How to Check If Windows 11 Is Activated: The Direct Answer
The fastest way to check Windows 11 activation is Settings > System > Activation — it shows "Windows is activated" at the top if genuine. You can also run slmgr /xpr in Command Prompt for an instant confirmation, or use PowerShell for detailed license information.
Method 1: Settings (Easiest)
Open Settings, go to System, then Activation. The activation state appears at the top: "Windows is activated" means you are genuine and fully enabled. This page also shows your edition and whether activation is linked to a digital license or a product key.
Method 2: Command Prompt
Open Command Prompt and run slmgr /xpr. A popup tells you whether Windows is permanently activated or when activation expires. For more detail, slmgr /dli shows license type (OEM or Retail), and slmgr /dlv shows full licensing information.
Method 3: PowerShell
Open PowerShell and run Get-CimInstance -ClassName SoftwareLicensingProduct | Where-Object {$_.PartialProductKey} | Select-Object LicenseStatus. A LicenseStatus of 1 means activated; 0 means not activated.
What "Digital License" Means
If your activation shows "with a digital license," Windows is tied to your hardware or Microsoft account rather than a typed key. This is convenient: reinstalling Windows on the same machine usually reactivates automatically once you sign in.
If Windows Shows Not Activated
First, sign into the Microsoft account linked to your license — it often reactivates automatically. Otherwise, enter your product key in Settings > System > Activation. If you need a genuine key, see the product below for instant delivery.
The Bottom Line
Checking activation takes seconds: Settings > System > Activation, or slmgr /xpr. Verify it after any reinstall or hardware change to ensure your Windows is genuine and fully enabled.
