Different operating systems used on devices come with licenses, a formal acceptance of allowing the user to perform multiple tasks. These tasks and processes are restricted to users who own the license, preventing unauthorized access and utility of the OS. Windows comes up with a dedicated license for the device it is being installed in. This is what gives you the leverage to use Windows without any hindrance.
What if the message “Your Windows License will expire soon” comes onto your screen? In situations where you have an active license, this message can be pretty confusing and tense. With an expired license, you won’t be able to enjoy the official services of Windows OS. Thus, before you get into some expensive billing for your OS, make sure to try out these fixes to resolve the licensing issue.
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Method 1: Use Windows Activation Troubleshooter
There are troubleshooting tools offered by Windows for resolving multiple issues within the device without putting up a prolonged procedure. Windows Activation Troubleshooter is a dedicated troubleshooter designed to provide Windows users with the option of resolving any licensing issues in their devices.
It is quite possible that a software glitch may have caused such an error in the device’s configuration, leading to such an error. The following steps will help you clear out the guidelines to follow for using the activation troubleshooter for Windows.
Step 1: Open Settings and Lead to Updates & Security. Navigate to the “Search” bar on the taskbar and look for “Settings.” As the new window opens, continue to the “Updates & Security” section.
Step 2: Find the Windows Activation Settings. On the left panel, look for the “Activation” tab to redirect to your Windows activation settings.
Step 3: Troubleshoot the Problems with Windows Activation. You will discover the “Troubleshoot” button in the list of options that appears on the next screen. This option, however, only occurs if there is an issue with the Windows activation license.
Method 2: Restart Windows Explorer Process
Since the issue of the Windows license might involve software glitches, you can also resolve the issue by restarting the Windows Explorer process. As easy as it sounds, practicing this technique restarts every major Windows process, which can help you get rid of your Windows license will expire soon message. To know how to resolve his Windows license error, look into the following steps:
Step 1: Launch Task Manager on your Windows PC. Start with the method by launching Task Manager on your Windows computer. You can use the combination of “CTRL + ALT + DELETE” keys for this purpose. Conversely, you could have accessed the “Task Manager” option by right-clicking on your taskbar.
Step 2: Turn Off Windows Explorer Operations from Task Manager. Reach out to the “Processes” tab on the Task Manager and look for the “Windows Explorer” option. Right-click on the option and select “End Task” from the drop-down menu.
Step 3: Run File Explorer or Run New Task from Task Manager. To restart Windows Explorer, look for the option on the taskbar and execute by clicking it. On the other hand, you can look for the “File” tab in the Task Manager and select the option of “Run new task.”
Alternatively, you can restart Windows Explorer from Run Program. Press Windows + R keys to launch the “Run” dialog, type “explorer.exe” and runs this command to restart Windows Explorer.
Method 3: Disable Windows License Manager and Windows Update Service
You can also try disabling the “Windows License Manager” and “Windows Update” services on your Windows computer. This will potentially help you figure out a proper way to remove the “Your Windows license will expire soon” message. Let’s find out how it is done:
Step 1: Open Services Window to Access Appropriate Service. Select the “Search” bar on the taskbar and type “Services” to open the folder on a new window. As it opens, look for the “Windows License Manager Service” in the available list and double-click to open it.
Step 2: Disable Windows License Manager Service. Change the “Startup type” to “Disabled” and continue by clicking on the “Stop” button just below it. Once done, continue by applying the settings and tap “OK.”
Step 3: Disable Windows Update Service. You must perform a similar process with the “Windows Update” service that can be located in the Services window. Disable both services and observe the issue of the Windows License as resolved.
Method 4: Reset Windows Product Key with (SLMGR) Commands
The issues with the Windows license can be directed to software glitches, most of the time. If this is the case, you can try using the Command Prompt to reset the product key and resolve the issue with your Windows computer. To know how it is done, follow the steps provided next:
Step 1: Launch Command Prompt as Administrator. You must select the “Search” bar on the taskbar and type in “Command Prompt”. With the options that appear next, select “Run as administrator” to launch it on your computer.
Step 2: Run SLMGR Command and Execute. Use the command “slmgr -rearm” to perform an automatic process of resetting the Windows product key. A prompt will be displayed showing the successful execution of the command. You will be required to restart your device to make the respective changes.
Method 5: Edit Group Policy Settings
There are instances where different configuration settings are mismatched or altered for no particular reason. If it happens and you constantly face issues with your Windows license, it is better to change the group policy settings on your computer. To do that, you will have to operate through the following steps:
Step 1: Open Group Policy Window by Run Program. By using the “Windows + R” shortcut keys, you will open the Run program. As it launches, type “gpedit.msc” and let the Group Policy window open on your computer.
Step 2: Follow the Navigation to Lead to Group Policy. Progress through the left pane with the following navigation in exact order:
Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Windows Update
Step 3: Change Group Policy Settings to Reactivate Windows License. As you proceed into the respective section, look for the “No auto-restart in the right pane with logged-on users for scheduled automatic updates installations” option in the list. Double-click to open its settings for changing them. You must turn on the “Enabled” option from the settings and click “OK” to conclude editing the Group Policy settings for Windows.
Method 6: Check for Hardware Changes
It might be possible that you have changed essential hardware off your computer, such as your motherboard or hard drive. With such a change, there is a clear possibility of facing issues with your Windows license. As the computer might’ve been reading some significant changes in your device, it must be adequately informed.
If you wish to stop the “Your Windows License will expire soon” message from your Windows, try contacting Microsoft and provide them with proof of the purchase of the hardware that has been changed. Once it is done, it will help you get your Windows license reactivated by Microsoft.
Method 7: Find and Re-Enter Your Product Key
There can be issues with the product key that has been used to activate the license of your Windows. If the computer undergoes some changes, its product key might change for no reason. Thus, if this happens, you will have to find and re-enter your product key into your Windows device. To perform the task, progress under the defined procedure:
Step 1: Open Command Prompt as Administrator. To start, tap on the “Search” bar and type in “Command Prompt.” You will have to launch the tool under the option of “Run as administrator” and continue.
Step 2: Enter Command to Find Original Product Key. As the Command Prompt opens, use the following command to discover the actual product key used to activate the Windows:
wmic path SoftwareLicensingService get OA3xOriginalProductKey
Step 3: Copy Product Key and Open Settings. Once the product key displays on the Command Prompt, copy it and lead to launch the “Settings” of your Windows device.
Step 4: Access Windows Activation Settings and Change Product Key. Continue into the “Update & Security” section and look for the “Activation” menu. Select the option of “Change product key” and paste the copied key in the provided space. As you enter the key, you will be prompted to “Activate” the Windows.
Method 8: Replace New Windows Product Key
In situations where you are unable to turn off the “Your Windows license will expire soon” message, it is best to buy a new one. If you are unable to find an appropriate solution to this problem, you can contact your organization or system administrator to provide the product key. In other cases, buy one if you do not have any other option.
Method 9: Reset Your PC and Reinstall Windows
You might be facing issues with adding every other Windows license key on the device. If this is the case, the best way to get rid of your Windows license will expire soon message is to reset the PC and reinstall the Windows. While you reinstall Windows on your computer, you will be prompted to add the product key.
The Bottom Line
This article has composed some of the possible techniques available to resolve the problem of an expiring Windows license. If you have been facing such an issue, using any of the provided methods will surely help you get out of your misery. Give a good read to these solutions to fix your Windows license will expire soon.
Windows License FAQs
To provide some more details about the Windows license, we have offered answers to some frequently asked questions:
There are Windows licenses that are activated for a device with lifetime validity. This validity only lasts if Microsoft ends support for the particular Windows. However, users can propagate to the next Windows version with the same license.
If the license of your Windows PC expires, it will reboot the device every three hours, deleting the unsaved data from it. Once two weeks pass after the expiration, the Windows stops booting, and you will be bound to purchase a new license.
Users who are not comfortable with activating their Windows will face some major problems on their computers. Firstly, they will be restricted to a limited set of features to enjoy on Windows. Furthermore, no security updates will be received by the user, making them vulnerable to virus and malware attacks. Any bugs within the Windows device won’t be resolved if the OS has not been activated.
Yes, Windows 10 will surely run without a license but will be restricted. The user experience won’t be perfect, but Windows 10 can still be operated without a license.
