Slmgr is not recognized as an internal or external command – Fix

Want to fix “Slmgr is not recognized as an internal or external command”?. This article gives the solution to this problem. You can apply the same procedure for any command error which is not recognized as an internal or external command”.

If you want to convert not genuine windows to genuine, you need to read This copy of windows is not genuine: easy solution.

While using the command “SLMGR -REARM” mentioned in the above article, you may get the error “slmgr is not recognized as an internal or external command“. Or any other error same as the above error message.

There are lots of reasons for this error. This article may cover all the reasons and their solutions.

slmgr is not recognized as an internal or external command – Reasons & How to fix

The following are the reasons for slmgr is not recognized as an internal or external command. You will also get the solution for that reason.

1. Reason: There might be a spelling mistake.

Solution: Make sure there is a space between “SLMGR” and “-REARM”.

2. Reason: You might not open Command Prompt as Administrator.

Solution: Right-click on “CMD” and select “Run as Administrator”.

Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
type cd \ and press enter.
type cd windows\system32 and press enter.
Now you will see C:\windows\system32>.

Now use a command

C:\windows\system32>SLMGR -REARM

3 Reason: The command does not work

Solution: Just try “SLMGR /REARM” instead “SLMGR -REARM”.

4. Reason:  slmgr.vbs file might have any other extension.

Solution: You need to remove the extension by renaming the file. For that follow below procedure.

  • Go to My computer
  • Go to the “C” drive.
  • Select the folder “Windows”.
  • Select the folder “System32”.
  • Scroll down until “slmgr.vbs.REMOVEWAT”. Right-click on it and rename it to “slmgr.vbs”.
  • If you don’t find the “REMOVEWAT” extension, remove any other extension at the end of slmgr.vbs.

Caution: Don’t buy Windows OS from any other third-party eCommerce store. Because if you get any issue, you need to contact your vendor. Microsoft support will help you when you buy Windows OS from the Microsoft store only. I strongly recommend you to buy Microsoft products only from the Microsoft store.

Note: When you try “SLMGR -REARM” command for more than three times. You might get the error “0xc004d307 to maximize allowed re-arms”. Let us see how to fix error 0xc004d307.

How to fix Error 0xc004d307?

After using the command SLMGR -REARM three times, the “SkipRearm” registry key will become “0”.You need to change the “SkipRearm” registry key to “1”. You can find “SkipRearm” by going into the following location from the “Registry Editor”.

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE/SOFTWARE/Microsoft/Windows NT/CurrentVersion/SoftwareProtectionPlatform

Video Tutorial

We provided this article in the form of a video tutorial for our reader’s convenience. If you are interested in reading, you can skip the video for now and continue reading the article.

Follow below step by step procedure to go into the above place.

  • Press “Windows + R” you will see the Run dialog. Or Go to Start, click Run.
  • Type “Regedit”. Click Ok. You will see the Registry editor window.
  • Click on the Arrow mark which is left to “HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE”.
  • Click on the arrow mark which is left to “SOFTWARE”.
  • Click on the arrow mark which is left to “Microsoft”.
  • Click on the arrow mark which is left to “Windows NT”.
  • Click on the arrow mark which is left to “CurrentVersion”.
  • Now click on the word “SoftwareProtectionPlatform”, not on the arrow mark.
  • Right-click on “SkipRearm” in the right window.
  • Click on “Modify”. Change “Value Data” to “1”.
  • Restart PC.

Now you can try the command SLMGR -REARM.

Final Word

When you follow the above methods properly, you will not see any errors in the future. You can use your OS forever but without updates.

Remember, Always hackers attack older versions of OS and software on your computer to place malware and to hack your details. I always recommend you use the latest versions of OS and any software. Then only your computer will be free from viruses and your details will be safe. It is best to buy Genuine Windows OS from Microsoft Store.

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Frequently Asked Questions:

How do I open CMD EXE with administrator privileges?

Press the Windows key on the keyboard to enter the start screen.
Type Command Prompt. You will see Command prompt word in the search results.
Right-click on Command Prompt. You will see five options.
Click Run as Administrator. Now you will see the elevated command prompt with full administrator privileges.

What is an internal or external command?

In MS-DOS, the commands are executed in two ways: internally and externally.
An internal command is embedded into the command.com file.
An external command requires a separate file to operate.

What does Slmgr stand for?

Windows Software Licensing Management Tool.

How many times can you use Slmgr rearm?

You can use this command up to 3 times by means you can extend the trial period to 120 days without activation.

How to extend the trial period of windows After using command SLMGR -REARM for three times?

Read How to fix Error 0xc004d307 in above.

114 thoughts on “Slmgr is not recognized as an internal or external command – Fix”

  1. hello
    i follow your instructions but when i rename slmgr.vbs.removewat to slmgr.vbs cmd says “WINDOWS CANNOT ACCESS THE SPECIFIED DEVICE, PATH OR FILE. YOU MAY NOT HAVE THE APPROPRIATE PERMISSION TO ACCESS THEM”.

    my last resort is reinstall os, but if theres any way to solve this problem without reinstalling please i’ll gladly take it

    Reply
  2. Looking in the system32 directory from command prompt – there is nothing starting lower than “W” in the list of files or directorys, but if I use “my Computer” under windows then I can see all the other directorys & files including slmgr. seems command prompt cant see it for some reason.

    Bob.

    Reply
  3. I followed the instructions here as well as a video explaining deleting the slui file. Unfortunately even after restarting this isnt’ working for me. I’m not sure if they made it so it can’t now or something but even after saying the command went through and to restart I’ve had no success

    Reply
  4. Hello
    I tried step by step all your methods,
    but unfortunately for me not
    works!
    receive the same error
    ,, Slmgr Is Not Recognized as internal or external command,, year
    I renamed the file but nothing … I deleted extensions, nothing …
    there is a chance for me?
    can you help me?
    thank you!

    Reply

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