Windows License Will Expire Soon? 7 Ways to Fix It

Several Windows 10 users have been getting an error message that states “Your Windows license will expire soon. You need to activate Windows in Settings.” This can be quite annoying especially if you already own an activated version of the operating system. In this latest installment of our troubleshooting series we will show you how to fix this particular problem.

What to do when you get the Your Windows License Will Expire Soon Error

Before performing any of the recommended troubleshooting steps listed below it’s best to restart your computer and router first. This action refreshes the operating system and remove any corrupt temporary data that could be causing the problem.

1. Check your computer time and date settings

windows license will expire soon

Try to make sure that your computer has the correct time and date as this will fix most common computer issues.

  • Type Data and Time in the search box and choose Change the date and time
  • Turn on Set time automatically and Set time zone automatically under Date and time. This change will get you the best date/region settings.
  • Click on the Sync Now button
  • Restart your computer.

Check if the Windows license will expire soon problem still occurs.

2. Reset the trial timer

Reset the trial timer

This will only apply to windows 10 users with the trial version of the operating system. Has the trial period of your Windows 10 ended? If you are not ready to purchase it yet then you can reset the timer by following the steps listed below.

  • Open a command prompt. Type cmd in the search bar and click OK.
  • Type “slmgr –rearm” on the command prompt then hit enter key.This can only be done three times.

You can further prolong the trial use by making changes with the registry editor once the above steps no longer works.

  • Open the registry editor. Type regedit in the search bar and click the OK.
  • Go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE, SOFTWARE, Microsoft, Windows NT, CurrentVersion, and SL.
  • Locate the SkipRearm
  • Right-click the key and choose the Modify
  • Input 1 in the box under Value data and then click the OK

Check if the Your Windows License Will Expire Soon Error still occurs.

3. Disable Windows License Management Services and Windows Update

Disable Windows License Management Services and Windows Update

If the error message keeps popping up on your computer screen then you can disable these two services.

  • Press Windows Key + R and enter services.msc. Press Enter or click OK
  • When Services window opens, locate Windows License Manager Service and double click it to open its Properties.
  • Set the Startup type to Disabled. If the service is running, click the Stop button to stop it.
  • Click Apply and OK to save changes.
  • Locate Windows Update service and double click it to open its properties. Stop the service and set its Startup type to Disabled.
  • Restart your computer.

Try to check if the Windows license will expire soon error still occurs.

4. Use the Microsoft Activation Troubleshooter

Use the Microsoft Activation Troubleshooter

If the Windows 10 operating system installed in your computer has been activated but you are getting this error then you should try to use the Microsoft Activation Troubleshooter tool.

  • Hit the Windows key on the keyboard and then select the Settings button.
  • Choose Update & security and Activation.
  • Click the Troubleshoot button to launch Activation Troubleshooter.
  • Wait for this tool to detect the problems automatically and fix necessary settings accordingly.
  • After the troubleshooting is finished click the Close button.

Check if the activation issue still occurs.

5. Check the product key

Check the product key

Sometimes the problem can be caused by a glitch in applying the product key. To fix this you should follow the steps listed below.

  • Run Command Prompt as an administrator. Type Command Prompt in the  search box then choose the first searching result and right-click it to choose Run as administrator.
  • At the command prompt window  type “wmic path SoftwareLicensingService get OA3xOriginalProductKey” command and then hit the Enter key on the keyboard.
  • Write down your operating system’s product key that is being displayed.
  • Press the Windows key and the I key on the keyboard simultaneously to open the Settings app.
  • Choose Update & security.
  • Click the Activation option on the left side, and then click the Change product key.
  • Type the product key that you saved
  • Click the Next Button.

Check if you are still experiencing any Windows 10 licensing problems.

6. Change your Group Policy

Change your Group Policy

Several Windows 10 users who have experienced this problem say that changing the computer group policy can fix the problem.

  • Open the Local Group Policy Editor. Press Windows Key + R and enter gpedit.msc. Press Enter or click OK.
  • Navigate to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Windows Update.
  • Double click on No auto-restart with logged on users for scheduled automatic updates installations.
  • Select Enabled and click on the Apply and OK buttons to save changes.

Restart your computer then check if the Windows 10 will expire soon error still occurs.

7. Perform a system restore

Perform a system restore

The system restore allows you to undo any system changes that could be causing the problem.

  • Search for Create a restore point on the search bar and click the top result to open the System Properties experience.
  • Under the “System Protection section, select the “System Restore” button.
  • Click the Next button.
  • Select the restore point that you want to use on your computer.
  • Click the Scan for affected programs button to understand the apps that will no longer be available because they’re added after the creation of the restore point.
  • Click the Close button.
  • Click the Next button.
  • Click the Finish button
  • Once you complete the steps, System Restore will return your computer to a previous working state.

Check if the Windows license still occurs.

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