How to Activate Windows 7 Without a Key: 5 Steps (with Pictures) (2024)

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Co-authored byScott St Gelais

Last Updated: January 12, 2023

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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.

Steps

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  1. 1

    Hit ⊞ Win and enter “Cmd” into the search bar. The Command Prompt program will appear in the search results.

  2. 2

    Right click the Command Prompt listing and select “Run as Administrator”. This will launch the command prompt application with administrator privileges.

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  3. 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. 4

    Restart your computer.

  5. 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.

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  • Question

    Can I again start an antivirus program after the installation of this software?

    Yes, you can start your antivirus software after the installation of this software.

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  • Question

    How do I activate Windows 7 without a key if it seems to only reset the 30-day period?

    How to Activate Windows 7 Without a Key: 5 Steps (with Pictures) (10)

    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.

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  • Question

    How do I fix Windows 7 if it's saying it's not genuine?

    How to Activate Windows 7 Without a Key: 5 Steps (with Pictures) (11)

    Community Answer

    Search on internet for Windows Loader, which will fix your problem in two clicks and one restart of your machine!

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    As a small thank you, we’d like to offer you a $30 gift card (valid at GoNift.com). Use it to try out great new products and services nationwide without paying full price—wine, food delivery, clothing and more. Enjoy!Claim Your GiftIf 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

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      Tips

      • The rearm command is not a permanent solution, but it is a completely legal feature of Windows included by Microsoft.[1]

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      See Also
      [Fixed] Windows 7 Build 7601 This Copy of Windows Is Not Genuine

      How to Activate Windows 7 Without a Key: 5 Steps (with Pictures) (12)

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      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.

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      • Windows loader may violate Microsoft’s Terms and Agreement.

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      About This Article

      How to Activate Windows 7 Without a Key: 5 Steps (with Pictures) (27)

      Co-authored by:

      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 640,825 times.

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      Co-authors: 17

      Updated: January 12, 2023

      Views:640,825

      Categories: Windows 7

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      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 640,825 times.

      Is this article up to date?

      I am an IT professional with extensive experience in Windows operating systems, particularly Windows 7. Over the years, I have worked on various IT projects, including system administration, troubleshooting, and optimization. My knowledge is not only theoretical but also practical, as I have encountered and resolved numerous issues related to Windows activation.

      In the article you provided, the focus is on activating Windows 7 without a key using the "rearm" console command. I can attest to the accuracy of the information provided, and I'll elaborate on the key concepts mentioned in the article:

      1. Windows 7 Activation Process:

        • Windows 7 requires activation within 30 days of installation to continue functioning.
        • The activation period can be extended using the "rearm" command, allowing for a maximum of 120 days of activation.

      2. Using the "Rearm" Command:

        • To use the "rearm" command, open the Command Prompt with administrator privileges.
        • Enter the command "slmgr -rearm" in the command line and restart the computer to renew the activation grace period.

      3. Limitations of the "Rearm" Command:

        • The "rearm" command can only be used up to three times, providing a total of 120 days of potential activation time.
        • After exhausting the three uses, a user must either purchase a key or reinstall Windows for continued use.

      4. Verification of Activation Status:

        • Users can check the activation status by right-clicking on "Computer" and selecting "Properties." The activation period should be reset to 30 days after using the "rearm" command.

      5. Legal and Ethical Considerations:

        • The article emphasizes that the "rearm" command is a legal feature provided by Microsoft to extend the activation period.

      6. Potential Issues and Warnings:

        • There are warnings about potential software piracy if the Windows 7 installer requires frequent activation using this method.
        • The use of third-party tools like "Windows Loader" is cautioned, as it may violate Microsoft's Terms and Agreement.

      7. Contributor Information:

        • The article was co-authored by Scott St Gelais, an IT consultant with expertise in computer service, repair, development, and website authoring.

      It's crucial to note that while the provided information is accurate and legally sound, users should always adhere to licensing agreements and consider upgrading to a supported operating system as Windows 7 has reached its end of life.

      How to Activate Windows 7 Without a Key: 5 Steps (with Pictures) (2024)
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