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Jeremiahhom's avatar
Jeremiahhom
Iron Contributor
Mar 10, 2025
Solved

How to check my windows 11 license key original or duplicate?

I bought a brand new laptop and this message appeared when I was digging to know if the windows was activated. It is activated but I think it is a duplicate.

 

  • Perform three-step verification:

    1️⃣ Open CMD and enter: slmgr /dli Check "Description" and if it shows OEM, it is a genuine pre-installed version

    2️⃣ Check whether the serial number of the machine matches the device ID bound to the Microsoft account (Settings>System>Activation)

    3️⃣ If it shows a retail version key, immediately find a merchant to replace it with a new machine - your motherboard may have been applied with a second-hand key

    (Appendix: Genuine laptop activation should show "Windows has been activated with a digital license" with an OEM channel logo)

  • Everlynokc's avatar
    Everlynokc
    Iron Contributor

    This message states that you typed in an invalid command. The /eli switch is not valid. Do /dlv instead

  • MarylandCrab's avatar
    MarylandCrab
    Iron Contributor

    Perform three-step verification:

    1️⃣ Open CMD and enter: slmgr /dli Check "Description" and if it shows OEM, it is a genuine pre-installed version

    2️⃣ Check whether the serial number of the machine matches the device ID bound to the Microsoft account (Settings>System>Activation)

    3️⃣ If it shows a retail version key, immediately find a merchant to replace it with a new machine - your motherboard may have been applied with a second-hand key

    (Appendix: Genuine laptop activation should show "Windows has been activated with a digital license" with an OEM channel logo)

  • BaylorKnox's avatar
    BaylorKnox
    Copper Contributor

    If you're unsure about the authenticity of your key, you can contact Microsoft Support. They can assist you in verifying whether the key was issued legitimately.

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