How to Check Windows License Type (Retail, OEM, or Volume)

Have you ever seen words like Retail, OEM, or Volume related to your Windows license and thought—what does that even mean?

You’re not alone. Many of us just run or install the Windows without thinking too much about the license type. But surprisingly you can save yourself some time and hassle, and know whether (and which) type of Windows product key you have, a Retail, OEM, or Volume license.

Today, I’m going to show you how you can check Windows license type on your system in the easiest possible way. No technical terminology, no complex process — just a simple formula anyone can use.

Let’s jump in and see what license your Windows is running on!

Key differences between Retail, OEM, and Volume licenses    

Windows license types aren’t created equal. So, you need to know before check Windows license type. Retail licenses are transferable and come with Microsoft support, whereas OEM licenses are attached to the hardware on which they are first installed. Volume licenses are for companies and organization that have multiple installations; they are easier to manage and have minimum purchase requirements. Each type significantly impacts your upgrade path, hardware flexibility, and wallet.

How license type affects your upgrade options

Your Windows license type directly controls your upgrade freedom. Retail licenses give you the most flexibility, allowing upgrades to newer Windows versions without restrictions. OEM licenses might limit upgrade paths or require purchasing entirely new licenses. Volume licenses typically follow your organization’s agreement terms, with upgrades available during active Software Assurance periods.

Impact on transferability to new hardware

Retail licenses shine when it comes to hardware changes – you can deactivate and move them to a new computer whenever needed. OEM licenses are permanently tied to the first computer they’re installed on, becoming useless if that hardware fails. Volume licenses follow specific agreement rules, generally allowing reassignment within organizational boundaries but with timing restrictions.

Price variations between license types

Retail licenses cost the most upfront but offer maximum flexibility and complete ownership. OEM licenses come significantly cheaper but sacrifice transferability rights. Volume licenses typically offer per-unit discounts based on quantity, making them cost-effective for organizations deploying Windows across multiple machines, though they require initial minimum purchases.

Support limitations based on license type

The support experience varies dramatically between license types. Retail licenses come with direct Microsoft support for both software and activation issues. OEM license support falls to your computer manufacturer, often resulting in shorter support periods. Volume license support depends on your agreement level, potentially including dedicated account managers and priority technical assistance for enterprise customers.

How to Check Windows License Type on Your PC

Let’s now see how to check Windows license type using a simple command.

This works on Windows 10 and Windows 11.

Step-by-Step:

Step 1: Open Command Prompt as Administrator

1. Click on the Start Menu (or hit the Windows key).
2. Type: cmd
3. Right-click on Command Prompt, and choose Run as administrator

Step 2: Run the Command

Once the black window opens, type the following and press Enter: slmgr /dli 

Step 3: Read the Output

After a few seconds, a small popup window will appear. Look for this line:“Retail Channel”
“OEM_DM Channel”
“Volume_MAK Channel” or “Volume_KMS Channel”

That’s your answer!

What the Results Mean after check Windows license type:

Retail Channel

You have a Retail license. Good news! You can transfer it to another PC if needed.

OEM_DM Channel

That’s an OEM license. It came with your device and can’t be used on another computer.

Volume_MAK / Volume_KMS Channel

This means your Windows is using a Volume license. Most likely from a company, school, or unofficial seller. If you’re a home user and see this, that’s a red flag.

Important Note: Some unofficial sellers offer cheap Windows keys that are actually Volume licenses. These might stop working if Microsoft blocks them.

Here’s a quick video tutorial where I show you exactly how to check Windows license type step by step

Prefer PowerShell? You Can Use That Too

If you prefer using PowerShell over Command Prompt,you can check Windows license type from there as well! Simply open up PowerShell as an administrator, and run the exact same command: slmgr /dli. It’ll function the same way and it’ll tell you if your Windows license is Retail, OEM, or Volume. Thus, whether you like Command Prompt or PowerShell, the end result will be just fine for work either way.

Before running the license check command, it’s a good idea to know what version and build of Windows you’re using.

Third-Party Tools to check Windows license type

Sick of doing this via the command line? Third-party tools such as ShowKeyPlus, LicenseCrawler and Magical Jelly Bean Keyfinder take the hard work out to check Windows license type. These easy-to-use applications provide users with immediate access to their Windows license type, activation status, and product key, with just the click of a button – users can jump straight to what they need without having to click through multiple menus or constantly wondering what their license or product key is.   

Thinking about upgrading your PC or switching hardware? Make sure you know your computer processor generation first—it can affect compatibility and performance.

Final Thought

With a single, simple command, you’ve learned how to check windows license type whether it is Retail, OEM, or Volume, without using third party software, or being a tech mastermind!

I would highly suggest users to go with a Retail license if you’re purchasing Windows for long-term use. It gives you the flexibility to move between PCs and saves you future headaches.

Hope this guide was helpful! If you have any questions, leave them in the comments.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)