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Jeremiahhom's avatar
Jeremiahhom
Iron Contributor
Mar 10, 2025
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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.  
  • MarylandCrab's avatar
    Mar 11, 2025

    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)

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