If you’ve ever needed to deactivate Windows 11, you’re not alone. Maybe you want to transfer your Windows 11 license to another PC, fix activation issues, or simply test a different edition of Windows. Whatever the reason, this guide will walk you through exactly how to deactivate Windows 11 step-by-step — safely and correctly.
We’ll cover multiple methods, explain what happens when you deactivate Windows, and share a few essential tips to avoid common mistakes.
💡 What Does It Mean to Deactivate Windows 11?
Deactivating Windows 11 means removing the product key or unlinking the license from your current PC. After deactivation, your copy of Windows becomes unactivated, and you’ll see a watermark that says:
“Activate Windows — Go to Settings to activate Windows.”
You’ll still be able to use your computer, but some personalization options (like changing wallpaper or themes) will be disabled.
🧠 Why Would You Want to Deactivate Windows 11?
There are several legitimate reasons for deactivating Windows 11:
- 🖥️ Transferring a retail license to another computer
- 🔁 Switching from Windows 11 Pro to Home (or vice versa)
- ⚙️ Reinstalling or upgrading hardware like the motherboard
- 🧩 Troubleshooting activation or license conflicts
- 💼 Selling or giving away your PC without transferring your license
If your Windows license is retail (not OEM), you can move it between devices — but first, you must deactivate it on the current machine.
⚠️ What Happens When You Deactivate Windows 11?
After deactivation, the following changes occur:
| Feature | Status |
|---|---|
| Core system functions | ✅ Fully functional |
| Windows updates | ✅ Still available |
| Personalization (themes, wallpaper) | ❌ Disabled |
| Activation watermark | ⚠️ Appears on screen |
| License status | ⚙️ Unactivated |
So don’t worry — you can still use Windows normally; you just won’t have access to certain cosmetic settings.
🧭 Step-by-Step Guide: How to Deactivate Windows 11
Below are several methods you can use to deactivate your Windows 11 system. Follow the one that suits your situation best.
🪟 Method 1: Deactivate Windows 11 Using Command Prompt (CMD)
This is the most straightforward and reliable method.
Steps:
- Press Windows + S, type cmd, then right-click Command Prompt → Run as administrator.
- In the command window, type:
slmgr.vbs /upkThis command uninstalls your product key.
- Wait for a confirmation message:
“Uninstalled product key successfully.”
- (Optional) To clear the key from the registry, run:
slmgr.vbs /cpky - Restart your computer.
✅ Result: Your Windows 11 is now deactivated.
🧾 Method 2: Deactivate via PowerShell
If you prefer using PowerShell, you can do the same thing.
Steps:
- Press Windows + X → Windows Terminal (Admin).
- Enter the command:
slmgr /upk - Then, to remove the key from the registry:
slmgr /cpky - Restart your system.
✅ Result: Windows 11 license is completely removed.
🔄 Method 3: Unlink Windows 11 License from Your Microsoft Account
If your license is linked to your Microsoft account (digital license), you’ll also need to unlink it.
Steps:
- Go to Settings → Accounts → Your info.
- Click Sign in with a local account instead.
- Follow the prompts to switch to a local account.
- This disconnects your Microsoft account and its linked license from the PC.
✅ Result: The Windows 11 digital license is no longer tied to your Microsoft account.
💻 Method 4: Use the Activation Troubleshooter (For Transfer or Reuse)
If you plan to reactivate Windows on another PC, use the built-in Activation Troubleshooter.
Steps:
- On the new computer, go to Settings → System → Activation.
- Click Troubleshoot → I changed hardware on this device recently.
- Sign in with your Microsoft account linked to the old license.
- Select your old device and choose Activate.
✅ Result: Your retail license is transferred successfully to the new machine.
🔧 Method 5: Deactivate Windows 11 by Changing the Product Key
Another way to deactivate is by replacing your genuine product key with a generic one.
Steps:
- Press Windows + I → System → Activation → Change product key.
- Enter a generic key (for example, for Windows 11 Pro):
VK7JG-NPHTM-C97JM-9MPGT-3V66T - Click Next → Activate.
- It will fail to activate (since it’s a generic key), effectively deactivating your Windows.
✅ Result: Your real key is removed, and Windows becomes unactivated.
🧰 Method 6: Deactivate Windows via Registry Editor (Advanced)
If the above methods fail, you can manually delete the product key information from the Registry.
Steps:
- Press Windows + R, type
regedit, and hit Enter. - Navigate to:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\SoftwareProtectionPlatform - Locate and delete the BackupProductKeyDefault entry.
- Close the Registry Editor and restart your PC.
⚠️ Caution: Editing the registry incorrectly can cause system errors. Only use this if you’re comfortable with advanced system settings.
🧩 Method 7: Temporarily Disable Activation via Group Policy (Enterprise Use)
If you’re using Windows 11 Pro or Enterprise, you can stop activation checks via Group Policy.
Steps:
- Press Windows + R, type
gpedit.msc, and press Enter. - Navigate to:
Computer Configuration → Administrative Templates → Windows Components → Windows Update → Windows Activation - Find and disable activation policies.
- Restart your computer.
✅ Result: Windows won’t attempt to reactivate automatically.
🔍 How to Check if Windows 11 Is Deactivated
Once you’ve completed the steps, verify the deactivation status.
Steps:
- Press Windows + I → System → Activation.
- Look under Activation state.
- If it says Active, it’s still licensed.
- If it says Not activated, it’s successfully deactivated.
You can also check via Command Prompt:
slmgr.vbs /dli
This displays license details, including activation status.
📦 Can You Reactivate Windows 11 Later?
Yes! You can reactivate at any time using your product key or Microsoft account.
To Reactivate:
- Go to Settings → System → Activation → Change product key.
- Enter your valid key.
- Click Activate.
Your Windows 11 will return to its fully licensed state.
🧱 Retail vs OEM License: Know the Difference
| License Type | Transferable | Can Be Deactivated? | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Retail | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | Purchased from Microsoft or a store; can move between PCs. |
| OEM | ❌ No | ⚠️ Limited | Comes pre-installed; tied to motherboard hardware. |
| Volume | ✅ Yes (with admin rights) | ✅ Yes | Used by organizations and businesses. |
🧠 Tip: Only retail and volume licenses can be legally transferred to another computer.
⚙️ Troubleshooting Activation/Deactivation Issues
If you encounter issues during deactivation, try these quick fixes:
- Restart your PC and rerun the command as administrator.
- Temporarily disable antivirus software.
- Check for pending Windows updates.
- Use the Activation Troubleshooter to repair broken license links.
- Contact Microsoft Support if your key shows “blocked” or “invalid.”
✅ Conclusion
Deactivating Windows 11 is simple once you know the right commands. Whether you’re transferring a license or troubleshooting activation errors, following these methods ensures your system remains compliant and problem-free.
In summary:
- Use
slmgr /upkto uninstall your product key. - Remove it from the registry with
slmgr /cpky. - Unlink your Microsoft account if needed.
- Verify deactivation in Settings → Activation.
Once done, you can safely reuse your Windows 11 key on another device or reinstall it later when needed.
❓ FAQs About Deactivating Windows 11
1. Can I deactivate Windows 11 and reuse the key on another PC?
Yes, if it’s a retail or volume license. OEM licenses are locked to the original device.
2. Will I lose my data after deactivating Windows 11?
No, deactivation doesn’t affect your files or installed apps — it only affects activation status.
3. Can I still use my PC after deactivating Windows 11?
Yes, but you’ll see an activation watermark and lose personalization features.
4. What’s the easiest way to deactivate Windows 11?
Using Command Prompt with slmgr.vbs /upk and slmgr.vbs /cpky is the most reliable method.
5. Do I need to deactivate Windows before reinstalling it?
If you’re using a retail key and plan to reuse it, yes — deactivating first prevents license conflicts.
🧭 Summary: Key Takeaways
- Deactivation removes your Windows 11 product key from the system.
- You can do it via Command Prompt, PowerShell, or Settings.
- Only retail licenses can be transferred between PCs.
- Windows remains functional even when unactivated.
- Reactivate easily later with your valid product key.
By following this guide, you’ll confidently know how to deactivate Windows 11 step-by-step, protect your license, and stay ready for future upgrades or transfers. 🖥️✅