How to Deactivate Windows 11 Activation Key

This post shows students and new users how to deactivate and uninstall Windows 11 activation key.

You can install and use Windows once activated using a genuine product activation key from Microsoft. The key is yours and attached to the computer you activated it on.

However, you also have the option to deactivate and uninstall the product key on the computer and transfer it to another PC or simply remove the product key and sell or give away the PC without its Windows product key.

Remember that uninstalling the product key on a Windows 11 PC will not remove the digital license on Microsoft activation servers. If you try to reactivate the license key on another PC, you may have to call via phone if the re-activation fails.

You may want to remove or deactivate your computer’s Windows 11 license key for several reasons. Firstly, you may want to transfer the license key to another computer.

By deactivating the key on the current computer, you can then reactivate it on the new computer without having to purchase a new product key. Secondly, you may want to sell or give away your computer without the Windows license key.

Removing the license key ensures that the new owner cannot access your personal information or files. Lastly, deactivating the license key can also be useful if you are experiencing activation issues or errors.

By removing the key and then reactivating it, you may be able to resolve any activation-related problems.

It would be best to be signed in as an administrator to uninstall or deactivate the product key.

To do that, click the Start button, then search for and open the Command Prompt app as administrator.

Once the Command Prompt app opens, run the commands below to deactivate Windows 11.

slmgr /upk

Press Enter to confirm and deactivate.

Once the key is uninstalled and Windows is deactivated, you should see a message similar to the one below.

Next, run the commands below to clear the product key from the registry.

slmgr /cpky

Once the product key is removed, you should get a message similar to the one below that Windows is not activated.

That should do it!

Conclusion:

• Deactivating and uninstalling the Windows 11 product key allows for the key to be transferred to another computer.
• It helps ensure privacy by removing personal information by selling or giving away your computer.
• Removing the product key can resolve activation issues or errors you might encounter.
• Always ensure you’re signed in as an administrator before deactivating the product key.
• Following the correct procedures in Command Prompt is essential for successful deactivation.