The “Your Windows License Will Expire Soon” error is a common issue that many Windows 10 users encounter, especially those who have upgraded their system or are using a trial version of Windows.
This error can be frustrating, as it keeps reminding you that your Windows license is about to expire, which may lead to limited functionality or system restrictions.
In this article, we’ll explain what this error means, why it occurs, and how you can fix it.
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What Does the “Your Windows License Will Expire Soon” Error Mean?
The “Your Windows License Will Expire Soon” error indicates that the activation period for your current Windows license is coming to an end.
This means that your version of Windows will soon be deactivated, resulting in restricted features such as personalization options and security updates.
The error message typically appears as a pop-up notification or in the “Activation” section of Windows Settings.
Common Symptoms of the Error:
- A pop-up message appears stating, “Your Windows license will expire soon. You need to activate Windows in Settings.”
- The watermark “Activate Windows” appears on your desktop.
- Limited access to certain features, such as personalization and Windows updates.
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Why Does the “Your Windows License Will Expire Soon” Error Occur?
Several factors can cause this error, including:
- Trial or Temporary License: If you’re using a trial version of Windows or an Enterprise version with a limited license, you’ll receive this error when the license is about to expire.
- Failed Windows Activation: Issues with Windows activation can trigger the error, especially if the activation process was not completed correctly.
- License Key Issues: Using an invalid or expired license key can cause Windows to show the expiration error.
- System Updates: After a major Windows update, the activation status may not sync correctly, leading to the error.
- Hardware Changes: Significant hardware changes (e.g., replacing the motherboard) can cause Windows to think it’s on a new device, resulting in activation issues.
How to Fix Your Windows License Will Expire Soon Error in Windows 10
Solution 1 ⇒ Group Policy Editing
Step 1 ⇒ First open the Start menu.
Step 2 ⇒ Then type Run in the search box and press Enter key.
Step 3 ⇒ Then in the Run window type gpedit.msc and press Enter key.
Step 4 ⇒ Now click on the Computer Configuration tab on the left pane of the dialogue box.
Step 5 ⇒ Click on Administrative Templates, then Windows Components, and then on Windows Update.
Step 6 ⇒ Afterwards navigate for No auto-restart and do double-click on that setting.
Step 7 ⇒ Finally select Enabled on the left pane of the window and Apply.
Solution 2 ⇒ Disable Windows Services
Step 1 ⇒ First open the Start menu.
Step 2 ⇒ Then type Run in the search box and press Enter key.
Step 3 ⇒ Then in the Run window type services.msc and press Enter key.
Step 4 ⇒ A Services window will open, find Windows License Manager Service.
Step 5 ⇒ Then double-click on it to open its properties.
Step 6 ⇒ Then select Disabled in Startup type. Stop running services. Now click on the Apply icon and save the changes.
Step 7 ⇒ Again in the Services Window, locate and double-click on Windows Update. Select Disabled in Startup type. Stop any type of running services. Finally, click on the Apply icon and save the changes.
Solution 3 ⇒ Restart the Windows Explorer Process
Step 1 ⇒ First open the Start menu.
Step 2 ⇒ Then type Task Manager in the search box and press the Enter key.
Step 3 ⇒ In the Task Manager window, click on the Processes tab.
Step 4 ⇒ Locate Windows Explorer, then do a right-click on it and select End Task.
Step 5 ⇒ Now click on File tab and select a New Task.
Step 6 ⇒ In the dialogue box type explorer.exe. Then press the Enter key and wait for a few seconds.
Step 7 ⇒ The Next steps include the use of Command Prompt. In the command prompt window, type slmgr –rearm (after slmgr there is a space and don’t forget that).
Step 8 ⇒ Finally press the Enter key and reboot your operating system.
Solution 4 ⇒ Modify Registry
Step 1 ⇒ First open the Start menu.
Step 2 ⇒ Then type run in the search box and press the Enter key.
Step 3 ⇒ Then in the Run window type regedit and click OK.
Step 4 ⇒ In the Registry Editor, click on the File tab and select Export.
Step 5 ⇒ Now enter the file name whatever you want, choose a location, select All in the Export range, and Save the changes.
Step 6 ⇒ Final steps will be done with the help of Command Prompt. In the command prompt window, type:
reg add "HKLM\Software\Policies\Microsoft\WindowsNT\CurrentVersion\Software\Protection Platform" /v NoGenTicket /t REG_DWORD / d 1 /f
Solution 5 ⇒ With the Help of Product Key
Step 1 ⇒ First open the Start menu.
Step 2 ⇒ Then type PowerShell in the search box and afterward press the Enter key.
Step 3 ⇒ Then in the PowerShell window type PowerShell “(Get-WmiObject –query ‘select * from SoftareLicensingService’).OA3xOriginalProductKey” and click OK.
Step 4 ⇒ Note down or copy the product key safely.
Step 5 ⇒ First open the Start menu.
Step 6 ⇒ Then type Settings app in the search box and afterward press the Enter key.
Step 7 ⇒ Locate and click on the Update & Security section.
Step 8 ⇒ Select the Activation tab on the left pane of the window. Now click on the Change Product Key.
Step 9 ⇒ Finally either type or paste the product key and click on the Next icon.
How to Prevent the “Your Windows License Will Expire Soon” Error
- Use a Genuine Product Key: Always activate Windows using a valid product key purchased from a trusted source.
- Avoid Unofficial or Cracked Versions: Using unauthorized copies of Windows can result in activation issues and errors.
- Keep Your System Updated: Regularly update Windows to avoid activation problems caused by outdated software.
- Link Your Digital License to Your Microsoft Account: This makes it easier to reactivate Windows if you make hardware changes.
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Conclusion
The “Your Windows License Will Expire Soon” error can be annoying, but it’s usually fixable with the methods outlined above.
Start with basic troubleshooting steps like checking your activation status or using the Command Prompt, and if necessary, proceed to more advanced solutions like disabling the License Manager service or contacting Microsoft Support.
FAQs About the “Your Windows License Will Expire Soon” Error
1. What does the “Your Windows license will expire soon” error mean?
This error means that your current Windows license is about to expire, and you need to reactivate Windows using a valid product key.
2. How do I fix the Windows license expiration error?
You can fix the error by reactivating Windows using a valid product key, extending the activation period using the Command Prompt, or troubleshooting the activation process.
3. Can I ignore the “Your Windows license will expire soon” error?
No, ignoring this error may result in limited functionality, such as restricted personalization options and access to security updates.
4. Why does my Windows license expire?
Your Windows license may expire if you’re using a trial version, a temporary license, or if there’s an issue with your activation process.
5. Will my data be lost if my Windows license expires?
No, your data won’t be lost, but you’ll experience limited access to certain features until you reactivate Windows.
6. Can I extend the activation period without a product key?
Yes, you can use the “slmgr -rearm” command to extend the activation period up to three times, but this is only a temporary solution.
7. Do I need to purchase a new product key if my license expires?
If you already have a genuine product key, you can use it to reactivate Windows. If not, you’ll need to purchase a new key.
8. Will updating Windows resolve the license expiration error?
Updating Windows may resolve the issue if it’s caused by a glitch or system bug, but it won’t fix an expired or invalid license.
9. Can hardware changes cause the license to expire?
Yes, significant hardware changes, such as replacing the motherboard, can cause Windows to think it’s on a new device, resulting in activation issues.
10. Should I contact Microsoft Support for help with the error?
Yes, if the error persists after trying the troubleshooting methods, contacting Microsoft Support can help you resolve activation issues.
