To see whether Windows 10 is activated, open Settings > Update & Security > Activation and read the Activation line. If it says “Windows is activated” (often “with a digital license” or “with a digital license linked to your Microsoft account”), you’re done. If it says “Windows is not activated,” the page shows the reason and a way to fix it.
You can also check from a command window, which is handy on a PC where Settings won’t open. Both methods work on Home and Pro editions and take less than a minute.
Note: Windows 10 reached end of support on October 14, 2025. Consumer Extended Security Updates (ESU) now run until October 12, 2027.
Quick Answer
Press Windows + I, select Update & Security, then select Activation in the left pane. The Activation line tells you the status.
Method 1: Check Activation in Settings
- Press Windows + I to open Settings.
- Select Update & Security.
- Select Activation in the left pane.
- Read the Activation line under the Windows heading. The Edition line above it shows whether you have Home, Pro, or another edition.
What Each Status Means
| Status you see | What it means | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Windows is activated with a digital license | The PC has a valid license stored with Microsoft for this hardware. | Nothing. Reinstalling Windows on the same PC reactivates it automatically. |
| Windows is activated with a digital license linked to your Microsoft account | Same as above, plus the license is tied to your account. | Nothing. The account link lets you use the Activation troubleshooter after a motherboard change. |
| Windows is activated using your organization’s activation service | A work or school PC activated through the organization. | Contact your IT department with questions. |
| Windows is not activated | No valid license was found, or the key doesn’t match the edition. | Select Troubleshoot or Change product key on the same page. |
Method 2: Check With a Command
This works from Command Prompt or PowerShell. You don’t need administrator rights just to view the status.
- Right-click the Start button and choose Windows PowerShell or Command Prompt.
- Type
slmgr /xprand press Enter. - Read the pop-up. “The machine is permanently activated” means Windows is activated. If you see an expiration date, the PC uses a time-limited license, which is common on work PCs.
- For more detail, run
slmgr /dli. The License Status line should say Licensed.
Other Quick Signs
- A translucent “Activate Windows” message in the lower-right corner of the screen means Windows is not activated.
- If Windows isn’t activated, the Personalization settings (wallpaper, colors, lock screen) are grayed out.
- Settings > System > About shows your edition and version, but not the activation status.
If Windows 10 Says It’s Not Activated
- Connect to the internet. Digital licenses need to reach the activation servers, so offline PCs can show as unactivated.
- Run the troubleshooter. On the Activation page, select Troubleshoot. If you recently replaced the motherboard, sign in with the account the license was linked to and choose I changed hardware on this device recently.
- Check the edition. A Home key won’t activate Pro. If the edition is wrong, enter a key that matches it or reinstall the correct edition.
- Enter a key. If you bought a product key, select Change product key and type the 25 characters. Our guide on finding your Windows 10 product key shows where it might be stored.
For the full process, see our guide on how to activate Windows. Microsoft’s Activate Windows support page lists the official error messages and fixes.
An activated copy is what makes the free Windows 11 upgrade possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does activation matter now that Windows 10 support has ended?
Yes. An activated copy is still needed for full personalization, and it’s required for the Consumer ESU program. Activation is also what lets you upgrade the same PC to Windows 11 for free if the hardware qualifies.
Will Windows 11 stay activated if I upgrade?
Usually. An activated Windows 10 PC normally activates Windows 11 automatically with the same digital license. Check Settings > System > Activation after upgrading.
Does the “Activate Windows” watermark mean my PC is unsafe?
No. It only means no valid license was found. Security features work, but some personalization options are locked. If you’re looking for ways to remove it, see our guide on hiding the Activate Windows message, which explains the legitimate fixes.
Summary
- Open Settings > Update & Security > Activation.
- Read the Activation line: “activated” means you’re set.
- Use
slmgr /xpras a backup check. - If it’s not activated, reconnect to the internet, run the troubleshooter, or enter a matching product key.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.