4 best ways to hide or protect a Windows folder, without installing additional software
The methods in this article will help you hide or protect Windows folders from prying eyes.
How to find Product Key on Windows 11
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.
How to fix The User Profile Service failed the logon error on Windows 10
Most Windows errors occur after you log in to your computer. However, the User Profile Service Failed the Logon error doesn't allow you to log in at all, which is why it's harder to fix than other Windows errors.
How to get another year of free Windows 10 updates
Windows 10 has just three months left until support ends. In October 2025, the operating system will receive its final update, ending its 10-year lifecycle.
How to Fix Repairing Disk Errors on Windows
Errors related to your computer's drive can prevent your system from booting properly and restrict access to your files and applications.
Instructions for setting up and managing FTP Server on Windows 10
If you want to create a private cloud to share and transfer large files without any limits, you can create an FTP Server (File Transfer Protocol Server) on your Windows 10 computer.
How to hide and show files in Windows 11 without software
If you are looking for a way to hide files on Windows 11 without software, just follow the instructions below.
How to turn off hard drive when not in use on Windows 11
If your computer has an SSD and an HDD, you can turn off the hard drive after a period of inactivity.
How to change DNS to surf the web faster, increase Internet speed
Changing DNS on Windows has many benefits, such as: Accessing some blocked websites, speeding up internet connection, improving network stability. Below is how to change DNS on Windows 10, Windows 7 and other Windows versions. In the last part of the article, WebTech360 will talk a little about why changing DNS helps speed up the internet.
How to Create a Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) to Prank Your Friends
Blue screen of death (BSOD) is a common and not new error of Windows when the computer is experiencing some serious system error.
Summary of common Run CMD commands
Instead of performing manual and direct access operations on Windows, we can replace them with available CMD commands for faster access.
Try these Wi-Fi tips while on vacation to reduce roaming costs!
Coming home to expensive data roaming charges probably isn't what you want. Luckily, there are some handy ways to cut those roaming costs.
How to fix network adapter not found error on Windows 10
Many people have encountered the problem of network adapter disappearing from Device Manager or receiving a missing network adapter message. This article will guide you on how to fix the missing network adapter driver problem on Windows 10.
How to delete individual system restore points in Windows
Windows automatically creates system restore points up to a set limit, leaving you with dozens of restore points you never use.
Must-Have Windows Desktop Visual Enhancement Tools
If you're tired of staring at the same interface every day, these tools will enhance your desktop experience.
Windows 11 wont respect your privacy until you make these changes!
Windows 11 has a reputation for being a privacy-poor operating system, with many default settings that can cause privacy problems. But don't worry - there are ways to regain some control in this area.