I want to verify if my computer has a factory-loaded OEM version

Question

Nishantha 5

I want to verify if my computer has a factory-loaded OEM version of Windows 11. Please explain how I can check this.

ApexNáV 380 Reputation points

2026-10-02T11:45:46.75+00:00

You are going to buy laptop with OEM loaded windows and want to confirm it?
Nishantha 5 Reputation points

2026-10-02T14:38:55.3466667+00:00

Yea pls..
ApexNáV 380 Reputation points

2026-10-02T14:54:32+00:00

Before buying the laptop, if you are purchasing it offline, ask the seller for the exact model number and verify on the manufacturer’s official specifications page that it comes with Windows 11 Home or Pro preinstalled.

If you are purchasing online, check the product description for an entry such as “Operating System: Windows 11 Home” or “Windows 11 Home preinstalled.”

If Windows is listed as preinstalled by the manufacturer or authorized seller, it should normally include an OEM digital license and activate automatically when you set up the laptop and connect it to the internet.
Neil D 34,340 Reputation points Volunteer Moderator

2026-10-02T15:17:15.7633333+00:00

Just to confirm. The OEM reference is for the licence. The edition of windows (Home or Pro) is no different than if you installed windows and bought your own retail licence.

The difference between the two licences is that OEM stays with the device it was provided on. A retail licence has transfer rights to a new device should you decide to buy new hardware and install windows yourself.

1 answer

ApexNáV 380 Reputation points

2026-10-02T11:45:46.75+00:00

You are going to buy laptop with OEM loaded windows and want to confirm it?
Nishantha 5 Reputation points

2026-10-02T14:38:55.3466667+00:00

Yea pls..
ApexNáV 380 Reputation points

2026-10-02T14:54:32+00:00

Before buying the laptop, if you are purchasing it offline, ask the seller for the exact model number and verify on the manufacturer’s official specifications page that it comes with Windows 11 Home or Pro preinstalled.

If you are purchasing online, check the product description for an entry such as “Operating System: Windows 11 Home” or “Windows 11 Home preinstalled.”

If Windows is listed as preinstalled by the manufacturer or authorized seller, it should normally include an OEM digital license and activate automatically when you set up the laptop and connect it to the internet.
Neil D 34,340 Reputation points Volunteer Moderator

2026-10-02T15:17:15.7633333+00:00

Just to confirm. The OEM reference is for the licence. The edition of windows (Home or Pro) is no different than if you installed windows and bought your own retail licence.

The difference between the two licences is that OEM stays with the device it was provided on. A retail licence has transfer rights to a new device should you decide to buy new hardware and install windows yourself.

Answer 1

DaveM121 936.6K Independent Advisor

1

Click your Start Button, type cmd then right click Command Prompt and choose 'Run as Administrator'

Run or paste this command and hit Enter:

slmgr.vbs /dlv

Please post a screenshot of the resulting dialog

2

Download the free ShowKeyPlus app from the Microsoft Store.

Please provide a screenshot of that app window and please hide any product key in the screenshot.

Nishantha 5 Reputation points

2026-10-02T14:40:54.95+00:00
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DaveM121 936.6K Reputation points Independent Advisor

2026-10-02T14:45:30.53+00:00

Sorry, I just saw your screenshot.

Your screenshot indicates there is a PC manufacturers OEM Windows licence stored on the motherboard, you do not need to worry about the Windows licence, if you ever need to reinstall Windows, it will activate automatically without the need for a product key.