How To View Windows 11 Product Key

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Alright, let's dive into the world of Windows 11 product keys! Ever found yourself needing that elusive 25-character code and scratching your head about where to find it? You're not alone! This comprehensive guide will walk you through every possible way to uncover your Windows 11 product key. Let's get started!

Step 1: Check Your Purchase Confirmation

Think back to when you first acquired your copy of Windows 11. Did you purchase it digitally from Microsoft, or did it come bundled with a new computer?

  • If you bought it directly from Microsoft: Check your email inbox! Microsoft usually sends a confirmation email after a digital purchase, and this email often contains your product key. Take a moment to sift through your past emails – it might just be waiting for you there. Look for subject lines containing phrases like "Your Microsoft order" or "Windows 11 purchase confirmation."

  • If Windows 11 came pre-installed on your computer: The product key is often embedded in the computer's firmware (UEFI) or attached as a sticker on the device. Let's explore these options in the next steps.

Step 2: Utilizing the Command Prompt (CMD)

This method can often retrieve a product key that's embedded in your system. Here's how:

  1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator:

    • Press the Windows key on your keyboard.
    • Type cmd.
    • Right-click on Command Prompt in the search results.
    • Select Run as administrator. You might be prompted to confirm this action – click "Yes."

  2. Execute the Command:

    • In the Command Prompt window, carefully type or copy and paste the following command: 
      wmic path SoftwareLicensingService get OA3xOriginalProductKey
    • Press Enter.

  3. View Your Product Key:

    • If a product key is embedded in your firmware, it will appear on the next line after the command. It will be a 25-character code in the format XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX.

    • If nothing appears after running the command, it likely means the product key isn't stored in this easily accessible location, and you'll need to explore other methods.

Step 3: Employing PowerShell

PowerShell is another powerful command-line tool that can sometimes reveal your product key.

  1. Open PowerShell as Administrator:

    • Press the Windows key on your keyboard.
    • Type powershell.
    • Right-click on Windows PowerShell in the search results.
    • Select Run as administrator. Click "Yes" if prompted.

  2. Enter the PowerShell Command:

    • In the PowerShell window, type or paste the following command:
      PowerShell
      (Get-WmiObject -query 'select * from SoftwareLicensingService').OA3xOriginalProductKey
    • Press Enter. 1  
      1. showkeyplus.net
      showkeyplus.net

  3. Locate Your Product Key:

    • Similar to the Command Prompt, if the product key is embedded, it will be displayed on the following line.

    • If you don't see a key here either, don't worry, we still have more options to try!

Step 4: Checking the BIOS/UEFI Firmware

As mentioned earlier, for computers that came with Windows 11 pre-installed, the product key is often digitally stored in the motherboard's firmware (either BIOS or, more commonly these days, UEFI).

  1. Accessing BIOS/UEFI:

    • You'll need to restart your computer.
    • During the startup process, there will be a brief window where you need to press a specific key to enter the BIOS/UEFI settings. This key varies depending on your computer manufacturer. Common keys include Delete (Del), F2, F12, Esc, or sometimes other function keys. Keep an eye out for a prompt on the screen during startup that indicates which key to press. You might need to press it repeatedly.
    • If you're unsure, consult your computer's manual or the manufacturer's website for the correct key.

  2. Navigating the Settings:

    • Once you're in the BIOS/UEFI interface, the layout will vary depending on the manufacturer. You'll need to look for sections related to system information, hardware details, or boot options.
    • Unfortunately, the product key isn't usually displayed directly in the BIOS/UEFI interface for security reasons. However, if your Windows 11 was genuinely pre-installed, the activation process should automatically recognize the key embedded here during a clean installation. You typically won't need to manually enter it.

Step 5: Examining the Certificate of Authenticity (COA) Sticker

For older computers or retail versions of Windows, the product key might be printed on a physical sticker called a Certificate of Authenticity (COA).

  1. Locate the Sticker:

    • Carefully inspect your computer case. The sticker is often found on the side, top, or bottom of a desktop computer, or on the bottom of a laptop.
    • For retail copies of Windows, the sticker would be on the packaging of the installation media (DVD case or USB drive).

  2. Identify the Product Key:

    • The sticker will usually have the Windows logo and the words "Product Key" or similar printed on it, followed by the 25-character product key.

    • Be cautious if the sticker looks damaged or tampered with, as the key might be invalid.

Step 6: Using Third-Party Key Finder Tools (Use with Caution!)

There are numerous third-party software tools available online that claim to retrieve your Windows product key.

  • Important Warning: While some of these tools are legitimate, others might contain malware or adware. Exercise extreme caution when downloading and using such software. Only download from reputable sources and ensure your antivirus software is up-to-date.

  • How They Work (Generally): These tools typically scan your system registry for the product key.

  • Recommendation: We generally advise against using third-party key finder tools unless absolutely necessary and you are confident in the source. The methods outlined in Steps 2 and 3 are usually sufficient for retrieving an embedded key.

Step 7: Checking Your Microsoft Account (Digital License)

If you upgraded to Windows 11 from a previously activated version of Windows 10, or if you linked your Windows 11 license to your Microsoft account, your license might be digital. In this case, you might not have a traditional product key.

  1. Reinstalling Windows: When you perform a clean installation of Windows 11 on a device with a digital license linked to your Microsoft account, you usually won't be prompted to enter a product key during the installation process. Windows should automatically activate once you connect to the internet and sign in with the same Microsoft account.

  2. Troubleshooting Activation: If you encounter activation issues, the Windows Activation troubleshooter (found in Settings > System > Activation > Troubleshoot) can sometimes help reactivate your digital license.

How to... Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions related to finding your Windows 11 product key:

How to check if my Windows 11 is activated?

  • Go to Settings > System > Activation. The activation status will be displayed there.

How to activate Windows 11 if I have a product key?

  • Go to Settings > System > Activation > Change product key and enter your 25-character key.

How to find my product key if I bought Windows 11 online?

  • Check the confirmation email you received after purchasing Windows 11 from Microsoft or another authorized retailer.

How to find the product key on a new computer with Windows 11 pre-installed?

  • It's usually embedded in the firmware (UEFI). You likely won't need to find it manually for reinstallation; Windows should activate automatically.

How to transfer my Windows 11 license to a new computer?

  • This depends on the type of license you have (retail or OEM). Retail licenses are generally transferable, while OEM licenses are usually tied to the original hardware. You might need to contact Microsoft support for assistance.

How to know if my Windows 11 license is retail or OEM?

  • Running the command slmgr /dli in Command Prompt (as administrator) can sometimes provide this information. Look for "RETAIL" or "OEM" in the description.

How to reactivate Windows 11 after a hardware change?

  • If you have a retail license linked to your Microsoft account, you can often use the Activation troubleshooter after signing in. For OEM licenses, significant hardware changes might require purchasing a new license.

How to back up my Windows 11 product key?

  • Once you find your product key, note it down in a safe place, such as a secure digital document or a physical note.

How to deal with a lost Windows 11 product key?

  • If you can't find it using the methods above and you don't have a digital license linked to your Microsoft account, you might need to purchase a new Windows 11 license.

How to avoid losing my Windows 11 product key in the future?

  • Link your Windows 11 license to your Microsoft account. This often simplifies reactivation after hardware changes. Keep records of your purchase and any physical product key stickers.

Hopefully, this detailed guide has helped you locate your Windows 11 product key! If you're still having trouble, consider contacting Microsoft support for further assistance.

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How To View Windows 11 Product Key

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