Complete Guide to slmgr Commands: Check, Install, and Verify Windows Licenses
The Software Licensing Management Tool (slmgr.vbs) is the official Microsoft visual basic script built into Windows 11 and Windows 10 for inspecting, installing, activating, and managing operating system licenses. While the standard Windows Settings interface offers only high-level status messages, slmgr reveals critical administrative telemetry including your exact licensing channel (Retail, OEM, Volume MAK, or KMS), partial product keys, license expiration dates, and activation server addresses. Mastering these commands allows you to diagnose activation failures, migrate licenses between PCs, and verify true lifetime license authenticity.
slmgr.vbs commands must be executed within an elevated Command Prompt or PowerShell window with Administrator privileges. Running them in a standard user shell will result in an “Access Denied” error.Table of Contents
1. Quick Reference: Most Essential slmgr Commands
slmgr.vbs /dli -> Display basic license info & current status
slmgr.vbs /xpr -> Check expiration date or permanent activation
slmgr.vbs /ipk <key> -> Install a new 25-character product key
slmgr.vbs /ato -> Force online activation against Microsoft servers
slmgr.vbs /upk -> Uninstall currently installed product key
slmgr.vbs /cpky -> Clear product key from registry (prevent theft)
slmgr.vbs /rearm -> Reset licensing state and 30-day grace period
slmgr.vbs /ckms -> Clear cached KMS server address
2. How to Check Licensing Channel (slmgr /dlv)
Running slmgr.vbs /dlv opens a diagnostic dialog box. Look at the Description and Product Channel lines:
- RETAIL: An authentic full-packaged retail license. It can be legally transferred between motherboards and new PCs.
- OEM_DM / OEM_SLP: A factory pre-installed license locked permanently to your current motherboard.
- VOLUME_KMSCLIENT / VOLUME_MAK: An organizational enterprise license that requires connection to a corporate network.
3. Check If Windows is Permanently Activated (slmgr /xpr)
To verify if your Windows activation has a ticking expiration clock (common with volume licenses) or is permanent, run:
If it displays a specific date (e.g. “Volume activation will expire in 180 days”), your PC is using a temporary KMS license. If it states “The machine is permanently activated”, you have a genuine lifetime license.
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What is the difference between slmgr /dli and slmgr /dlv?
/dli provides a quick summary (operating system edition and partial key), whereas /dlv provides complete telemetry including remaining rearm counts, KMS host PID, and full channel details.
