How to Check If Your PC Has a Windows 11 License in BIOS
When you buy a computer, especially one with Windows pre-installed, the Windows license might be stored in the system’s BIOS or UEFI firmware. This means Windows can automatically activate when installed, without needing you to manually enter a product key. Here’s a detailed look at how it works and how to check it.
1. Understanding BIOS-Embedded Licenses
Microsoft partners like HP, Dell, and Lenovo often include OEM digital licenses in the BIOS. These licenses are specific to the edition of Windows the device originally shipped with — typically Windows 10/11 Home or Pro.
- Laptops: Nearly all modern laptops come with a digital license embedded in BIOS.
- Desktops: Many pre-built desktops do too, but custom-built PCs or older models may not.
- Custom PCs: If you built your own computer, the motherboard probably doesn’t have a digital license unless it came from an OEM vendor.
When Windows setup runs, it reads the BIOS for a stored product key and automatically activates that edition. If the license in BIOS is for Windows 11 Home, the system will install Home — even if you’re trying to install Pro, unless you override it.
2. Why BIOS Licenses Matter
A BIOS-embedded license is a hardware-bound digital entitlement.
Here’s what that means:
- The license is tied to your motherboard. Replacing the motherboard typically invalidates activation.
- You don’t need to enter a key when reinstalling Windows.
- Windows will automatically activate when connected to the internet.
- You can’t transfer this license to another computer.
If you replace major components (like the motherboard), Windows might ask for reactivation. In some cases, Microsoft Support can help revalidate it, but that depends on your license type.
3. How to Check for a BIOS-Stored License
You can check for a Windows license embedded in your BIOS or UEFI using several methods:
A. Using PowerShell
Run this command in PowerShell:
(Get-WmiObject -query 'select * from SoftwareLicensingService').OA3xOriginalProductKey
If your computer has an embedded license, it will display the product key.
If it’s blank, then your device doesn’t have one stored in the BIOS.
B. Using Command Prompt
You can also use this command:
wmic path softwarelicensingservice get OA3xOriginalProductKey
It performs the same check. If a key is present, Windows will read it automatically during installation.
C. Using a Third-Party Tool
Apps like ShowKeyPlus or ProduKey can reveal:
- The BIOS-embedded key
- The installed key
- The activation type (OEM, Retail, or Volume)
4. Common Scenarios
Scenario 1: HP or Dell Desktops Installing the Wrong Edition
Sometimes, systems with BIOS keys for Windows Home will auto-install Home even if you want Pro.
Fix: Create a small text file named ei.cfg in your installation media’s sources folder and include:
[EditionID]
Professional
[Channel]
Retail
This forces the Windows installer to ignore the BIOS key and install Pro instead.
Scenario 2: Reinstalling Windows After Replacing Hardware
If you replaced your motherboard, your BIOS license might not transfer. You’ll need:
- A retail license key, or
- To reactivate using your Microsoft account (if linked before hardware changes).
Scenario 3: Installing Windows on a Custom-Built PC
If your motherboard doesn’t have a license embedded, you’ll need to enter:
- A retail product key, or
- Sign in with a Microsoft account that already has a digital license tied to that PC.
5. Activation and License Types
| License Type | Description | Transferable? |
|---|---|---|
| OEM | Pre-installed on laptops and desktops from manufacturers | ❌ No |
| Retail | Purchased directly from Microsoft or a store | ✅ Yes |
| Volume (MAK/KMS) | Used by businesses and enterprises | ⚙️ Depends on setup |
To check your current activation type:
slmgr /dli
This shows whether your license is OEM, Retail, or Volume.
6. Troubleshooting Activation Issues
If Windows doesn’t activate automatically after reinstalling:
- Ensure you’re connected to the internet.
- Go to Settings > System > Activation.
- Click Troubleshoot if activation fails.
- If prompted, sign in with your Microsoft account to restore digital entitlement.
You can also check the activation status using PowerShell:
Get-WmiObject -query 'select * from SoftwareLicensingProduct where PartialProductKey is not null'
7. Key Takeaways
- BIOS-stored licenses make reinstallation and activation easier.
- They’re tied to the device and not transferable.
- You can view the key using PowerShell or Command Prompt.
- If you’re reinstalling or upgrading, be aware of edition mismatches (Home vs. Pro).
- For custom PCs, buy a retail license or link a digital license via Microsoft account.
In short:
If your PC came with Windows pre-installed, it likely has a license in the BIOS. Use PowerShell or CMD to confirm. This ensures Windows will activate automatically whenever you reinstall the same edition on the same hardware.
