How to Activate Windows 7 Without a Product Key

Start your computer in Windows 7 in minutes

Co-authored by Scott St Gelais

Last Updated: December 15, 2024

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.

Activating Windows 7

Hit the ⊞ Win key, enter "Cmd" in the search bar, and right click on the Command Prompt program. Select "Run as Administrator" and type "slmgr -rearm" into the window that opens. Hit enter, then restart your computer. Your activation period should then reset to 30 days.

Steps

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The Command Prompt program will appear in the search results.
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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A script will run and after a few moments you will be prompted to restart your computer.
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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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Can I again start an antivirus program after the installation of this software?

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

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

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

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

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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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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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