This tutorial will show you how to find and view your product key in Windows 10 and Windows 11.
A Windows product key is a 25-character code used to activate Windows. It looks like this:
- PRODUCT KEY: XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX
Where to find your product key depends on how you got your copy of Windows.
A new PC running Windows
The product key is preinstalled on your PC, included with the packaging the PC came in, or included on the Certificate of Authenticity (COA) attached to the PC. For more info, contact your hardware manufacturer, and for pictures of authentic product keys and COA labels, see How to tell your hardware is genuine.
A copy of Windows 10 or Windows 11 from an authorized retailer
The product key is on a label or card inside the box that Windows came in. For more info, contact the retailer that sold you Windows 10 or Windows 11. How to tell your software is genuine.
A digital copy of Windows 10 or Windows 11 from an authorized retailer
Find your product key in the confirmation email you received after buying Windows 10 or Windows 11 in a digital locker accessible through the retailer’s website.
A digital copy from a Microsoft website
The product key is in the confirmation email you received after buying your digital copy of Windows. Microsoft only keeps a record of product keys if you purchased from the Microsoft online store. You can find out if you purchased from Microsoft in your Microsoft account Order history.
Free upgrade to Windows 10
If you upgraded to Windows 10 for free from Windows 7 or Windows 8.1, you should have a digital license instead of a product key.
Microsoft Store App
If you bought Windows 10 or Windows 11 Pro upgrade in the Microsoft Store app, you'll receive a digital license instead of a product key in the confirmation email that was sent to confirm the purchase. That email address (MSA) will contain the digital license. You can use the digital license for activation.
For more information about digital licenses and product keys in Windows 10 and Windows 11, see the “Methods of Activation” section in Activate Windows.
Volume Licensing agreement or MSDN subscription
Your product key is available through the web portal for your program. For more information, see Volume Activation for Windows 10.
References:
Find your Windows product key - Microsoft Support
Learn how to find a Windows product key for activation, and when you'll use a digital license instead.
support.microsoft.com
Activate Windows - Microsoft Support
Learn how to activate Windows using a product key or digital license, check your activation status, and link your Microsoft account.
support.microsoft.com
Here's How:
1 Perform one of the following actions to get the free ShowKeyPlus app created by our member @Superfly :
- Download and install ShowKeyPlus app from Microsoft Store.
Download
- Download and run ShowKeyPlus exe file in a ZIP from GitHub.
This is a standalone exe file that does not install anything on your computer.
Download
Installed Key = This is the product key that Windows is currently activated with.
OEM Key = This is the key stored in the UEFI firmware chip on the motherboard. This key will not always be the same as the installed key. An OEM Key will only be available if this is for a computer purchased from an OEM (ex: HP, Dell, etc...).
That's it,
Shawn Brink
Related Tutorials
- Activate Windows 11
- Change Product Key in Windows 11
- Check Activation Status of Windows 11
- Determine if Windows License Type is OEM, Retail, or Volume
- Link Microsoft Account to Windows 11 Digital License
- Generic Product Keys to Install or Upgrade Windows 11 Editions
- Buy Windows 11 Digital Product Key from Microsoft
Last edited:
