Reference 4 min· Updated 2026-10-16
Essential slmgr Commands Every Windows Admin Uses
The licensing command reference — install keys, check status, rearm trials, and force activation.
slmgr.vbs is built into every Windows since Vista and controls the entire licensing layer. Open Command Prompt as Administrator and use these:
| Command | What it does |
|---|---|
| slmgr /ipk <key> | Install (or replace) the product key |
| slmgr /ato | Activate online now |
| slmgr /xpr | Show expiration — confirms permanent activation |
| slmgr /dli | Display license info (edition + channel) |
| slmgr /dlv | Verbose license info — everything incl. activation ID |
| slmgr /upk | Uninstall the current product key |
| slmgr /cpky | Clear the key from registry (do before reselling a PC) |
| slmgr /rearm | Reset the evaluation timer |
| slui 3 | GUI: enter a product key |
| slui 4 | GUI: phone activation |
Typical workflows
Replace a key and activate:
slmgr /upk slmgr /ipk XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX slmgr /ato slmgr /xpr
Check what channel your license is (Retail / OEM / Volume):
slmgr /dli :: look for "Description: ... VOLUME_MAK channel" or "RETAIL channel"
Pro tip
Before deploying a purchased key, run /dli on a test machine after activation — the Description field confirms you got the license channel you paid for.
Check a key or find your license
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