Can I legally use Windows deactivated? If yes, how do I deactivate an already activated system?

Question

Can I legally use Windows deactivated? If yes, how do I deactivate an already activated system?

Anonymous

Explaining my problem briefly:

About a year ago I bought a new computer with a Linux distribution, thinking I could format it and install Windows 11, and that's what I did. The problem, however, is that I decided to activate it, searched for something like "how to activate windows for free" and stupidly followed some steps to activate it via Command Prompt and something called KMS (I think). But recently I realized through some research and thinking that this type of activation is illegal, and I don't pretend to keep engaged in piracy. Then I tried to remove the license, using the CMD again (and the following commands: slmgr /upk, slmgr /cpky, slmgr /rearm), considering the download of the ISO is free, so it shouldn't be a problem to use Windows as long as I don't try to get something priced for free... Now the problem is that after removing the license, it returns and activates the system without my will. My final questions, more precisely, are basically two: 1) Can I really just remove the license and keeping using Windows with no activation at all, or should I format my computer and reinstall to use it? 2) If I can just remove the license, how do I do that permanently?

Locked Question. This question was migrated from the Microsoft Support Community. You can vote on whether it's helpful, but you can't add comments or replies or follow the question.

0 comments

Answer accepted by question author

0 additional answers

Answer 1

Hi, I am an Independent Advisor.

Let me help you with this issue.

I understand you want to know about using Windows without activation

You can use Windows 11 without activating it, but it comes with limitations. For example, there will be a watermark on the screen saying "Activate Windows," and some personalization features like changing the wallpaper may be disabled. However, the system itself will continue to work, and you won't face major usage restrictions. That said, Windows is designed to eventually remind you more frequently to activate, but you can continue using it legally in this unactivated state.

About permanently removing the KMS license.

The issue you're facing is likely because the KMS server continues to reactivate your Windows installation after removal. Here's how you can permanently resolve this.

A reformat might be a safer option to fully reset your system and remove any traces of the unauthorized activation method.

This is the cleanest and most foolproof way to ensure no remnants of the KMS activation remain on your system. When reinstalling, skip the activation step, and Windows will run in its unactivated state.