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3 Simple Methods to Easily Find Your Windows 10 and 11 Product Key

Discover 3 simple methods on Tech With Experts to find your Windows 10 and 11 product key effortlessly. Activate Windows hassle-free with experts.

Find and Activate Your Product Key with Ease

Losing your product key after upgrading or reinstalling Windows can be frustrating, as it hinders the activation process. In this article, we will explore three simple methods to help you find your Windows 10 and 11 product key without much hassle.

Digital License vs. Product Key: Understanding the Difference

Before we dive into the methods, let's clarify the distinction between a digital license and a product key. A digital license is tied to your hardware configuration and stored on Microsoft activation servers. It is generated when you activate Windows on your computer and is commonly obtained through purchasing from the Microsoft Store, upgrading from previous Windows versions, or using an OEM-installed Windows.

On the other hand, a product key is a 25-character alphanumeric code typically found on a physical copy of Windows or sent via email when purchasing a digital copy. Unlike a digital license, a product key is not linked to your hardware or Microsoft account, allowing for flexibility in transferring and using it on different computers.

Types of Windows Licenses Available

Windows licenses come in various types, including Retailer, OEM, Academic, and Enterprise, among others. Each product key or digital license can only activate the edition of Windows it was intended for. For instance, a Windows 11 Home edition license key cannot activate Windows 11 Pro.

Method 1: Finding Your Windows 10/11 Product Key Using Command Prompt

One of the simplest ways to retrieve your product key is by using the Command Prompt (CMD). Follow these steps:

  1. Click on the Start button and search for "Command Prompt" (CMD), or press Windows Key + S to open Windows Search directly.

    Click on "Open"

  2. Open the Command Prompt and enter the following command:

wmic path SoftwareLicensingService get OA3xOriginalProductKey

Press Enter to view your Windows product key.Copy your Windows product key and securely store it to prevent any loss.

Note: If Windows is not activated, CMD will not display any product key.

Activated vs Not Activated

Method 2: Finding Your Windows 10/11 Product Key Using PowerShell

If the previous method didn't yield results, you can try using PowerShell. The steps are similar to the Command Prompt method. Here's a step-by-step guide:

  1. Launch Windows Search using Windows Key + S and search for "PowerShell."

    Click on "Open"

  2. Open the app and enter the following command:

powershell "(Get-WmiObject -query ‘select * from SoftwareLicensingService’).OA3xOriginalProductKey"

Press Enter to display your product key.

Once again, copy the displayed Windows product key for safekeeping.

Method 3: Finding Your Windows 10/11 Product Key Using a Third-Party App

Please exercise caution when using third-party apps to find your product key, as they can pose potential security risks. This method is only recommended if you have multiple Windows licenses installed on your computer, such as an OEM license and a Retailer license. In such cases, you can use a third-party app called ShowKeyPlus. Follow these steps:

  1. Install the ShowKeyPlus app from the Microsoft Store.
    Install

  2. Launch the app, and you will see both your OEM and installed Windows product keys. 

Contact Microsoft Support

If none of the above methods help you locate your product key, consider contacting Microsoft support for assistance with your product key or Windows activation issue. Here's how you can reach out to the Microsoft support team:

  1. Press Windows Key + I to open Settings, then navigate to System.
  2. In the right pane, click on "Activation."
    support.microsoft.com/en-us

  3. Click on the "Get help" option.
  4. A contact page will open where you can provide the necessary details. Shortlyafterward, a member of the support team will assist you.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What's the difference between a Retailer and OEM license?

A Retailer license is designed for individual customers who can purchase it from retail or online stores. It can be transferred to a new computer if the old Windows PC is no longer in use. Retailer licenses are typically more expensive than OEM licenses. On the other hand, OEM licenses are provided by PC manufacturers and come pre-installed on laptops or PCs. These licenses are locked to the motherboard, making them non-transferable to other computers. Since OEM licenses are purchased in bulk by manufacturers, they usually cost less than retailer licenses.

How many times can I activate Windows using OEM and Retailer licenses?

There are no specific limitations on the number of activations for OEM and Retailer licenses. You can install and activate Windows multiple times using either type of license. However, it's important to note that one license is intended for one computer only, and you cannot activate it on multiple computers simultaneously.

Can I activate Windows without a product key?

While you can install and run Windows on your PC without a product key, it will have limited functionalities. However, without a product key, there is no way to fully activate Windows and access all its features.

By following these methods, you can easily retrieve your Windows 10 and 11 product key, ensuring a smooth activation process. Remember to keep your product key secure and readily accessible in case you need it in the future.

Post reference: techwiser.com

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