How to Check if Your Windows License Is Retail, OEM, or Volume

Windows licenses come in different types, including Retail, OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer), and Volume licenses. Each type determines how Windows can be activated, transferred, or reused. For example, a Retail license can be transferred to another PC, while an OEM license is typically tied to the original hardware.

Knowing your Windows license type is important if you are upgrading hardware, reinstalling Windows, transferring your license to a new device, or troubleshooting activation issues. Windows 11 does not directly display the license type in the Settings app, but you can easily check it using built-in command-line tools.

This guide explains how to check if your Windows license is Retail, OEM, or Volume using simple and reliable methods.

How to Check if Your Windows License Is Retail, OEM, or Volume

Follow the steps below to identify your Windows license type.

1. Use Command Prompt to Check License Type

The easiest method is using the built-in licensing script.

1. Press Windows + S.
2. Type Command Prompt.
3. Right-click it and select Run as administrator.
4. In the Command Prompt window, type: slmgr /dli
5. Press Enter.
6. Wait for the Windows Script Host dialog to appear.

Look for the line labeled Description. It will show one of the following:

1. Retail channel – Transferable license purchased separately.
2. OEM channel – Preinstalled license tied to hardware.
3. Volume channel – Enterprise or organizational license.

This command provides basic license information.

2. Use Detailed License Information Command

For more detailed information:

1. Open Command Prompt as administrator.
2. Type: slmgr /dlv
3. Press Enter.
4. Review the detailed license information window.

The Description field will again indicate Retail, OEM, or Volume.

This command also shows activation status and product key channel.

3. Check Activation Status in Settings

While Settings does not show the license type directly, it confirms activation.

1. Open Settings.
2. Go to System.
3. Click Activation.
4. Check the activation status.

This confirms whether Windows is properly activated.

4. Understand License Types

Once identified, here is what each license means:

Retail License

1. Purchased separately from Microsoft or authorized sellers.
2. Can be transferred to another PC.
3. Requires deactivation on the old device before reuse.

Retail licenses offer the most flexibility.

OEM License

1. Preinstalled by the PC manufacturer.
2. Tied to the original motherboard.
3. Cannot be legally transferred to another PC.

OEM licenses are common on branded laptops and desktops.

Volume License

1. Used by organizations and enterprises.
2. Activated through KMS or MAK.
3. Managed by an IT administrator.

Volume licenses are not intended for personal transfer.

5. Check If License Is Linked to Microsoft Account

If you have a Retail license:

1. Open Settings.
2. Go to System > Activation.
3. Look for Windows is activated with a digital license linked to your Microsoft account.

Linking the license makes reactivation easier after hardware changes.

6. Verify After Hardware Changes

If you recently changed hardware:

1. Open Settings.
2. Go to Activation.
3. Select Troubleshoot if activation fails.
4. Follow on-screen instructions.

Retail licenses can be reactivated on new hardware.

Final Thoughts

Checking whether your Windows license is Retail, OEM, or Volume is important for understanding transfer rights and activation limitations. The easiest method is using the slmgr /dli or slmgr /dlv command in Command Prompt, which clearly shows the license channel.