"How can I remove the digital license linked to my hardware so I can use a genuine product key?"

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"How can I remove the digital license linked to my hardware so I can use a genuine product key?"

Abdo Esam 20

I previously activated Windows using a non-genuine product key. Now, every time I reinstall Windows on the same device, it automatically activates using a digital license linked to my hardware. I want to remove this digital license so I can install Windows without automatic activation and use a genuine product key that I plan to purchase. I’ve tried formatting and reinstalling, but the activation persists. Is there a way to unlink or remove the digital license from my device’s hardware ID?

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Answer 1

Jason Nguyen Tran 5,105 Independent Advisor

Hi Abdo Esam,

When Windows activates through a digital license, the activation becomes linked to your device’s hardware ID (HWID) and stored on Microsoft’s servers. Even after you format or reinstall the OS, Windows automatically reactivates once online since it recognizes your hardware. Unfortunately, there’s no direct way to manually remove a digital license from the hardware itself.

To move to a genuine activation, you have two clean options:

1. Install Windows using a different edition or version (for example, from Windows 10 Home > Pro or vice versa). This forces Windows to request a new activation key.

2. Use a genuine product key during or after installation to overwrite the existing digital license. You can do this from Settings > System > Activation > Change product key.

If you want to ensure a truly clean start, disconnect from the internet during installation and enter your new product key before first connecting online. This prevents the system from auto-activating with the stored digital license.

If this explanation helps clarify things, please click “Accept Answer” so others with the same issue can find it helpful too. Thank you! 😊

Jason

Abdo Esam 20 Reputation points

2025-11-04T01:42:32.8666667+00:00

"I've already changed the edition several times from Pro to Home, but it made no difference — activation still happens automatically. I just want a solution where Windows doesn't activate automatically and stays unactivated, because I want to buy a new key and remove the invalid one that harmed my device. I just need a way to change Windows and prevent automatic activation."
Jason Nguyen Tran 5,105 Reputation points Independent Advisor

2025-11-04T02:02:21.34+00:00

Hi there,

Here these steps you can try to prevent this:

I think the best approach is to reinstall Windows while disconnected from the internet. This ensures the system cannot reach Microsoft’s activation servers during setup. During installation, when prompted for a product key, choose “I don’t have a product key.” This will keep Windows unactivated. Once setup is complete and before connecting to the internet, use slmgr /upk and slmgr /cpky from an elevated Command Prompt to remove any cached activation keys.

Afterward, you can safely connect to the internet and activate your new genuine product key manually via Settings > System > Activation. This will replace the old, invalid license with your new one and permanently tie the correct key to your hardware.

I hope this will be helpful! 😊
Abdo Esam 20 Reputation points

2025-11-04T02:10:02.8133333+00:00

"I don't want to sound discouraging, but unfortunately I've already done all of that, and yet Windows still activated automatically on its own. I tried everything, but nothing worked. So I need your support to resolve this issue and remove the digital license from my device so I can move forward and use my system freely — I'm genuinely exhausted."
Brian Huynh (WICLOUD CORPORATION) 2,335 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator

2025-11-04T03:54:54.0466667+00:00
The most straightforward way to force a new activation is to use a generic, public key during the installation process or immediately after.

During Installation:

When prompted for a product key during Windows Setup, enter the generic key for the edition you are installing (e.g., VK7JG-NPHTM-C97JM-9MPGT-3V66T for Windows 11 Pro).

Windows will install but not activate with this key.

After Installation (Using a Command):

Open an elevated Command Prompt or PowerShell (Run as Administrator).

Run the following command to remove the current product key and clear the license status:

slmgr.vbs /upk

Run the following command to ensure the activation state is cleared:

slmgr.vbs /rilc

Now, use your newly purchased genuine product key to activate:

Go to Settings > System > Activation.

Click Change product key and enter your new.
eiad madkour 0 Reputation points

2025-11-26T09:04:57.1533333+00:00

I tried your first method, when I enter the product key during installation, windows cheeked it and kept installing but after the installing the windows is still activated with digital license.

and when I used the commands after installation it does nothing

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"How can I remove the digital license linked to my hardware so I can use a genuine product key?"

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