How to determine activation status on Windows 11

These are the three easiest ways to check the Windows activation status.

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OnWindows 11, whether you use the “Home” or “Pro” edition, the setup must go through the activation process before accessing all the features, such as changing the desktop wallpaper.

The activation process usually happens automatically as soon as the device connects to the internet, and this is true for new devices that come pre-installed with the operating system and after reinstalling Windows 11 on a previously activated device. However, if you’re unsure whether your machine has been activated, Windows 11 includes several easy ways to check the activation state from the Settings app, Command Prompt, PowerShell, and Run command.

In thishow-to guide, I will walk you through the steps to find out the activation status of Windows 11.

How to check Windows 11 activation status from Settings

How to check Windows 11 activation status from Settings

To check whether Windows 11 is activated or not, use these steps:

Once you complete the steps, if the settings page reads “Active,” the device is fully activated.

How to check Windows 11 activation status from Command Prompt

How to check Windows 11 activation status from Command Prompt

To check the activation status of Windows 11 through Command Prompt (or PowerShell), use these steps:

After you complete the steps, the command will return a “Windows Script Host” dialog, letting you know the activation state.

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How to check Windows 11 activation status from Run

To determine the Windows activation state with the Run command, use these steps:

Once you complete the steps, similar to the command method, you will receive a “Windows Script Host” dialog with the activation information.

In addition to these methods, if your device isn’t activated, the Settings app home page will usually display the"You need to activate Windows before you can personalize your PC"message, or the desktop may also display the"Activate Windows"watermark in the bottom-right corner of the screen.

More resources

For more helpful articles, coverage, and answers to common questions about Windows 10 and Windows 11, visit the following resources:

Mauro Huculak has been a Windows How-To Expert contributor for WindowsCentral.com for nearly a decade and has over 15 years of experience writing comprehensive guides. He also has an IT background and has achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft, Cisco, VMware, and CompTIA. He has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years.