How To Deactivate Windows License: A Step-By-Step Guide

Deactivating your Windows license may be necessary in certain scenarios, such as when you're selling or disposing of a computer, or when you're upgrading to a new version of Windows. By deactivating your license, you're essentially releasing it so that it can be used on another device. This guide provides detailed instructions on how to deactivate your Windows license.

Deactivating your Windows license is a simple process that can be completed in a few steps. However, before you begin, it's important to ensure that you have a valid product key for the new device where you intend to use the license. Once you have the necessary information, follow the steps below to deactivate your Windows license.

Now that you understand the basics of deactivating your Windows license, let's dive into the detailed steps involved in the process.

How to Deactivate Windows License

Follow these steps to deactivate your Windows license:

Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
Run "slmgr.vbs /upk".
Restart your computer.
Run "slmgr.vbs /cpky".
Restart your computer again.
Deactivate via Microsoft Account.
Use Activation Troubleshooter.
Contact Microsoft Support.
Deactivate via Phone Activation.

By following these steps, you can successfully deactivate your Windows license.

Open Command Prompt as Administrator.

To deactivate your Windows license, you'll need to open Command Prompt with administrative privileges. This is necessary because some of the commands used in the deactivation process require elevated permissions. Here's how to open Command Prompt as Administrator:

Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
Type "cmd" in the Open field.
Press Ctrl + Shift + Enter to open Command Prompt with administrative privileges. You may be prompted by User Account Control to allow Command Prompt to make changes to your device. Click Yes to continue.

Once you have opened Command Prompt as Administrator, you can proceed with the remaining steps to deactivate your Windows license.

Note: If you're unable to open Command Prompt as Administrator, you may need to enable the built-in Administrator account. This is a hidden account that has full administrative privileges. Once you've enabled the Administrator account, you can follow the steps above to open Command Prompt as Administrator.

Run "slmgr.vbs /upk".

Once you have opened Command Prompt as Administrator, you can run the following command to deactivate your Windows license:

slmgr.vbs /upk

This command will initiate the Windows license deactivation process. You may be prompted to restart your computer to complete the deactivation. Once you restart your computer, your Windows license will be deactivated.

Here's a breakdown of what the "slmgr.vbs /upk" command does:

slmgr.vbs: This is the command-line tool that manages Windows licenses.
/upk: This switch tells the slmgr.vbs tool to uninstall the product key from your computer.

By running this command, you are essentially removing the product key from your Windows installation. This will deactivate your Windows license and allow you to use the license on another device.

Note: If you're deactivating your Windows license because you're selling or disposing of your computer, it's important to wipe the hard drive before doing so. This will ensure that your personal data is securely erased and cannot be recovered by the new owner.

Restart your computer.

After you run the "slmgr.vbs /upk" command, you will be prompted to restart your computer. This is necessary to complete the deactivation process. Once you restart your computer, your Windows license will be deactivated.

Here's why you need to restart your computer after running the "slmgr.vbs /upk" command:

Changes to the Windows registry: The "slmgr.vbs /upk" command makes changes to the Windows registry. These changes are necessary to remove the product key and deactivate the Windows license.
Windows services: The deactivation process also involves stopping and restarting certain Windows services. These services are responsible for managing Windows licensing and activation.

By restarting your computer, you are allowing Windows to apply the changes made by the "slmgr.vbs /upk" command. This completes the deactivation process and ensures that your Windows license is no longer active on your computer.

Note: It's important to restart your computer immediately after running the "slmgr.vbs /upk" command. If you delay the restart, the changes made by the command may not be applied correctly, and your Windows license may not be deactivated properly.

Run "slmgr.vbs /cpky".

After you have restarted your computer and your Windows license is deactivated, you can run the following command to clear the product key from the Windows registry:

Remove the product key from the registry:
The "slmgr.vbs /cpky" command removes the product key from the Windows registry. This ensures that the product key is no longer associated with your Windows installation.
Prevent accidental reactivation:
By clearing the product key from the registry, you are preventing Windows from accidentally reactivating itself. This can happen if, for example, you connect to a network that has a KMS server. A KMS server can automatically reactivate Windows licenses on client computers.
Prepare for a clean installation:
If you are planning to perform a clean installation of Windows, running the "slmgr.vbs /cpky" command is recommended. This will ensure that there are no lingering product keys in the registry that could interfere with the clean installation.
Troubleshoot activation issues:
In some cases, running the "slmgr.vbs /cpky" command can help to resolve Windows activation issues. For example, if you are experiencing error messages related to product key validation, clearing the product key from the registry and then reactivating Windows can sometimes fix the problem.

Note: It is generally not necessary to run the "slmgr.vbs /cpky" command unless you are experiencing Windows activation issues or if you are planning to perform a clean installation of Windows.

Restart your computer again.

After you have run the "slmgr.vbs /cpky" command, you should restart your computer again. This is necessary to complete the deactivation process and ensure that the product key is完全に removed from your Windows installation.

Apply changes to the Windows registry:
When you restart your computer, Windows will apply the changes that were made to the registry by the "slmgr.vbs /cpky" command. This includes removing the product key and clearing anyが残っている activation data.
Ensure complete deactivation:
Restarting your computer after running the "slmgr.vbs /cpky" command ensures that the Windows deactivation process is complete. This is important if you are planning to sell or dispose of your computer, or if you are experiencing Windows activation issues.
Prepare for a clean installation:
If you are planning to perform a clean installation of Windows, restarting your computer after running the "slmgr.vbs /cpky" command is recommended. This will ensure that there are no lingering product keys or activation data that could interfere with the clean installation.
Troubleshoot activation issues:
In some cases, restarting your computer after running the "slmgr.vbs /cpky" command can help to resolve Windows activation issues. For example, if you are experiencing error messages related to product key validation, restarting your computer can sometimes fix the problem.

Note: It is important to restart your computer immediately after running the "slmgr.vbs /cpky" command. If you delay the restart, the changes made by the command may not be applied correctly, and your Windows license may not be completely deactivated.

Deactivate via Microsoft Account.

If you have linked your Windows license to your Microsoft account, you can deactivate it using the following steps:

Sign in to your Microsoft account:
Go to the Microsoft account website and sign in using the same Microsoft account that is linked to your Windows license.
Go to the Devices page:
Once you are signed in, click on the "Devices" tab. This will show you a list of all the devices that are linked to your Microsoft account.
Find your device and click "Deactivate":
Locate the device that you want to deactivate and click on the "Deactivate" button. You may be prompted to confirm the deactivation.
Restart your computer:
After you have deactivated your Windows license via your Microsoft account, you need to restart your computer. This will complete the deactivation process.

Note: Deactivating your Windows license via your Microsoft account is only possible if you have linked your Windows license to your Microsoft account. If you have not linked your Windows license to your Microsoft account, you will not be able to deactivate it using this method.

Use Activation Troubleshooter.

If you are having trouble deactivating your Windows license using the methods described above, you can try using the Activation Troubleshooter. This is a tool provided by Microsoft that can help you to identify and resolve Windows activation issues.

Open the Activation Troubleshooter:
To open the Activation Troubleshooter, press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box. Then, type "ms-settings:activation" and press Enter. This will open the Activation page in the Windows Settings app.
Click "Troubleshoot":
On the Activation page, click on the "Troubleshoot" button. This will launch the Activation Troubleshooter.
Follow the on-screen instructions:
The Activation Troubleshooter will guide you through a series of steps to try to resolve your activation issue. Follow the on-screen instructions carefully.
Restart your computer:
Once the Activation Troubleshooter has completed its process, you may be prompted to restart your computer. Restart your computer to complete the troubleshooting process.

Note: The Activation Troubleshooter may not be able to resolve all Windows activation issues. If you are still having trouble deactivating your Windows license, you may need to contact Microsoft support.

Contact Microsoft Support.

If you are unable to deactivate your Windows license using the methods described above, you can contact Microsoft support for assistance.

Visit the Microsoft support website:
Go to the Microsoft support website and select the "Contact Us" option. You will be presented with a list of support options.
Choose the appropriate support option:
Depending on your preference, you can choose to contact Microsoft support via chat, phone, or email. Select the option that is most convenient for you.
Explain your issue to the support representative:
When you connect with a Microsoft support representative, explain your issue clearly and concisely. Provide them with as much information as possible, such as your Windows version, product key (if you have it), and the steps you have already taken to try to deactivate your Windows license.
Follow the instructions provided by the support representative:
The Microsoft support representative will provide you with instructions on how to deactivate your Windows license. Follow these instructions carefully to complete the deactivation process.

Note: Microsoft support may require you to provide proof of purchase or other documentation to verify that you are the legitimate owner of the Windows license. Make sure you have this information ready before contacting Microsoft support.

Deactivate via Phone Activation.

If you are unable to deactivate your Windows license using the methods described above, you can try deactivating it via phone activation. This method involves calling Microsoft's automated phone activation system and providing them with your Windows product key and installation ID.

Here are the steps on how to deactivate Windows license via phone activation:

Find your Windows product key:
Locate your Windows product key. You can usually find it on a sticker attached to your computer or in the documentation that came with your computer. If you cannot find your product key, you can also use the Command Prompt to retrieve it.
Get your Installation ID:
Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box. Then, type "slui 04" and press Enter. This will open the Windows Activation window. Click on the "Show Installation ID" button to display your Installation ID.
Call the Microsoft automated phone activation system:
Call the Microsoft automated phone activation system at 1-888-571-2048. This is a toll-free number for customers in the United States. If you are calling from outside the United States, you can find the appropriate phone number for your country on the Microsoft website.
Follow the instructions:
Follow the instructions provided by the automated phone activation system. You will be asked to provide your Windows product key and Installation ID. Once you have entered this information, the system will deactivate your Windows license.

Note: Phone activation is only available for certain versions of Windows. If you are unable to deactivate your Windows license via phone activation, you may need to contact Microsoft support for assistance.

FAQ

Here are some frequently asked questions (FAQs) about deactivating Windows license:

Question 1: Why would I need to deactivate my Windows license?
Answer: There are several reasons why you might need to deactivate your Windows license. For example, you may need to deactivate your license if you are selling or disposing of your computer, if you are upgrading to a new version of Windows, or if you are experiencing Windows activation issues.

Question 2: How can I deactivate my Windows license?
Answer: There are several ways to deactivate your Windows license, including using the Command Prompt, deactivating via your Microsoft account, using the Activation Troubleshooter, contacting Microsoft support, and deactivating via phone activation.

Question 3: What is the easiest way to deactivate my Windows license?
Answer: The easiest way to deactivate your Windows license is to use the Command Prompt. This method is quick and easy, and it does not require you to contact Microsoft support.

Question 4: What should I do after deactivating my Windows license?
Answer: After deactivating your Windows license, you should restart your computer. This will complete the deactivation process and ensure that your Windows license is no longer active on your computer.

Question 5: Can I reactivate my Windows license after deactivating it?
Answer: Yes, you can reactivate your Windows license after deactivating it. However, you will need to have a valid product key to reactivate your license.

Question 6: What should I do if I am having trouble deactivating my Windows license?
Answer: If you are having trouble deactivating your Windows license, you can try using a different deactivation method. You can also contact Microsoft support for assistance.

Question 7: Is it necessary to deactivate my Windows license before selling or disposing of my computer?
Answer: Yes, it is recommended to deactivate your Windows license before selling or disposing of your computer. This will ensure that the new owner of the computer will be able to activate Windows using their own license.

Question 8: Can I transfer my Windows license to a new computer?
Answer: In some cases, you may be able to transfer your Windows license to a new computer. However, this is not always possible. It depends on the type of Windows license you have and the terms of the license agreement.

These are just a few of the most frequently asked questions about deactivating Windows license. If you have any other questions, you can consult the Microsoft support website or contact Microsoft support directly.

Tips

Here are a few tips for deactivating your Windows license:

Tip 1: Use the most appropriate deactivation method for your situation.
There are several different ways to deactivate your Windows license, so choose the method that is most appropriate for your situation. For example, if you are selling or disposing of your computer, you can deactivate your license via your Microsoft account. If you are experiencing Windows activation issues, you can try using the Activation Troubleshooter.

Tip 2: Make sure you have a valid product key before deactivating your license.
If you plan to reactivate your Windows license in the future, you will need to have a valid product key. Make sure you have your product key before you deactivate your license.

Tip 3: Deactivate your Windows license before selling or disposing of your computer.
It is important to deactivate your Windows license before selling or disposing of your computer. This will ensure that the new owner of the computer will be able to activate Windows using their own license.

Tip 4: Contact Microsoft support if you are having trouble deactivating your license.
If you are having trouble deactivating your Windows license, you can contact Microsoft support for assistance. Microsoft support can help you troubleshoot the issue and complete the deactivation process.

Tip 5: Keep a record of your Windows product key and deactivation confirmation.
It is a good idea to keep a record of your Windows product key and deactivation confirmation. This information may be useful if you need to reactivate your Windows license in the future or if you need to contact Microsoft support for assistance.

By following these tips, you can ensure that you deactivate your Windows license properly and avoid any potential problems.

Conclusion

Deactivating your Windows license is a relatively simple process that can be completed in a few steps. However, it is important to follow the steps carefully to ensure that your license is properly deactivated. By deactivating your Windows license, you are releasing it so that it can be used on another device. This can be useful if you are selling or disposing of your computer, upgrading to a new version of Windows, or experiencing Windows activation issues.

The main points to remember when deactivating your Windows license are as follows:

There are several different ways to deactivate your Windows license, so choose the method that is most appropriate for your situation.
Make sure you have a valid product key before deactivating your license.
Deactivate your Windows license before selling or disposing of your computer.
Contact Microsoft support if you are having trouble deactivating your license.
Keep a record of your Windows product key and deactivation confirmation.

By following these steps, you can ensure that you deactivate your Windows license properly and avoid any potential problems.

If you are unsure about any of the steps involved in deactivating your Windows license, you can consult the Microsoft support website or contact Microsoft support directly.

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