Completely Removing a Digital License from Windows 10

Managing your Windows 10 license can be crucial for maintaining privacy and control over your device. This guide provides comprehensive steps to remove a digital license from your Windows 10 installation, ensuring a clean start while preserving your existing data.

Method 1: Unlink Your Microsoft Account

Unlinking your Microsoft account from Windows 10 is a simple yet effective way to remove the associated digital license without wiping your system. Follow the detailed steps below to proceed:

Open Settings: Click on the Start menu and select the Settings gear icon.

Go to Accounts: Navigate to the Accounts section.

Access Your Info: On the left sidebar, click on Your info.

Sign in with a Local Account: If you are using a Microsoft account and prefer to switch to a local account, click on Sign in with a local account instead and follow the prompts.

Remove the Device from Your Microsoft Account: Go to the Devices section on the Microsoft account website. Sign in with your Microsoft account, find the device you want to remove, and select Remove.

Method 2: Use Command Prompt

If you prefer a more technical approach, you can use the Command Prompt to remove the digital license from Windows 10:

Open Command Prompt as Administrator: Right-click the Start button and select Windows Terminal Admin or Command Prompt Admin.

Run the Uninstallation Command: Enter the following command to uninstall the product key associated with your Windows installation:

slmgr.vbs /upk

Clear the License in the Registry: To further remove the product key from the registry, run the following command:

slmgr.vbs /cpky

Method 3: Reset Windows 10

For users who want a complete reset of their Windows 10 installation, including all settings and files, this method ensures the digital license is removed along with everything else. Follow the steps below:

Open Settings: Click on the Start menu and select Settings.

Go to Update Security: Navigate to the Update Security section.

Select Recovery: On the left sidebar, click on Recovery.

Reset This PC: Under Reset this PC, click on Get started. You will have two options: Keep my files or Remove everything. Choose the option that suits your needs.

Important Notes

Backup Your Data: Before making any changes, ensure that you back up any important files. A complete reset will delete all your files and settings.

Licence Type: If your Windows 10 license is tied to a Microsoft account, unlinking it will remove the digital license from that account.

Reactivation: After removing the license, you may need to enter a new product key if you decide to reinstall or reactivate Windows. This is particularly relevant if you opted to retain your files during the reset process.

By following these steps, you can successfully remove the digital license associated with your Windows 10 installation, ensuring that your device is operating without the constraints of a linked Microsoft account or digital licensing methods.