Forum Discussion

Maryam_javed's avatar
Maryam_javed
Copper Contributor
Aug 03, 2020

Changing activation key

Hi! I'm using Windows 10 on my DELL laptop and it's asking me my Windows license is about to expire and I need to change my activation key. What do I do now? I don't have old one with me either!
KapilArya's avatar
KapilArya
MVP
Aug 04, 2020

Hello Maryam_javed,

 

First, check the type of license installed on your system.

 

1. Open administrative Command Prompt.

 

2. Type slmgr /dlv and press Enter key.

 

3. Note the Product Key Channel section Windows Script Host box:

 

If it mentions OEM <method>, you’ve OEM license installed.

 

If it says Retail, you’ve retail license installed.

 

If it mentions GVLK, VOLUME_<method> then you’ve volume license installed. Note that GVLK stands for Generic Volume License Key.

 

---------

 

Retail license users facing this issue, run Activation troubleshooter:

 

https://support.microsoft.com/en-in/help/20527/windows-10-activation-troubleshooter

 

Contact Microsoft Support or license vendor, if issue still persists.

 

In case if it reports that you've volume license installed, then it is not a valid license to be used by end users (correct me, if your system is part of organization). 

 

In this case, you need to buy genuine license for your Windows 10.

 

Hope this helps!