Windows is in Notification Mode: How to Turn it Off

The Notification mode is a sign that your OS is not activated

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Key notes

  • Windows Notification mode generally indicates that you need to activate or properly install Windows on your PC.
  • If your PC displays an activation notification, you won't be able to perform many tasks, such as customizing backgrounds and themes.
  • One can easily turn off this mode by simply entering the 25-character product key to activate the Windows or disabling it from the settings.
windows activation error message

Sometimes, Windows users are unable to change or customize themes and wallpapers, or even some apps stop working. This is due to your Windows being in Notification mode.

You donโ€™t need to be perplexed because the Notification mode usually causes this improper function. If you get a message saying that your license will expire soon, this guide will help you fix the problem.

Why does the Windows Notification mode show up?

The Notification mode appears when Windows is not properly activated. However, it also means that your product key has not been verified.

There are several reasons why this can happen, including not having genuine software you brought or downloaded:

  • Corrupted Windows Registry – If your Windows registry is corrupt, it can cause various problems with your computer, including the Notification mode error you’re seeing.
  • Incorrect date and time settings – If your date and time settings are incorrect, it can prevent Windows from being able to activate properly.
  • Viruses or malware – It is possible that your computer might be infected with a virus or other type of malware; it can cause all sorts of problems, including the Notification mode error.
  • Pirated Windows If you’re using a pirated version of Windows, it’s likely the cause of your Notification mode error.

Now you know the reasons for Windows Notification mode, let’s see some solutions to fix this problem.

How do I get rid of Windows Notification mode?

Before having detailed solutions, let’s discuss some preliminary checks to get rid of this annoying message:

  • Check whether your Windows activation key is entered correctly or not. If not, then re-enter the key.
  • Make sure that the system’s date and time are correct.

If the Windows Notification mode hasnโ€™t been resolved, try the detailed solutions below.

1. Activate Windows via Settings 

  1. Click on the Start button and select the Settings option.
  2. Inside the Settings, click on the System tab, scroll down and click on Activation.
  3. Then, click on Change Product Key, enter your product key, and press Activate.

Activating Windows by entering a valid product key is pretty easy; the Notification mode will clear out once you have done it.

However, a lot of people struggle with the product keys not working properly; in that case, you can check this guide for Windows activation keys not working.

2. Expand the trial version of Windows 

  1. Type cmd in the Search bar and click on Run as administrator.
  2. In the Command Prompt window, type the following command and press Enter: slmgr -rearm
  3. When it is successfully performed, a message will appear on display. Then, restart the computer to make the modifications take effect.

Usually, developers allow users to expand the trial period of Windows thrice before restrictions are put into place.

If you are unable to run the command prompt as administrator, you need our guide to fix the Command Prompt not running as administrator on Windows 11.

Hence, if you canโ€™t seem to activate Windows, simply expand the trial period to clear Windows Notification mode.

3. Disable the Windows License Manager Service

  1. Press Window + R to open the run box and type the following command, and press Enter to open the Services app: services.msc
  2. Scroll and double-click on the Windows License Manager Service to open it.
  3. Click on the Stop button and then click on OK to confirm.

By disabling the Windows License Manager, you can get rid of the Notification mode error. Moreover, if you have an error with the expiring Windows license, you need to check our guidelines for fixing the Windows license will expire soon.

4. Phone activate your Windows

  1. Click on the Search icon at the bottom of your screen, type cmd, and click on Run as administrator.
  2. Type the following command in the command line and press Enter: slmgr /dli
  3. Then you will see the Windows details with Notification Reason: 0xC004F009 (grace time expired).
  4. Then, type the following command and press Enter: slui.exe 4
  5. Follow the on-screen prompts, and then you will receive a call from Microsoft, follow their instructions.
  6. Once you complete the instruction given by Microsoft on the phone call, your Windows will be activated.

How long does Windows Notification mode usually last?

In case you have just installed Windows 11 recently, you will be able to run it smoothly for one month without activation. 

This is because Windows restrictions arenโ€™t implemented until one month after installation, but you will face several restrictions until you activate Windows.

Once you come across Windows Notification mode on your PC, the best possible fix is simply activating Windows by entering a valid product key.

However, if you are receiving an error of the product key not being used in your country, then you can use our guide for the guidance of the product key that cannot be used in your country.

We hope that this article has solved your problem. If you have any further queries in your mind, then do let us know in the comments section below.

More about the topics: Windows 11