Have you ever wondered whether your Windows license is actually genuine? Maybe your PC shows “Windows is activated,” but that doesn’t always mean it’s legit. In many cases, especially with cheap or pre-activated systems, it could be a cracked or illegal license using a KMS server.
In this guide, I’ll show you how to verify your Windows license type, what it means, how to check if it’s permanently activated, and how to spot signs of fake or volume-licensed activations. Whether you bought your PC or license key online, or you’re just curious, this guide is for you.
Let’s start by checking the type of license installed on your system.
🔍 Step 1: Open Command Prompt as Administrator
Before we check anything, we need to run Command Prompt with admin privileges.
Here’s how:
- Click the Start menu or press
Windows + S. - Type cmd.
- Right-click on Command Prompt and select Run as Administrator.
This opens the command prompt with the necessary permissions to read licensing info.
📄 Step 2: Check Your License Type
Now, let’s find out what type of license your Windows is using.
In the command prompt, type the following:
slmgr /dli
(That’s SLMGR space /DLI, which stands for Display License Information.)
Press Enter. After a few seconds, a small pop-up window will appear showing licensing details.
What You’ll See:
In that window, look for a line that includes something like:
- Retail
- OEM
- Volume:GVLK
- KMS
Let’s break down what each of these types means, because they’re not all created equal.
🧠 Understanding Windows License Types
Before jumping to conclusions, here’s a quick explanation of what each license type means and whether it’s considered legit for personal use.
✅ Retail
- You purchased the license directly from Microsoft or an authorized seller (like Amazon).
- It’s 100% genuine and transferable—you can reuse it on another PC.
- Best option for personal users.
✅ OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer)
- Comes pre-installed on new PCs from brands like Dell, HP, Lenovo.
- It’s a legal license, but it’s locked to the original motherboard.
- If your motherboard fails, the license dies with it.
⚠️ Volume / GVLK / KMS (Key Management Service)
- Used by enterprises, schools, or government bodies.
- One key is used for hundreds of machines activated via a KMS server.
- If you’re a home user and you see this license type—especially with GVLK or KMS—it’s very likely a cracked or unauthorized version.
🔐 Step 3: Check If Windows Is Permanently Activated
Okay, so now that you know your license type, the next step is to check if your activation is permanent or temporary.
In the same Command Prompt window, type this:
slmgr /xpr
(That’s SLMGR space /XPR, which stands for Expiration.)
Press Enter. A new window will pop up with one of the following messages:
- “Windows is permanently activated”
🎉 Congrats! Your Windows is genuine and properly licensed. - “Windows will expire on [date]”
⚠️ Uh-oh. This means your system is temporarily activated, likely using a KMS crack or other non-legit method.
💬 FAQs: Windows License Legitimacy
Q1. What if I bought my Windows key from a third-party website?
If the site isn’t officially partnered with Microsoft, there’s a high risk it’s a shared or cracked key. Many $5 or $10 keys are volume licenses that break over time.
Q2. What if I got my PC pre-activated from a local shop?
Check the license type using the steps above. If it says KMS or GVLK, it’s probably not a genuine retail key.
Q3. Can Microsoft detect fake activations?
Yes. Over time, Microsoft servers may deactivate fake licenses or block access to certain features.
Q4. What if I see Volume/KMS but my company gave me the PC?
If it’s a work device, that’s fine. But if it’s your personal PC, then the license is not valid for personal use.
⚠️ Warning About Cracked Keys
Even if your Windows says “Activated,” that doesn’t always mean it’s legal. Many cracked versions use unofficial tools (like KMSAuto) that spoof Microsoft’s activation system.
The risk?
- Sudden deactivation during updates
- Limited support or blocked features
- Legal issues in some jurisdictions
- No guarantee the OS stays activated
Stick with retail keys bought from Microsoft or trusted sellers. They’re safer and offer peace of mind.
🛡️ Final Thoughts: Why This Matters
You might not think it’s a big deal if Windows shows as “activated.” But knowing whether your license is legitimate helps you:
- Avoid future activation errors
- Prevent sudden license expiration
- Ensure you get full security and update support
- Stay within legal boundaries
If you bought your PC or Windows license from a non-official source, double-check it now using the steps above. You might be surprised.
📌 Summary: What We Covered
✅ How to check Windows license type using slmgr /dli
✅ Difference between Retail, OEM, and Volume licenses
✅ How to check activation status using slmgr /xpr
✅ How to identify cracked or temporary activations
✅ Tips to stay safe and avoid sketchy license providers
⚠️ Disclaimer
This article is for informational and educational purposes only. Always purchase licenses from authorized Microsoft partners. Using cracked or unauthorized software may violate local laws and result in limited functionality or system issues.
🏷️ Tags & Hashtags
Tags:
Windows license check, is my Windows legit, Windows activation, OEM vs Retail, volume license, slmgr commands, Windows troubleshooting, check Windows crack
Hashtags:
#WindowsTips #CheckLicense #WindowsActivation #PCSecurity #TechHowTo #MicrosoftWindows #LegitOrCracked
If this article helped you figure out whether your Windows license is genuine, feel free to share it with others! And if your key turns out to be cracked—don’t worry, we’ve got a guide on how to legally activate Windows coming soon. Stay tuned!
