Windows 11 · Windows

Fix “Your Windows License Will Expire Soon” Error on Windows

Original source date 30 October 2023

Answer

A quick refresh to the system by restarting the Windows Explorer might just be the trick to resolve the license error. Here's a step-by-step guide: Click on the Start Menu, type in "Task Manager", and press Enter.; Within Task Manager, go to the "Processes" tab, find "Windows Explorer", right-click on it and choose Restart.; Now, click on “File” located at the top left corner, and select Run New Task.; In the pop-up, type “explorer.exe” and hit Enter. Voila! Your Windows Explorer service is restarted.

Refresh System via Windows Explorer

License Status Reset

If the error persists, a command to reset the licensing status might do the magic. Here’s how: Head back to the Start Menu, type “CMD”, right-click on Command Prompt and opt for Run as administrator.; In the command window, type slmgr -rearm and press Enter.; This command will prompt a reset of your Windows OS license status.; Now, restart your PC and check if the error message has vanished into thin air. These steps could be your quick fix to the “Your Windows License Will Expire Soon” error, ensuring your workflow remains undisturbed.

Tweak Group Policies

Sometimes, the root cause of the license error could be tied to group policies, particularly around Windows updates. Let's make some adjustments: Click on the Start Menu, type gpedit.msc and hit Enter.; Navigate the pathway: Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Windows Update.; Find the policy named “No auto-restart with logged-on users for scheduled automatic updates installations”, and double-click to open.; Select Enabled, hit Apply, and then OK. This prevents those pesky automatic restarts which could sometimes spark the error message.

Check Activation Status

It's wise to check the activation status of your Windows. An inactive license could be the villain behind the error: Open Windows Settings app.; Head over to Update & Security and then to Activation.; If your Windows license isn’t active, it's time to enter a genuine product key or reach out to Microsoft support for help. These steps aim to address the license error from different angles, ensuring you cover all bases for a smoother user experience.

If it does not work

Why am I seeing the “Your Windows License Will Expire Soon” error on my PC?. The error usually appears when there's an issue with Windows activation or if the system is unable to verify the license. It might be due to outdated license information, group policy configurations, or even Windows Update settings.
How do I restart Windows Explorer to fix the license error?. Restarting Windows Explorer can be done through the Task Manager. Locate 'Windows Explorer', right-click to end task, then go to 'File', select 'Run New Task', type explorer.exe and hit Enter to restart it.
What does the command ‘slmgr -rearm’ do in resolving the license error?. The command slmgr -rearm resets the licensing status of your Windows operating system, which could potentially rectify the license error.
How can group policy settings affect my Windows license status?. Certain group policy settings, particularly around Windows Update, can trigger license-related errors. Adjusting these settings can prevent automatic restarts that might cause the license error to pop up.
How do I check the activation status of my Windows?. To check the activation status, open the Windows Settings app, navigate to 'Update & Security', then to 'Activation'. If your license is inactive, consider entering a genuine product key or contacting Microsoft support.