Introduction

When you install a new Microsoft product, such as Windows or Microsoft Office, it often includes a 30-day free trial license. However, once the trial expires, it is not automatically removed. This results in persistent messages like “Most features are disabled” or “Windows is not activated”, even after you enter a valid license key.

Similarly, if you’ve previously activated Windows or Office using a KMS (Key Management Service) license and now want to switch to another product key, you must first remove the existing activation completely. In this guide, we will walk you through the steps to uninstall the trial or KMS license from Windows and Office effectively.

⚠️ Caution:
Before proceeding, please note that uninstalling your license will permanently remove the existing activation from your system. If you do not have a valid product key or activation method ready, your Windows or Office may become unlicensed, and some features may be disabled. Make sure you have a backup of your product key or an alternative activation method before proceeding.

🔹 Uninstall Microsoft Office Trial License or KMS License

Step 1: Open Command Prompt with Admin Rights

  1. Press Win + R, type cmd, and press Ctrl + Shift + Enter.

or run from start menu 

Step 2: Navigate to the Office Installation Directory

The command differs based on your Office version:

cd %ProgramFiles%\Microsoft Office\Office16

OR (for 32-bit Office on 64-bit Windows):

cd %ProgramFiles(x86)%\Microsoft Office\Office16

Replace Office16 with Office15 for Office 2013 or Office14 for Office 2010.

Step 3: Check the Office License Type

Run:

cscript ospp.vbs /dstatus

This will show Product Key Channel (Retail, KMS, Trial, or MAK).

Step 4: Uninstall the Current License

Use the following command:

cscript ospp.vbs /unpkey:XXXXX

Replace XXXXX with the last 5 characters of the product key found in the previous step.

Step 5: Remove KMS Server (if applicable)

To remove KMS settings, run:

cscript ospp.vbs /remhst

Step 6: Restart Your PC

Reboot your system to complete the removal process.

🛠️ Troubleshooting Common Issues

1. Error: “Access Denied” while running commands

  • Ensure you are running Command Prompt as Administrator.

2. Product key does not get removed completely

  • Try running slmgr /upk multiple times and restart the PC.
  • Delete the license cache manually from the registry (HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\SoftwareProtectionPlatform).

3. Office still shows as “Unlicensed” after reinstalling

  • Ensure you have removed the KMS host by running cscript ospp.vbs /remhst.

🔹 Uninstall Microsoft Trial License or KMS License in Windows

Step 1: Open Command Prompt as Administrator

  1. Press Win + R, type cmd, and press Ctrl + Shift + Enter to run it as administrator.

Step 2: Check the Current License Status

Run the following command to view the current licensing details:

slmgr /dli

It will display the License Type (Retail, Volume, KMS, or Trial).

Step 3: Uninstall the Current License

To remove the current product key, run:

slmgr /upk
  • If successful, you should see a message: “Uninstalled product key successfully”.

Step 4: Remove the License from the Registry

Execute this command to clear the license key from the system registry:

slmgr /cpky

Step 5: Remove KMS Server (if applicable)

If your system was activated using a KMS server, you must also remove its configuration:

slmgr /skms localhost

Then, deactivate the KMS key:

slmgr /ckms

Step 6: Restart Your System

Reboot your computer to ensure all changes take effect. Now, your Windows activation is completely removed, and you can enter a new product key.

Conclusion

By following the steps above, you can completely remove a Microsoft trial license or KMS activation from Windows and Office. This allows you to switch to a different product key without activation conflicts. Whether you’re moving from a trial version to a full version or switching from KMS to a retail key, this guide ensures a smooth transition.

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