Complete slmgr Commands Reference for Windows Activation (2026)
slmgr.vbs is the Windows Software Licensing Management Tool — the official command-line interface for installing keys, activating Windows, and managing KMS hosts. Every command below must be run from an elevated Command Prompt or PowerShell.
Most-used slmgr commands
- slmgr /ipk <key> — install a product key.
- slmgr /ato — activate Windows online or via KMS.
- slmgr /xpr — show current license expiration.
- slmgr /dli — basic license info.
- slmgr /dlv — verbose license info.
- slmgr /upk — uninstall current product key.
- slmgr /cpky — clear stored product key from registry.
- slmgr /rearm — reset the activation grace period (max 3 times).
KMS-specific commands
- slmgr /skms <host:port> — set KMS host.
- slmgr /skms-domain <domain> — discover KMS via DNS SRV.
- slmgr /ckms — clear KMS host name.
- slmgr /ckms-domain — clear KMS domain.
- slmgr /skhc — enable KMS host caching.
- slmgr /ckhc — disable KMS host caching.
Offline activation
- slmgr /ipk <key>
- slmgr /dti — display installation ID for phone activation.
- slmgr /atp <confirmation ID> — activate with confirmation ID from Microsoft phone activation.
Remote management
- slmgr <ComputerName> <User> <Password> /ato — activate a remote machine.
- Useful for batch-activating workstations from a deployment server.
Frequently asked questions
▸Why does slmgr say 'access denied'?
You must run CMD or PowerShell as administrator. Right-click → Run as administrator before invoking slmgr.
▸How many times can I run slmgr /rearm?
Three times per OS install. Each /rearm resets the 30-day grace period, giving up to 120 days of unactivated use.
▸What's the difference between /dli and /dlv?
/dli shows basic license status; /dlv shows verbose details including KMS client machine ID, activation ID, and grace period.
▸How do I see all installed keys?
slmgr /dlv all — lists every license entry on the machine, including OEM, retail, and KMS.
▸Can I activate without internet using slmgr?
Yes — use /dti to get an installation ID, call Microsoft's activation hotline, receive a confirmation ID, then run /atp <ID>.
▸How do I uninstall a product key safely?
slmgr /upk to remove from the licensing service, then slmgr /cpky to clear it from the registry.
▸Does slmgr work on Windows 11 24H2?
Yes. slmgr.vbs is unchanged in 24H2 and continues to be the supported activation CLI.
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