Slmgrvbs

slmgr.vbs, short for Software Licensing Management Tool, is a Windows VBScript-based utility used to manage licensing and activation from the command line. It interfaces with the Windows Software Licensing Management Service to perform tasks such as installing product keys, activating installations, rearom, and querying license status. The script is included with Windows and is typically located in the System32 folder (for example, C:\Windows\System32\slmgr.vbs). Administrators usually run it from an elevated command prompt, often preferring the console output by invoking it with the Windows Script Host (for example, using cscript slmgr.vbs … to get textual results).

Common capabilities include displaying license information, activating Windows, installing or uninstalling product keys, and managing activation grace periods. Typical commands shown in documentation are used to: display license information (dli or dlv for basic or verbose output), show the expiration date (xpr), activate online (ato), and manage product keys (ipk to install a key, upk to uninstall, cpky to clear the key from the registry). It can also be used to reset the activation state (rearm) and to configure or clear Key Management Service (KMS) settings, such as slmgr.vbs /skms to set a KMS host or slmgr.vbs /ckms to clear it.

Usage of slmgr.vbs is primarily for IT administrators and advanced users who manage Windows and Office licensing across devices or in volume-licensing environments. While it provides powerful licensing controls, improper use can affect activation status and software compliance. For authoritative guidance, refer to Microsoft’s Windows licensing documentation.