Command Prompt is the primary command-line interpreter in most versions of the Windows operating system. Windows PowerShell, on the other hand, is a more advanced command-line tool that comes bundled with recent versions of Windows alongside Command Prompt.
In this guide, we’re going to share a few useful Command Prompt commands that help you learn more about your Windows operating system. These commands allow you to check details such as your license type, product key, Windows version, and activation expiry.
To use most of these commands, make sure you open Command Prompt as an administrator. Once you’re ready, let’s dive in.
Useful Command Prompt Commands to Check Windows System Details
Below are four important Command Prompt commands that can help you understand your Windows system better.
1. Check Whether You’re Using a Retail, OEM, or Volume License
If you want to find out whether your Windows installation is activated using a Retail key, OEM key, or Volume license, you can do so easily using Command Prompt.
Open Command Prompt as an administrator and run the following command:
slmgr /dli
This command will display the license information, including the type of product key your system is using.
2. How to Find Your Windows Product Key
If your Windows system is activated using a Retail product key, you can reuse that key on another computer. In such cases, knowing your product key becomes important.
To retrieve your Windows product key, run this command in Command Prompt (Admin):
wmic path softwarelicensingservice get OA3xOriginalProductKey
If a retail key is stored on your system, it will be displayed on the screen.
3. Check Detailed Information About Your Windows Version
To view detailed information about your Windows version, including the build number and OS edition, you can use the winver command.
Simply type the following command and press Enter:
winver
A new window will open showing your Windows version, OS build number, and edition.
4. Check Windows Activation Expiry Date
Windows may come with an expiry date if you’re using an Insider Preview build, organization-based activation, or a trial version of Windows.
To check whether your Windows activation has an expiry date, run this command:
slmgr /xpr
This command will show whether your Windows license is permanently activated or if it has an expiration date.
Conclusion
These are a few important Command Prompt commands that every Windows user should know. They help you quickly check license details, product keys, system version information, and activation status without relying on third-party tools.
If you frequently troubleshoot Windows issues or like to understand your system better, these commands are definitely worth remembering.
