How to Check If a Windows 11 Key Has Already Been Used

If you're trying to see whether a Windows 11 key has already been activated, it's crucial to follow the correct steps to verify your key is legit and no one else has activated it. This article will explain how to check if your Windows 11 key is activated and give you suggestions for how to avoid reusing Windows 11 product keys.

Check the Activation Status of Your Windows 11 Key

Before you’re able to determine whether or not your key has already been used, you have to check the key status as far as activations go. You can achieve that by following this simple guide:

1. Open the Start menu, and then click Settings.

2. On the Settings window, click Update & Security.

3. In the left menu, select Activation.

4. Check the activation status of your copy of Windows 11. If it reads "Activated," your key is already being used. If you see “Not activated,” your key hasn’t been used.

How to Check if Your Windows 11 Key is Genuine

Here’s how to see if your Windows 11 product key is legitimate:

1. Look for the packaging for your Windows 11 key. An authentic key will typically have a holographic sticker or label which is very difficult to replicate.

2. Check where your Windows 11 key came from. Be sure to buy your key from a trusted seller or from Microsoft directly.

3. Use Microsoft's online verification tool. You can submit your key to Microsoft’s website to see if it is authentic.

How to Avoid Using the Same Windows 11 Product Key Twice

So, what can you do to avoid using the same key twice on Windows 11?

1. Keep your key secure. CAN’T SHARE COMMAND means: do not give your key to others, because it might be used on more than one device.

2. Buy your key from someone you trust. Do not get your keys from random reseller or site to minimize chances that you get a key which has been already activated.

3. Use a key only once. If you activated your windows 11 key free on a device, be sure to not try to use the same key on another device to avoid key failure, as the software will detect the duplicate use.

Make Sure Your Windows 11 Key Has Not Been Activated Already

You can double-check to see if your cheap windows 11 key has already been activated by following these steps:

1. Perform the same actions from the previous steps in order to check if your key was activated.

2. Contact Microsoft support. If you think your key has been used behind your back, you can contact Microsoft to help you solve the case.