How To Activate Windows 7 Without A Key - WikiHow

Home » Activation Windows 7 Cmd Slmgr » How To Activate Windows 7 Without A Key - WikiHow

Maybe your like

Skip to ContentQuizzes
  • Home
  • Random
  • Browse Articles
  • Quizzes & Games
  • All QuizzesHot
  • Love Quizzes
  • Personality Quizzes
  • Fun Games
  • Dating Simulator
  • Learn Something New
  • Forums
  • Courses
  • Happiness Hub
  • Explore More
  • Support wikiHow
  • About wikiHow
  • Log in / Sign up
Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow How to Activate Windows 7 Without a Product Key PDF download Download Article Start your computer in Windows 7 in minutes Explore this Article Steps Steps Other Sections Questions & Answers Tips and Warnings Related Articles References Co-authored by Scott St Gelais

Last Updated: October 7, 2025

PDF download Download Article X

This article was co-authored by Scott St Gelais. Scott St Gelais is an IT Consultant and the Owner of Geeks in Phoenix, Arizona. With over two decades of experience, Scott specializes in computer service and repair, development, computer graphics, and website authoring. Scott received his Technical Associates Degree from High Tech Institute and completed the IT Support Professional Certificate by Google. Geeks in Phoenix is a member of the Microsoft Partner Network and an Intel Technology Provider Gold Partner. This article has been viewed 826,493 times.

Windows 7 must be activated in order to be used beyond 30 days. You can use the “rearm” console command to renew your activation grace period. It should be noted that the rearm command can only be used up to 3 times, extending your activation period to a maximum of 120 days.

Activating Windows 7

Hit the ⊞ Win key, enter "Cmd" in the search bar, and right click on the Command Prompt program. Select "Run as Administrator" and type "slmgr -rearm" into the window that opens. Hit enter, then restart your computer. Your activation period should then reset to 30 days.

Steps

PDF download Download Article
  1. Step 1 Hit ⊞ Win and enter “Cmd” into the search bar. 1 Hit ⊞ Win and enter “Cmd” into the search bar. The Command Prompt program will appear in the search results.
  2. Step 2 Right click the... 2 Right click the Command Prompt listing and select “Run as Administrator”. This will launch the command prompt application with administrator privileges. Advertisement
  3. Step 3 Enter “slmgr -rearm” into the command line and hit ↵ Enter. 3 Enter “slmgr -rearm” into the command line and hit ↵ Enter. A script will run and after a few moments you will be prompted to restart your computer.
  4. Step 4 Restart your computer. 4 Restart your computer.
  5. Step 5 Check your activation... 5 Check your activation status. Right-click on "Computer" and select “Properties”. This opens the System Properties window. Your activation period should be reset to 30 days.
    • Don’t forget that this command can be used up to 3 times giving you a total of 120 days of potential activation time.
    6. Advertisement

Community Q&A

Search Add New Question
  • Question Can I again start an antivirus program after the installation of this software? Community Answer Community Answer Yes, you can start your antivirus software after the installation of this software. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 20 Helpful 22
  • Question How do I activate Windows 7 without a key if it seems to only reset the 30-day period? Community Answer Community Answer This method will only allow you to do this a maximum of three times, for up to 90 days. After this, you'll have to either purchase a key or reinstall Windows. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 24 Helpful 44
  • Question What is the installation ID for Windows after putting in the product keys? Community Answer Community Answer Windows 7 must be activated in order to be used beyond 30 days. You can use the “rearm” console command to renew your activation grace period. It should be noted that the rearm command can only be used up to 3 times, extending your activation period to a maximum of 120 days. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 7 Helpful 3
See more answers Ask a Question 200 characters left Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Submit Advertisement

Tips

  • The rearm command is not a permanent solution, but it is a completely legal feature of Windows included by Microsoft.[1] Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review! Advertisement

Warnings

  • If the Windows 7 installer that you’ve bought needs to be activated using this method, you may be a victim of software piracy. Thanks Helpful 15 Not Helpful 11
  • Windows loader may violate Microsoft’s Terms and Agreement. Thanks Helpful 9 Not Helpful 14
Advertisement

You Might Also Like

Activate Windows 7How to Activate Windows 7 Using the Product Key Bypass Windows Vista ActivationExtending your Windows Vista Activation Reinstall Windows 7How toReinstall Windows 7 Remove Windows Genuine Advantage NotificationsHow toRemove Windows Genuine Advantage Notifications Bypass Windows 7 Password5 Simple Ways to Bypass Your Windows 7 Password Reset Windows 7 Administrator PasswordHow toReset Windows 7 Administrator Password Check if Microsoft Windows is ActivatedHow to Check Activation Status on Windows 11, 10, 8, & 7 Activate Windows 8.1 for FreeHow to Get Windows 8.1 for Free Reboot Windows 7How to Restart Your Windows 7 Computer Repair Windows 7How toRepair Windows 7 Turn Off Windows ActivationGet Rid of the "Activate Windows" Watermark in 3 Ways Crack a Windows 7 PasswordHow toCrack a Windows 7 Password Reinstall Windows 7 Without CDHow toReinstall Windows 7 Without CD Check if Windows XP Is ActivatedHow toCheck if Windows XP Is Activated Advertisement

References

  1. ↑ https://www.thewindowsclub.com/legally-use-windows-without-activating

About This Article

Scott St Gelais Co-authored by: Scott St Gelais IT Consultant This article was co-authored by Scott St Gelais. Scott St Gelais is an IT Consultant and the Owner of Geeks in Phoenix, Arizona. With over two decades of experience, Scott specializes in computer service and repair, development, computer graphics, and website authoring. Scott received his Technical Associates Degree from High Tech Institute and completed the IT Support Professional Certificate by Google. Geeks in Phoenix is a member of the Microsoft Partner Network and an Intel Technology Provider Gold Partner. This article has been viewed 826,493 times. How helpful is this? Co-authors: 21 Updated: October 7, 2025 Views: 826,493 Categories: Windows 7 In other languages Portuguese French German Spanish Indonesian Thai Vietnamese Chinese Arabic Turkish Korean Hindi Czech Italian Japanese
  • Print
  • Send fan mail to authors
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 826,493 times.

Reader Success Stories

  • Kazi Morshed

    Kazi Morshed

    Mar 29, 2017

    "It helped to know how I can activate Windows 7."
Share your story

Is this article up to date?

Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Scott St Gelais Co-authored by: Scott St Gelais IT Consultant Click a star to vote Co-authors: 21 Updated: October 7, 2025 Views: 826,493 Kazi Morshed

Kazi Morshed

Mar 29, 2017

"It helped to know how I can activate Windows 7." Share yours!

Quizzes & Games

What Age Is My Brain QuizWhat Age Is My Brain QuizTake QuizCognitive TestCognitive TestTake QuizImpossible English TestImpossible English TestTake QuizWhen Will I Die QuizWhen Will I Die QuizTake QuizHow You Can Discover HappinessHow You Can Discover HappinessTake QuizHow Long Will I Live QuizHow Long Will I Live QuizTake Quiz

You Might Also Like

Activate Windows 7How to Activate Windows 7 Using the Product KeyBypass Windows Vista ActivationExtending your Windows Vista ActivationReinstall Windows 7How toReinstall Windows 7Remove Windows Genuine Advantage NotificationsHow toRemove Windows Genuine Advantage Notifications

Featured Articles

Exercise Your BrainHow toExercise Your BrainBe a Fun Person to Hang out WithHow toBe a Fun Person to Hang out WithWhat Does Your Morning Routine Say About You?What Does Your Morning Routine Say About You?Develop Productive HabitsHow toDevelop Productive HabitsPractice Self CareHow toPractice Self CareWhat Song Matches Your Life Right Now?What Song Matches Your Life Right Now?

Trending Articles

Make OutHow toMake OutHow Rare Is My Birthday QuizHow Rare Is My Birthday QuizWhat Am I Craving QuizWhat Am I Craving QuizIs Your Personality More 6 or 7?Is Your Personality More 6 or 7?What Should My Name Really Be QuizWhat Should My Name Really Be QuizIs a Guy You Don't Know Well Interested in You?Is a Guy You Don't Know Well Interested in You?

Featured Articles

Your 2026 Vision: What Does Next Year Hold?Your 2026 Vision: What Does Next Year Hold?Understanding the Most Attractive Face Shapes (& Determining Your Own)Understanding the Most Attractive Face Shapes (& Determining Your Own)Type A B C D Personality TestType A B C D Personality Test250+ Messages to Reassure Your Partner (For Him & Her)250+ Messages to Reassure Your Partner (For Him & Her)What Is My Favorite Color QuizWhat Is My Favorite Color Quiz215+ Funny & Creative Personalized Vanity Plate Ideas215+ Funny & Creative Personalized Vanity Plate Ideas

Featured Articles

100+ Creative Ways to Say Good Night100+ Creative Ways to Say Good NightWhy Can't I Sleep QuizWhy Can't I Sleep Quiz150+ Love Paragraphs to Make Him Feel Special150+ Love Paragraphs to Make Him Feel SpecialWhat Does Your Tattoo Placement Mean? Spiritual & Aesthetic MeaningsWhat Does Your Tattoo Placement Mean? Spiritual & Aesthetic Meanings19 of the Rarest Wonders from around the World19 of the Rarest Wonders from around the WorldWhat Is the Fun Scale? The 3 Types of Fun & Their BenefitsWhat Is the Fun Scale? The 3 Types of Fun & Their Benefits

Watch Articles

Wrap a Round GiftHow toWrap a Round GiftSteam in an OvenHow toSteam in an Oven Make Plant-Based Meat: 4 Incredible RecipesHow to Make Plant-Based Meat: 4 Incredible RecipesClean a Silver NecklaceHow toClean a Silver Necklace4 Easy Ways to Open a Can of Soda4 Easy Ways to Open a Can of SodaPart Your HairHow toPart Your Hair

Trending Articles

Can We Guess If You're a Cat or Dog Person?Can We Guess If You're a Cat or Dog Person?30 of the Hardest Riddles on Earth: The Harvard Riddle & Beyond30 of the Hardest Riddles on Earth: The Harvard Riddle & BeyondWhich of the Big Three Are Your Parents? (Percy Jackson)Which of the Big Three Are Your Parents? (Percy Jackson) Perform Magic: 8 Tricks for BeginnersHow to Perform Magic: 8 Tricks for BeginnersWhat’s My Personality Based on My K-Pop Taste?What’s My Personality Based on My K-Pop Taste?What School Subject Are You?What School Subject Are You?

Quizzes & Games

Grammar TestGrammar TestTake QuizHow Rich Will I Be QuizHow Rich Will I Be QuizTake QuizPersonalized Glow-Up Plan GeneratorPersonalized Glow-Up Plan GeneratorGenerateDiscord Username Idea GeneratorDiscord Username Idea GeneratorGenerate NamesWhat Kind of Reality Check Do I Need QuizWhat Kind of Reality Check Do I Need QuizTake QuizWhat Tarot Card Am I QuizWhat Tarot Card Am I QuizTake Quiz wikiHow
  • Categories
  • Computers and Electronics
  • Operating Systems
  • Windows
  • Windows 7
wikiHow Newsletter You're all set! Helpful how-tos delivered toyour inbox every week! Sign me up! By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy.
  • Home
  • About wikiHow
  • Experts
  • Jobs
  • Contact Us
  • Site Map
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Do Not Sell or Share My Info
  • Not Selling Info
  • Contribute

Follow Us

×

wikiHow Tech Help Pro:

Level up your tech skills and stay ahead of the curve

Let's go! X --475

Tag » Activation Windows 7 Cmd Slmgr