Similar to other versions of Windows, in Windows 11 , Microsoft uses product keys to ensure that your operating system is “genuine” – in other words, not pirated. Therefore, product keys are especially useful if you bought Windows yourself and need to reinstall it. This article will show you how to find your product key on Windows 11.
What is a product key?
As mentioned, the product key is what Microsoft uses to verify that the copy of Windows being used is genuine. The product key is provided when the user activates Windows 11 on the system, and Microsoft will conduct the necessary checks. Windows will not be activated if the key is invalid.
When you buy a pre-built computer or laptop, the manufacturer will usually install Windows on it for you. This type of key is often called an OEM key, OEM product key, or OEM license.
Additionally, there are retail product keys available for people who build PCs or buy different versions of Windows 11.
Regardless of what type of key you have, they are all 25 characters long, consisting of a mixture of uppercase letters and numbers.
Find OEM license with Command Prompt
If your PC has an OEM license—in other words, if you bought a computer that came with Windows pre-installed—you can find your system's license key using Command Prompt .
(Note: If you purchase a retail license and install it on your PC or laptop, you will need to use the ShowKeyPlus method outlined below).
First, click the Start button , type the keyword “ Command prompt ” or “ cmd ” in the search bar, then press Enter.
In the Command prompt window that appears, enter the following command:
wmic path softwarelicensingservice get OA3xOriginalProductKeyYou should see a string of letters and numbers right below the command you typed. That's the product key you're looking for.
Using ShowKeyPlus
If you bought and installed Windows yourself , you can use ShowKeyPlus to find your product key. This is a free app available on the Microsoft Store.
First, download the app by going to the Microsoft Store, typing the keyword “ ShowKeyPlus ” in the search bar and pressing Enter.
On the ShowKeyPlus app page, click “ Install ”. Once the app is installed, you will see the “ Install ” button change to “ Open ”. Click on it to open the app.
ShowKeyPlus will instantly show you the currently installed key and the OEM key.
If you're using an OEM copy of Windows 11, both the green and blue boxes will show your product key. If you installed a version of Windows 11 that you purchased yourself, the green box will show the key currently in use.
Once you have your product key, you can write it down on a piece of paper or save it to a file on your computer. Be careful not to share it online to limit any risks.
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