How to Find Product Key in Windows 11? Complete Guide
If you are reinstalling your operating system, activating Windows after a hardware upgrade, or verifying your license, knowing your Windows 11 product key is essential. A product key is a 25-character code used to activate your copy of Windows and confirm that it is genuine. Without it, you may face activation issues, limited personalization options, and constant activation reminders.
In Windows 11, the product key may be stored in different places depending on how the system was activated. It could be embedded in your computer’s motherboard, linked to your Microsoft account, or stored in the Windows registry. Many users assume the key is always visible inside system settings, but that is not always the case.
In this complete guide, I will explain to you how to find your product key in Windows 11 using different safe and effective methods.
Let’s learn everything in detail!
Types of Licenses and The Process To Check the Activation Status
Before jumping into the steps, it is important to understand what exactly we are going to find and how Windows activation works.
There are mainly three types of licenses in Windows 11:
OEM License
This comes preinstalled on branded laptops and desktops. The product key is usually embedded in the motherboard firmware.
Retail License
Purchased separately from Microsoft or an authorized seller. This key can be transferred to another computer.
Digital License
Linked to your Microsoft account. No visible 25-character key may be available because activation is tied to your account.
Depending on your license type, the method to retrieve your key may vary. Below are the most reliable methods to find your Windows 11 product key.
Check Activation Status in Windows Settings
The first step is to confirm how your Windows 11 is activated.
Open the Start menu, then click Settings. Go to System. Click on Activation.
Here, you will see one of the following messages:
“Windows is activated with a digital license”, “Windows is activated with a digital license linked to your Microsoft account,” or “Windows is activated with a product key.”
If your system shows activation with a digital license, there may not be a visible product key. Instead, the activation is tied to your Microsoft account.
If it mentions activation with a product key, you can proceed to retrieve it using the next methods.
How to Find Product Key in Windows 11?
Quickly, to find your Windows 11 product key, open Command Prompt as administrator and type:
wmic path softwarelicensingservice get OA3xOriginalProductKey
Press Enter to display the embedded product key. You can also check activation status in Settings under System, then Activation, or use PowerShell to retrieve the key.
If the command returns blank, your PC may not have an embedded OEM key. It could be activated using a digital license instead.
Now, let’s learn all the methods in detail!
Use Command Prompt to Retrieve the Embedded Product Key
One of the easiest ways to find your Windows 11 product key is by using Command Prompt. Press the Windows key and type Command Prompt. Right-click on Command Prompt and choose Run as administrator.
In the Command Prompt window, type the following command:
wmic path softwarelicensingservice get OA3xOriginalProductKey
Press Enter.
If your PC has an OEM key stored in the motherboard firmware, the 25-character product key will be displayed on the screen.
This method works mainly for branded systems such as Dell, HP, Lenovo, and others that ship with Windows preinstalled.
If nothing appears after running the command, it means your system may be using a digital license or retail key.
Use Windows PowerShell to Find the Product Key
Another reliable method is using Windows PowerShell. Right-click on the Start button. Select Windows Terminal Admin or PowerShell Admin.
Type the following command:
powershell “(Get-WmiObject -query ‘select * from SoftwareLicensingService’).OA3xOriginalProductKey”
Press Enter.
If a product key is embedded in the BIOS or UEFI firmware, it will appear on the screen.
PowerShell works similarly to Command Prompt but sometimes retrieves information more reliably, depending on system configuration.
Check the Windows Registry
The Windows Registry stores partial product key information. Although it does not always show the full key in plain text, it can help confirm licensing details.
Press Windows key plus R to open the Run dialog box. Type regedit and press Enter.
Navigate to:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE> SOFTWARE> Microsoft> Windows NT> CurrentVersion
SoftwareProtectionPlatform
Look for a value named BackupProductKeyDefault.
If present, it may display your product key.
Be careful while using Registry Editor. Avoid modifying any values unless you are certain, as incorrect changes can affect system stability.
Check Your Microsoft Account
If your Windows 11 is activated with a digital license, your product key might not be visible. Instead, it is linked to your Microsoft account.
Visit the official Microsoft account website and sign in with the same account used on your PC. Go to Devices. Check your registered devices and activation details.
If your license is linked, you can simply sign in after reinstalling Windows 11, and it will automatically activate without requiring a product key.
This method is especially helpful after hardware changes or clean installations.
Look for the Product Key on Physical Materials
If you purchased Windows 11 separately, check the following:
- The email confirmation from Microsoft
- The product box or card
- A sticker attached to your computer
- Documentation provided with your PC
Older systems may have a Certificate of Authenticity sticker with the product key printed on it. Newer systems usually embed the key digitally instead of using stickers.
Use Third-Party Key Finder Tools
If the above methods do not work, you can use reputable third-party key finder tools. These tools scan your system registry and extract stored license keys.
Some well-known tools include ProduKey and Belarc Advisor. Make sure to download them from their official websites to avoid malware.
These tools can display the installed Windows key and sometimes keys for other Microsoft products as well.
Important Things to Remember
Always store your product key in a safe place after retrieving it. Save it in a password manager or secure document.
Do not share your product key publicly. It is tied to your license and can be misused.
If your system uses a digital license, you may not need a product key for reactivation as long as you sign in with the same Microsoft account.
After major hardware changes, such as replacing the motherboard, Windows may require reactivation.
FAQs
What is a Windows 11 product key?
A Windows 11 product key is a 25-character code used to activate your operating system and verify that it is genuine.
Can I find my Windows 11 product key if I upgraded from Windows 10?
If you upgraded for free and have a digital license, your activation is linked to your Microsoft account. You may not see a traditional product key.
Is it safe to use third-party key finder tools?
Yes, but only if downloaded from official and trusted sources. Avoid unknown websites to prevent malware risks.
Do I need the product key to reinstall Windows 11?
If your device is activated with a digital license, you usually do not need to enter a product key during reinstallation. Windows will automatically activate once connected to the internet.
Can I transfer my Windows 11 product key to another PC?
Retail licenses can be transferred to another device, but OEM licenses are generally tied to the original hardware.
Ending Lines
Finding your Windows 11 product key is not complicated once you understand how activation works. Whether your license is embedded in the firmware, linked to your Microsoft account, or stored in the registry, there is always a method to verify it.
Before reinstalling Windows or making hardware changes, take a few minutes to check your activation type and safely store your product key. Doing so can save time, prevent activation errors, and ensure a smooth Windows experience.