✔️ 3 Quick Ways to Find Product Key in Windows 10 or Windows 11
– Reviews News
A Windows product key is a 25-character code essential for activating the Windows operating system. However, sometimes product activation may not work and you may need to enter the product key manually. If you don't have the Windows label on the back of your system showing the product key, here are three quick ways to find your Windows 10 or Windows 11 product key.
The steps mentioned below largely depend on how you have activated your PC. If you find that the Windows you are using is not genuine, you can purchase one from the Microsoft website. That being said, if the product key used to activate Windows is genuine, the three methods mentioned below will work effectively for you. Let's jump.
1. How to Find Windows Product Key Using Command Prompt
This is one of the most direct methods to find a Windows product key. All you have to do is type a command line. You'll need the Command Prompt for this step, and there are plenty of ways to open it. Choose one and follow the instructions below.
Step 1: Press the Windows key, type System symbol and click 'Run as administrator'.
Select Yes when prompted.
Step 2: Type the following command and press Enter.
wmic path softwareLicensingService get OA3xOriginalProductKey
Lo and behold, your Windows product key shows up when you press Enter. Simple enough, right? There is another command line way to find the product key, but with Windows PowerShell.
If you are confused between the two, here is a detailed guide explaining the difference between Command Prompt and Windows PowerShell.
2. Locate Windows Product Key Using Windows PowerShell
Finding a Windows product key using Windows PowerShell is no different than using the Command Prompt method above. It's more about your preference, but there's nothing wrong with knowing. So let's get to the instructions.
Step 1: Press the Windows key, type Windows PowerShell and select "Run as administrator".
Select Yes when prompted.
Step 2: Enter the following command and press Enter.
powershell "(Get-WmiObject -query 'select * from SoftwareLicensingService').OA3xOriginalProductKey"
Well, this method is easy as pie. We recommend that you copy the command above; but if you type it, be sure to leave spaces and add periods, as shown above.
If Windows PowerShell starts behaving strangely, learn the various ways to fix PowerShell appearing in Windows.
3. View Windows 10 or 11 Product Key Using Registry Files
The Windows registry contains everything that helps keep your Windows PC running smoothly. So it is obvious that the registry also contains your Windows product key. This method does not involve complications; however, if you have never worked with registry files before, we recommend that you have a backup of your registry. If something goes wrong, you can restore it.
Now follow me.
Step 1: Press the Windows key, type registry editorand click 'Run as administrator'.
Select Yes when prompted.
Step 2: Enter the following address in the registry address bar.
Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\SoftwareProtectionPlatform
Step 3Note: In the right panel, under Name, you will find BackupProductKeyDefault; next to it you will see your Windows product key.
NotesNote: The product key from Command Prompt or PowerShell may be different from the product key from Registry Editor. This can happen because you upgraded or changed your version of Windows.
Windows Product Key FAQ
2. Are Windows keys stored in the BIOS?
The Windows key is stored in the BIOS and is invoked when there is an event to restore your operating system. The BIOS key is used to automatically activate Windows as long as you are using the same edition of Windows.
3. Is the product ID the same as the product key?
They are not. The Product ID is used to determine the level of service you are entitled to, while the Product Key is used to pair your license with your PC and validate its authenticity.
4. Is Windows 10 illegal without activation?
Installing Windows without a license is acceptable. However, activating it by unsolicited means without purchasing the key is illegal.
Details at your fingertips
Although there are third-party tools that allow you to find your Windows product key, they come with the risk of a privacy breach. Moreover, it is also worth considering that you can do it yourself without the need for any third-party tool.
Moreover, finding Windows 10 or Windows 11 product key using the above methods will make your further work easier. If you find the steps difficult to follow, you can also contact Windows Help.
SOURCE: Reviews News
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