How to Find Your Windows 11 or 10 Product Key

Welcome to our comprehensive and detailed guide on how to find your Windows 11 or 10 product key. Whether you need it for activation, reactivation, or just want to keep it in a secure place, we've got you covered with several easy and effective methods to retrieve this essential piece of information. In this guide, we will walk you through step-by-step instructions for various methods including using Command Prompt, PowerShell, third-party tools such as ShowKeyPlus, referencing purchase receipts or emails, and as a last resort, contacting Microsoft Support for assistance.

Method 1: Using Command Prompt (cmd)

The Command Prompt is a powerful tool that allows you to execute commands and perform administrative tasks on your Windows system. Here's how you can use Command Prompt to find your Windows product key:

1. Open the Command Prompt as an administrator by right-clicking on the Start menu and selecting "Windows Terminal (Admin)".

2. Once the Command Prompt is open, type the following command: "wmic path softwarelicensingservice get OA3xOriginalProductKey" and press Enter.

3. The product key associated with your Windows installation will be displayed on the screen. Copy this key and save it in a secure location for future reference.

Using Command Prompt is a quick and efficient way to retrieve your Windows product key without the need for any third-party tools.

Method 2: Utilizing PowerShell

PowerShell is another command-line tool that provides advanced scripting and automation capabilities in Windows. Here's how you can use PowerShell to find your Windows product key:

1. Launch PowerShell as an administrator by right-clicking on the Start menu and selecting "Windows PowerShell (Admin)".

2. Once PowerShell is open, type the following command: "(Get-WmiObject -query ‘select * from SoftwareLicensingService’).OA3xOriginalProductKey" and hit Enter.

3. The product key associated with your Windows installation will be displayed. Copy this key and save it in a secure place for future use.

PowerShell provides a more flexible and robust environment for retrieving your Windows product key, especially for advanced users who are comfortable with scripting and automation.

Method 3: Third-Party Tool - ShowKeyPlus

If you prefer a user-friendly graphical interface to retrieve your Windows product key, you can use a third-party tool called ShowKeyPlus. Here's how you can use ShowKeyPlus to find your Windows product key:

1. Download and install ShowKeyPlus from a trusted source.

2. Once installed, run the program and let it scan your system to display the Windows product key associated with your installation.

3. Take note of the key displayed by ShowKeyPlus and store it securely for future needs.

ShowKeyPlus provides a simple and intuitive way to retrieve your Windows product key, making it an ideal option for users who prefer a graphical user interface over command-line tools.

Method 4: Referencing Purchase Receipt or Email

If you purchased a pre-built computer with Windows pre-installed, you can often find the product key on your purchase receipt or in the confirmation email from the retailer. Here's how you can retrieve your Windows product key using this method:

1. Check your purchase receipt for any information related to your Windows product key. It may be listed as a separate item or included in the details of your computer purchase.

2. Search your email inbox for any confirmation messages from the retailer or manufacturer containing your Windows product key. Look for keywords such as "product key", "activation key", or "license key" to narrow down your search.

3. If you have physical installation media for Windows, such as a DVD or USB drive, look for a sticker with the product key on it. The sticker is typically affixed to the packaging or the installation media itself.

Referencing your purchase receipt, email confirmation, or physical installation media is a reliable way to retrieve your Windows product key, especially if you have a record of your original purchase.

Method 5: Contacting Microsoft Support

If none of the above methods work or if you have difficulty retrieving your Windows product key, you can always reach out to Microsoft Support for assistance. Microsoft's customer support team can help you retrieve your product key and provide further guidance on activation or reactivation of your operating system.

We hope this comprehensive guide has provided you with the knowledge and tools to easily locate your Windows 11/10 product key. Remember to keep this information safe and secure, as it is essential for activating and reactivating your operating system. Whether you choose to use Command Prompt, PowerShell, third-party tools like ShowKeyPlus, reference your purchase receipt or email, or seek assistance from Microsoft Support, finding your Windows product key is an important step in maintaining the functionality of your operating system.

If you have any questions or need further assistance, feel free to contact us or leave a comment below. Good luck!