Checking if your Windows license is genuine is a fundamental task that every user should perform to ensure the security, stability, and legality of their operating system. In a market flooded with pirated licenses and suspiciously cheap offers, knowing how to identify whether your copy of Windows is authentic can save you many problems in the long run. This complete guide will teach you all the available methods to verify the authenticity of your Windows license in 2026.

The importance of having an original license goes beyond simply complying with legal terms. A genuine license guarantees full access to all security updates, official technical support from Microsoft, and peace of mind knowing that your operating system contains no malicious modifications. In this guide, we will explore each available verification method in depth.

Why Verifying Your Windows License is Important

Before delving into verification methods, it is crucial to understand why this check is so important. A non-original Windows license can expose you to numerous risks affecting both security and performance of your computer.

Security Risks

Pirated copies of Windows frequently contain malware, spyware, or backdoors that crackers insert during the system modification process. These malicious programs can steal personal information, banking credentials, passwords, and other sensitive data without the user noticing. Additionally, pirated versions usually have certain security features disabled to avoid detection, leaving your system vulnerable to external attacks.

Microsoft constantly releases security patches to protect users against new threats. However, systems with invalid licenses may have problems receiving these critical updates, exposing the computer to known vulnerabilities that attackers can easily exploit.

Legal Implications

Using unlicensed software constitutes copyright infringement and can carry significant legal consequences. In the business environment, software audits are increasingly common, and using pirated licenses can result in substantial fines, reputational damage, and even legal action. Even for home users, using pirated software violates terms of service and may involve legal responsibilities.

Functional Limitations

Windows detects invalid licenses and applies restrictions that significantly affect user experience. These include permanent watermarks on screen, inability to customize desktop, constant notifications requesting activation, and in some cases, limitations on access to certain operating system functionalities.

Method 1: Verify Through Windows Settings

The simplest and most accessible method for any user is to verify activation status directly from the operating system settings. This process requires no advanced technical knowledge and provides clear information about your license status.

Steps for Windows 11

To verify your license in Windows 11, follow these detailed steps:

First, click the Start button or press the Windows key on your keyboard. Next, select the Settings icon (the gear) or use the keyboard shortcut Windows + I to access directly. Once in Settings, navigate to the System section in the left sidebar. Scroll down and click on Activation.

On the Activation screen, you will see your Windows license current status. If your system is correctly activated with an original license, you will see the message "Windows is activated with a digital license" or "Windows is activated with a digital license linked to your Microsoft account". The latter case indicates that your license is associated with your Microsoft account, facilitating reactivation in case of hardware changes.

Steps for Windows 10

The process in Windows 10 is very similar. Access Settings through the Start menu or Windows + I shortcut. Then click on Update and Security, and subsequently select Activation from the side menu. Here you can see your license status and any relevant activation information.

Interpreting Results

Messages you may encounter include:

"Windows is activated" - Your system has a valid and functional license. All features are available and you will receive updates normally.

"Windows is activated with a digital license" - Similar to above, but specifies that activation was done via digital license rather than physical product key.

"Windows is not activated" - Your system does not have a valid license. You will see limitations and notifications until you activate Windows with a genuine license.

"Windows is activated with a digital license linked to your Microsoft account" - The best possible situation, as your license is backed up in the cloud and you can easily reactivate in case of reinstallation or hardware change.

Method 2: Verification Using SLMGR Commands

For users seeking more detailed information about their license, the Software Licensing Management Tool (SLMGR) offers advanced verification options. This method provides precise technical data about license type, expiration date, and activation status.

Accessing Command Prompt as Administrator

To use SLMGR, you need to open Command Prompt with administrator privileges. Right-click on the Start button and select "Windows Terminal (Administrator)" or "Command Prompt (Administrator)". Alternatively, you can search for "cmd" in the start menu, right-click on the result, and select "Run as administrator".

Verification Commands

Once in Command Prompt with elevated privileges, you can use several commands to get information about your license:

slmgr /xpr - This command shows the current license expiration date. If your license is permanent (like retail or OEM licenses), you will see a message indicating Windows is permanently activated. Volume licenses will show the date activation expires.

slmgr /dli - Shows basic license information, including edition name, license description, and current status. This command is useful for quickly identifying the installed license type.

slmgr /dlv - Provides detailed and extensive license information. Includes data such as activation ID, license status, license type, and other technical parameters. This is the most complete command for diagnosing activation issues.

Interpreting SLMGR Results

SLMGR results can vary depending on license type:

Retail licenses show "RETAIL channel" and generally indicate permanent activation. These licenses can be transferred between computers.

OEM licenses show "OEM_DM channel" and are linked to original hardware. They cannot be transferred to other computers.

Volume licenses (VL) show "VOLUME_MAK" or "VOLUME_KMS" and usually have periodic renewal dates.

Method 3: Verify with PowerShell

PowerShell offers alternative commands to verify Windows license with even more detailed information. This method is preferred by system administrators and advanced users.

Basic PowerShell Command

Open PowerShell as administrator (right-click Start, select "Windows Terminal (Administrator)" or search "PowerShell" and run as administrator). Then execute the following command:

Get-CimInstance -ClassName SoftwareLicensingProduct | Where-Object { $_.PartialProductKey } | Select-Object Name, LicenseStatus

This command shows product name and license status. A LicenseStatus value of 1 indicates the license is active and valid.

Detailed Information with PowerShell

For more details, you can use:

Get-CimInstance -ClassName SoftwareLicensingProduct | Where-Object { $_.PartialProductKey } | Select-Object *

This command shows all available properties about the license, including partial product key, license channel, application ID, and much more.

Method 4: Use Microsoft Support Diagnostic Tool

Microsoft offers official diagnostic tools that can help verify your Windows license authenticity. These tools are designed to detect counterfeit software and provide information about license status.

Microsoft Genuine Diagnostics

Although Microsoft has discontinued some older verification tools, you can still use options integrated into Windows and official support. If you suspect your license may not be genuine, you can contact Microsoft support for official verification.

Online Verification

The Microsoft website offers options to verify Microsoft product authenticity. Although primarily focused on physical software, it can provide guidance on how to identify genuine licenses.

Warning Signs of a Non-Original License

Several signs may indicate your Windows license is not genuine:

Desktop Watermark

If you constantly see a watermark in the lower right corner of your screen saying "Activate Windows" or "Your Windows license will expire soon", it is a clear indication that your system is not correctly activated with a valid license.

Frequent Notifications

Windows shows periodic notifications when it detects an invalid license. These notifications persist and become more frequent over time, reminding you to activate your Windows copy.

Personalization Limitations

Without a valid license, you cannot change desktop background, theme colors, lock screen, or other personalization options through standard Windows settings.

Update Problems

Although Microsoft generally allows critical security updates on non-activated systems, there may be problems with certain updates or functionalities that require a valid license.

What to Do if Your License is Not Original

If you have discovered your Windows license is not original, you have several options to regularize your situation:

Acquire a Genuine License

The most direct solution is to purchase an original Windows license. You can do this directly from Microsoft or through authorized distributors. At Licendi we offer original Windows 11 Pro licenses at competitive prices, with immediate email delivery and included technical support.

Types of Available Licenses

When looking for a genuine license, you will find different types:

Retail Licenses: These are the most flexible. You can transfer them between computers and they generally include full Microsoft support. Ideal for users who frequently upgrade their hardware.

OEM Licenses: Linked to original hardware, they cannot be transferred. They are more economical but remain permanently associated with the first computer where installed.

Volume Licenses: Designed for organizations needing to activate multiple computers. They require special agreements with Microsoft.

Verify Before Buying

When purchasing a license, make sure to buy from reliable distributors. Distrust extremely low prices, as they frequently indicate irregularly obtained licenses. A genuine Windows license has a cost reflecting the product ongoing development and support.

Benefits of Having an Original License

Having an original Windows license offers numerous advantages that justify the investment:

Complete Updates

With a genuine license, you will receive all Windows updates, including security patches, feature updates, and performance improvements. Microsoft prioritizes update delivery to systems with valid licenses.

Official Technical Support

Users with original licenses have access to official Microsoft technical support. This includes phone assistance, online chat, and access to Microsoft complete knowledge base.

Full Functionality

All Windows features are available without restrictions. From complete desktop customization to advanced features like BitLocker, Hyper-V, and Windows Sandbox in Pro editions.

Legal Peace of Mind

Using licensed software protects you from potential legal problems. Especially important in business environments where software audits can result in significant penalties.

Frequently Asked Questions About License Verification

Can I verify my license without internet connection?

Yes, methods through Settings and SLMGR commands work without internet connection. However, for digital licenses linked to Microsoft account, complete verification may require connection.

My license shows as OEM but I bought the computer used, is it valid?

OEM licenses are valid as long as used on the original hardware they were assigned to. If you bought a used computer that included preinstalled Windows with OEM license, that license remains valid for that specific computer.

What difference is there between digital license and product key?

A digital license is linked to your hardware or Microsoft account and does not require entering a product key to activate. A product key is a 25-character alphanumeric code you must enter manually during or after installation.

Can I transfer my license to another computer?

It depends on license type. Retail licenses can be transferred by first deactivating on original computer. OEM licenses cannot be transferred. Digital licenses linked to Microsoft account facilitate reactivation on new hardware, although Microsoft may require support contact for significant hardware changes.

How do I know if my license was legally obtained?

If you purchased your license directly from Microsoft, from a recognized authorized distributor, or it came preinstalled on a computer from an established manufacturer, it is probably legitimate. Licenses from dubious sources, with prices well below market, or requiring special "activators" are suspicious.

Conclusion

Checking if your Windows license is original is a simple process that any user can perform using tools integrated into the operating system. Whether through Windows settings, SLMGR commands, or PowerShell, you have multiple options to check your license status.

Having a genuine license not only guarantees full access to all Windows features and updates but also protects you against security risks and legal problems. If you discover your license is not valid, consider purchasing an original license to enjoy all the benefits Windows offers.