FB4WR-32NVD-4RW79-XQFWH-CYQG3 |
| Professional | XKY4K-2NRWR-8F6P2-448RF-CRYQH |
| Professional with Media Center | RR3BN-3YY9P-9D7FC-7J4YF-QGJXW |
NB: These keys can only install Windows for evaluation or testing for a short time. It’s not possible to activate it unless you enter a genuine Microsoft product key. If you decide to activate your installed OS, you will need to change the generic product key to the actual key you purchased (this has been covered above under how to change product key).
Digital License Vs Product Key
There are two different means of getting Windows activated; digital license and product key.
— Digital License (formerly called digital entitlement) doesn’t require the use of a product key to activate Windows. It applies in the following cases;
• If you are upgrading a genuine copy of Windows 7, 8 or 8.1 to Windows 10 for free, then the digital license method is used.
• Those who bought a Windows 10 copy or Windows 10 Pro upgrade from Microsoft and activated Windows 10 successfully.
• Users who are part of the Windows Insider Program and upgraded their genuine copy of Windows 7, 8 or 8.1 to the recent Windows 10 Insider Preview build.
Having a digital license, you can reinstall Windows 10 (even a clean installation) or upgrade from a lower genuine version to a higher and you don’t need to enter a product key. If during the installation you’re prompted to enter a product key, select Skip by choosing I don’t have a product key or Do this later. Then the operating system will activate automatically after the installation when you go online. Also with the digital license linked to your Microsoft account, you can just activate Windows after changing a major hardware component like the motherboard by using the Activation troubleshooter (but most at times, you’ll need to contact Microsoft through chat support or telephone to get things done). If the license wasn’t linked to your account and you change the motherboard, you’ll need a new digital license or a product key to activate Windows. This method is advantageous again in that you don’t need to master the 25 character product key that most users end up forgetting.
— Product key license of course will require that you have a genuine product key. It works in the following cases;
• If you have acquired a genuine copy (or digital copy) of Windows 10 from any where else other than Microsoft, then the Product Key activation method is used.
• If you have purchased a new computer that runs Windows 10, then this method will be used for activation.
• Those who are using the MSDN subscription or Volume Licensing agreement for Windows 10.
By so doing, you need to activate windows again after a clean reinstall or after changing the motherboard. Again, you need a product key if you are installing Windows 10 Pro on a device that has Windows 10 Home running on it. More, if you reach the online activation limit, e.g by activating many PCs with the same key, you may have to activate your copy of Windows by contacting Microsoft support since the online activation will fail.
Below is a table from Microsoft’s official website explaining the scenario where digital licence applies and the one where product key applies.
| If you got Windows 10 by… | Activation method |
|---|---|
| Upgrading to Windows 10 for free from an eligible device running a genuine copy of Windows 7 or Windows 8.1 | Digital license If you associated or signed onto a Microsoft Account or associated your MSA with your digital license, that will be your MSA containing the digital license. |
| Buying a Windows 10 Pro upgrade from the Microsoft Store app and successfully activated Windows 10 | Digital license When purchasing from Microsoft Store, a confirmation email was sent to confirm the purchase. That email address (MSA) will contain the digital license. |
| Being a Windows Insider and upgrading to the newest Windows 10 Insider Preview build on an eligible device that was running an activated earlier version of Windows and Windows 10 Preview | Digital license The email address that you used for your Windows Insider login will likely be the MSA containing your digital license. |
| Buying genuine Windows 10 from the Microsoft Store app | Digital license When purchasing from Microsoft Store, a confirmation email was sent to confirm the purchase. That email address (MSA) will contain the digital license. |
| Buying a PC that came with Windows 10 | Product key Find your product key either on the device packaging or on the Certificate of Authenticity (COA) attached to your device. |
| Buying a box copy of Windows 10 from an authorized retailer | Product key Find your product key on a label inside the Windows 10 box. |
| Buying a digital copy of Windows 10 from an authorized retailer | Product key Find your product key in the confirmation email you received after buying Windows 10 or in a digital locker accessible through the retailer’s website.A digital license will be given to your device for Windows 10 based on the valid product key you entered. |
| Having a Volume Licensing agreement for Windows 10 or MSDN subscription | Product key Your product key is available through the web portal for your program. |
| Buying a new or refurbished device running Windows 10 | Product key Your product key is preinstalled on your device, included with the device packaging, or included as a card or on the Certificate of Authenticity (COA) attached to the device.If you bought a refurbished PC, the refurbisher, not Microsoft, must provide you a product key. |
| Buying from the Microsoft Store online | Product key Find your product key in the confirmation email that contains the order history. |
Linking Your Digital License To Your Microsoft Account
In Windows 10 (version 1607 or later), you can link your digital license to your Microsoft email account. By so doing, you don’t need to use a product key, say if you’re reinstalling Windows. With your account logged in, you just have to go to the Activation setting on your PC. There, you can use the Activation troubleshooter to reactivate Windows. But for a major hardware change like motherboard, you may need to contact Microsoft to get things done. With Microsoft introducing this method, you don’t need to remember any product key which you might end up forgetting – You now know everything is linked to your Microsoft account.
However, the account must be an administrator account (and not a local one) and you need to be online for this. The troubleshooter will search for digital license linked to your account and if it finds one, it gives an activation option. If the activation fail, then contact customer support for assistants.
To see if your account is the administrator type, go to Settings > Accounts > Your info. Under your name, you’ll see Administrator, if not, it is a local account (but you can change a local account to an administrator). To check if the account is a Microsoft account, you will see an email address above Administrator.
From the last table above and from all explanations so far, you’ll realize that digital licensing is only available for those who buy a copy of Windows from Microsoft or those who upgrade a genuine lower Windows version. Any other method (e.g OEM licensing, buying a genuine Windows copy from a retailer and not Microsoft, etc) makes use of a product key and in this type, you don’t have the option to link your license to your Microsoft account.
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