Windows 7 - Product Key Number - Uninstall and Deactivate in Windows

   Information

This will show you how to uninstall the product key number of a local or remote Windows 7 or Vista computer, and for Windows to be in a deactivated/unactivated unlicensed state afterwards.

This will not affect the product key number from being able to be used and activated again later. Remember that a OEM product key number can only be used on the exact same computer that it was first activated on. A retail product key number can be used to activate on any computer as long as it's only activated on one computer and not more than one at the same time.

You will only be able to do this tutorial while logged in as an administrator.

For more details and options using the slmgr.vbs command, see: Slmgr.vbs Options

   Note

If you only wanted to change the product key number instead, then see:

How to Change the Product Key Number in Windows 7

1. Open a elevated command prompt.

2. Do either step 3 or 4 for what computer you want to uninstall the product key on and deactivate Windows 7 or Vista on.

3. For a Local Computer
NOTE: This would your computer.

A) In the elevated command prompt, copy and paste the command below and press enter. (see screeshot below)

slmgr.vbs /upk

B) Go to step 5.

4. For a Remote Computer
NOTE: This would be doing this from your computer (host) to a remote computer (client) on the network.

   Warning

You will only be able to do this from a Windows 7 computer to another Windows 7 computer, OR from a Vista computer to another Vista computer.

You will not be able to do this from a Window 7 to Vista computer, or Vista to Windows 7 computer.

A) In the elevated command prompt, type the command below and press enter. (see screeshot below)

   Note

• You would substitute Computer-Name in the command below with the computer name of the remote computer.
• You would substitute UserName in the command below with a user account's name with required permission on the remote computer.
• You would substitute Password in the command below with the user account's password of the remote computer.

slmgr.vbs Computer-Name UserName Password /upk

B) Continue on to step 5.

5. Click on OK. (see screeshot below)

6. The Windows 7 or Vista on the selected computer is now in a deactivated unlicensed state with the product key number removed. You will also now have the This copy of Windows is not genuine at the bottom right corner of your desktop until activated.

7. Every time you restart the selected computer and log in, you will be presented with an option to activate Windows until you do so. (see screeshot below)

A) If you Click on the Type your product key Option

• You will be prompted to enter a valid product key number for that edition of Windows 7 or Vista. If successful, it will activate Windows. (see screenshots below)

B) If you Click on the Ask me later Option

• Windows will continue to startup into the user account that you logged into, but will still be in a unlicensed state until you activate Windows using step 7A at the next restart or manually activate while still in Windows.