If you have transitioned to a new volume license key for your software and need to uninstall the old one, it’s essential to follow the correct procedure. This ensures that your system operates without conflicts and that you’re compliant with licensing terms. Below, we’ll outline the steps to effectively uninstall an old volume license key.
Understanding Volume License Keys
Volume License Keys (VLK) are used by organizations to activate software across multiple devices. Managing these keys properly is crucial for software compliance and functionality. When changing licenses, it’s important to uninstall the old key before activating the new one to prevent issues that might arise from overlapping licenses.
Steps to Uninstall Your Old Volume License Key
To uninstall your old volume license key, you typically need to follow these steps:
1. Open Command Prompt with Administrative Privileges
- Press the Windows key, type cmd.
- Right-click on Command Prompt and select Run as administrator.
2. Use the Software Licensing Management Tool
Windows comes with a built-in tool, the Software Licensing Management Tool (slmgr), that can be used to manage volume licenses. To uninstall your old key, enter the following command in the Command Prompt:
slmgr.vbs /upk
This command stands for “Software Licensing Management Script – Uninstall Product Key.” After executing this command, you’ll receive a confirmation message indicating that the old product key has been uninstalled.
3. Verify the Uninstallation
To confirm that the old license key has been successfully removed, you can check the status of your product key. Use this command:
slmgr.vbs /dli
This command displays the current license status and other relevant information. Ensure that the old key is no longer listed.
4. (Optional) Clean Up the License Key
If necessary, you can further clean up by entering:
slmgr.vbs /ckms
This command clears the Key Management Service (KMS) settings. Use it if you previously used KMS file activation, but note that it is optional.
5. Activate Your New Volume License Key
Once the old key is removed, you can proceed to install your new volume license key. Enter this command, replacing “XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX” with your new key:
slmgr.vbs /ipk XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX
After successfully entering the new key, activate it using:
slmgr.vbs /ato
This will complete the activation process.
Conclusion
Uninstalling an old volume license key is a straightforward process that uses built-in Windows tools. By following these steps, you can ensure there are no licensing conflicts on your system. Remember that proper management of your volume licenses not only helps maintain compliance but also ensures smooth software performance. If you encounter any issues or need additional assistance, consulting your IT department or the software vendor can be beneficial.