Are you trying to do fresh Windows 11 install on your PC? Without a relevant product key, you will be left with a watermark and reduced feature set on your computer. You need to use the original product key to authenticate the software. Here are the ways to find a 25-digit product key in Windows 11.
Here’s what a normal Windows 11 product key looks like.
XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX
1. Use Command Prompt
This is one of the effective ways to find the product key in Windows 11.
Step 1: Press the Windows key and search for Command Prompt. Hit Enter.
Step 2: Paste the following command.
wmic path SoftwareLicensingService get OA3xOriginalProductKey
And voila! Command Prompt will show the product key in return. Do note that this trick will only work on OEM laptops and PCs. If you have assembled a PC at home and use a digital product key, Command Prompt won’t display any product key with this command. For that, use other tricks in the post.
2. Use a Third-Party App
If you are not a fan of going through the Command Prompt to find the Windows key, you can use a third-party solution.
ShowKeyPlus is one such app that helps you find the product key in Windows 11. The good part is that the app is readily available from the Microsoft Store. Follow the steps below.
Step 1: Open Microsoft Store and download the ShowKeyPlus app.
Step 2: After successful installation, open the app.
Step 3: Check the product ID and OEM key from the Home menu.
You can hit the Save button and save the OEM key to a text file.
3. Check Your Email
Did you purchase Windows 11 license from Amazon, Best Buy, Target, or Microsoft? Apart from Microsoft, other retailers regularly run programs to offer Windows 11 licenses at a discount. If you have scored one such deal, you will receive the product key at your email address.
Try to remember which email address you added during the checkout process. Check your primary inbox and try finding the product key in it. You can also go to the Spam folder and get the lost Windows 11 product key.
4. Check Windows 11 Product Key on Retail Package
Are you trying to upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11? Back in the day, if you had purchased Windows 10 retail box, you would find the product key right on the package.
For most users, we would advise sticking with the above-mentioned ways to find the product key. After all, who keeps the Windows retail box at home after all these years.
5. Use Windows PowerShell
Powershell users will find this one useful. Run the specified command and you can find Windows 11 product key with a single click. Here’s how.
Step 1: Press the Windows key and search for PowerShell.
Step 2: Hit Enter and open the app.
Step 3: Paste the following command below.
powershell “(Get-WmiObject -query ‘select * from SoftwareLicensingService’).OA3xOriginalProductKey”
Press Enter and check your product key in action.
6. Contact Microsoft
By now, you should find product key in Windows 11. If you are still facing issues, you can contact Microsoft support and ask for further assistance. Go through the steps below.
Step 1: Open Windows 11 Settings (use Windows + I keys).
Step 2: From System, select Activation.
Step 3: Select Get help.
Step 4: Microsoft will ask for which reason you want their help. Click on the relevant reason.
Step 5: Enter your phone number when asked. You shall receive a call back from a customer care representative.
Windows 11 Product Key: FAQ
What If I Use Windows 11 Without a Product Key?
In theory, you can use Windows 11 without a product key. But then again, you will be left with a permanent watermark on the desktop asking to install the official Windows 11 license. You won’t get any future updates as well. If you are doing professional work on your computer, we would highly recommend using a valid Windows 11 license to avoid any security risks.
Can I Change Windows 11 Product Key?
If for some reason you want to change Windows 11 product key, you absolutely can do it from Settings. Head to Windows Settings > System > About > Product key and activation > Change product key to enter a new software license key.
How to Check If My Product Key Is Working?
Once you use the Windows 11 product key, you need to check if Windows 11 is activated on your PC or not. Navigate to Windows Settings > System > About > Product key and activation and check Activation status.
Secure the Windows 11 Product Key
We won’t advise using the computer without a legitimate Windows 11 license. Microsoft’s new OS is still a work in progress and you won’t want to miss out on all the updates the company is planning in the future.
