Having trouble finding your Windows product key? It turns out that many users struggle with this issue. This unique key is essential for the full activation of the system, so it’s worth knowing where to look for it. Learn where to find your Windows code.
What exactly is the Windows product key?
The Windows product key (Windows product key) is a kind of “digital fingerprint” of your copy of the system. It consists of a combination of 25 letters and numbers, grouped into 5 characters and separated by hyphens, for example, AAAAA-BBBBB-CCCCC-DDDDD-EEEEE. Without this code, the system’s functionality will be severely limited, so it’s better to have it on hand.
Where might your Windows product key be hiding?
Manufacturers generally try to place the code in a visible location. First, check:
- the sticker on the computer case – if you bought the equipment with the system already installed;
- the box with the Windows system – it should be under the label inside the packaging;
- The confirmation email, if you purchased the system online;
- The system settings (for Windows 10 and 11) – the key is associated with your Microsoft account there.
If you bought a computer with a preinstalled Windows system, the product key should be included in the documentation or printed on the COA (Certificate of Authenticity) sticker affixed to the case.
Find the Windows key using system tools
What if you no longer have the box or can’t find your Windows key anywhere? Don’t panic – Microsoft’s system has built-in tools to help you locate it.
First, try using the Command Prompt.
- Open the Start menu, type cmd, and run Command Prompt as an administrator.
- Type the command: wmic path softwarelicensingservice get OA3xOriginalProductKey
- Press Enter – your Windows product key should appear on the screen.
If this doesn’t work for some reason, you can also check the code from the Registry Editor.
- Run Registry Editor as an administrator from the Start menu.
- Navigate to the location: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\SoftwareProtectionPlatform
- Find the entry BackupProductKeyDefault. The string next to it is your sought-after Windows product key.
The last option is PowerShell:
- Open the Start menu, type PowerShell, and run Windows PowerShell as an administrator.
- Paste this command and press Enter: powershell “(Get-WmiObject -query ‘select * from SoftwareLicensingService’).OA3xOriginalProductKey”
Remember, the Windows product key is unique to each copy of the system. Keep it in a safe place – you never know when you might need it for reactivation or reinstallation of the system. It’s also a good idea to make a backup of the product key: just save it in a password manager or even in a text file.
Now you have all the information you need to find your Windows key. Secure it today and enjoy the full capabilities of the Windows system.
