How to Activate Windows 7 Without a Key

Co-authored by wikiHow Staff

Last Updated: January 12, 2023

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

1
Hit ⊞ Win and enter “Cmd” into the search bar. The Command Prompt program will appear in the search results.
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
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
Restart your computer.
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.

Community Q&A

Question

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

Community Answer

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

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

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.
Question

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

Community Answer

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

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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