How to Find Your Windows 11 License Key
A product key is used in Windows 11 to confirm that your operating system is authentic and not pirated. You can locate the product key that is currently in use on your computer, which is very important if you purchased Windows and need to reinstall it.
What Is a Windows Product Key and How Do I Get One?
Microsoft uses a product key to ensure that the copy of Windows being used is authentic. When Windows 11 is activated, the key is given to Microsoft, and Microsoft compares it to its records. If the key is invalid, Windows will not be activated.
The original equipment manufacturer (OEM) installs Windows on a prebuilt computer or laptop for you when you buy it. OEM keys, OEM product keys, and OEM licenses are all terms used to describe this type of key.
Alternatively, enthusiasts who build their own PCs or purchase different versions of Windows 11 can acquire retail licenses.
Product keys are 25 characters long and contain a combination of capital letters and numbers, regardless of the type of key you have.
With Command Prompt, you can find an OEM license
If your PC has an OEM license — that is, if you bought a computer that came with Windows preinstalled — you can use Command Prompt to find the licensing key.
Hit Enter after clicking the Start button and typing “Command prompt” or “cmd” into the search bar.
Enter the following in the pop-up window:
acquire OA3xOriginalProductKey wmic path software licensing service
If you were successful, a string of letters and numbers should appear directly beneath the command you entered. That’s the secret to your product!
ShowKeyPlus can be used to demonstrate a retail license.
ShowKeyPlus will display Windows if you purchased and installed it yourself. ShowKeyPlus is a Microsoft Store application that is available for free.
To get it, go to the Start menu, type “Microsoft Store” into the search field, and then select “Open.”
ShowKeyPlus can be used to demonstrate a retail license.
ShowKeyPlus will display Windows if you purchased and installed it yourself. ShowKeyPlus is a Microsoft Store application that is available for free.
To get it, go to the Start menu, type “Microsoft Store” into the search field, and then select “Open.”
After opening the Microsoft Store, go to the top of the website and type “ShowKeyPlus” into the search field.
Click “Install” on the ShowKeyPlus app page. The “Install” button will change to an “Open” button once the installation is complete. “Open” should be selected.
ShowKeyPlus shows the installed key as well as the OEM key.
If you’re running an OEM version of Windows 11, your product key is displayed in both the green and blue boxes. The green box is the key that is currently in use if you installed a version of Windows 11 that you purchased yourself.
You can write down or save the key to a file on your computer after you have it. Take care not to post it on the internet. Because retail licenses can be used on numerous devices (but not at the same time), your product key could be stolen and used to activate Windows.
If you bought a Windows 11 pro license key, you can use it to reinstall Windows in the future. You won’t need to use an OEM key if your PC came with Windows and one; OEM keys are attached to your hardware, and Windows will recognize them immediately when it’s installed.