A Windows product key is a 25-character alphanumeric code that acts as a digital license to activate the operating system. It verifies that a copy of Windows is legitimate and has not been used on more PCs than the license terms allow. In the past, this key was often found on a physical sticker. However, with modern Windows 11 licenses, Microsoft primarily uses Digital Licenses (also known as a Digital Entitlement) tied directly to your device’s hardware or your Microsoft account. Well, the operating system manages Windows activation automatically most of the time. However, sometimes you may need to retrieve the product key before performing a major hardware upgrade (like replacing the motherboard), Troubleshooting activation issues, or transferring a Retail license to a new PC. Here are different ways to find the product key on Windows 11 and 10 computers.
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Digital License vs Product Key
A product key ensures that you have access to all features, Windows updates, and security patches provided by Microsoft. Before we start, let’s first understand the difference between a Digital License and a Product Key.
A digital license is automatically linked to your Microsoft account and doesn’t require manual entry of a product key. This modern activation method is created when you upgrade to Windows 11 from an eligible device, purchase Windows 11 from the Microsoft Store, or activate Windows after a hardware change.
It is a method of activation where the license is linked to your computer’s hardware or your Microsoft account.
A product key, by contrast, is a physical 25-character code (formatted as XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX) that you enter manually during installation or through Activation Settings. Product keys are typically used for retail purchases, OEM pre-installed versions on new PCs, and volume licensing for businesses.
| Feature | Digital License | Product Key |
| Activation | Automatic (linked to hardware/Microsoft account) | Manual (requires user to enter the code) |
| Format | No code to enter | 25-character code (e.g., XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX) |
| Method | Often used for free upgrades, Windows Store purchases, or digital downloads | Used for physical copies, retail boxes, or new PCs with a pre-installed key |
| Portability | Tied to the hardware or Microsoft account, so it can be difficult to transfer to a new machine without re-linking or re-activating | Can be transferred to a new computer, deactivating it on the old one |
| Management | Activation happens automatically once connected to the internet and logged into a Microsoft account | Requires manual input and management by the user |
You can check if Windows is activated with a digital license or product key under Settings (Win + I), go to System > Activation > Expand Activation state.
Well, if you only see “Windows is activated,” It means your Windows PC is activated with a 25-character product key manually. You can follow the methods below to find the product key on Windows 11 and 10.
Find Windows product key using Use Command Prompt
If your Windows 11 license key is stored in the BIOS/UEFI firmware (common for pre-installed systems from manufacturers like Dell, HP, or Microsoft), you can easily retrieve it using a single command.
- Click the Start button and type “cmd”.
- Right-click on “Command Prompt” and select “Run as administrator”.
- Type or paste the following command and press Enter:
wmic path softwarelicensingservice get OA3xOriginalProductKey
- Your 25-character product key will be displayed if it is embedded in the firmware.
Well, if it returns blank, either your Windows is not activated or a digital license is used.
Steps for PowerShell (Admin):
- Click the Start button and type “powershell”.
- Right-click on “Windows PowerShell” and select “Run as administrator”.
- Type or paste the following command and press Enter:
(Get-WmiObject -query ‘select * from SoftwareLicensingService’).OA3xOriginalProductKey
- The key will appear below the command if it’s available.
Read the product key from the registry
Also, you will use the Registry Editor to navigate to a specific location where Windows stores a backup of the original product key.
- Press the Windows Key + R to Open the Run dialog
- Type regedit and press Enter. Click Yes if prompted by User Account Control (UAC).
- In the Registry Editor, use the left-hand pane to navigate to the following path:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT \CurrentVersion \SoftwareProtectionPlatform
- In the right-hand pane, look for the entry named BackupProductKeyDefault.
- The 25-character product key will be displayed in the Data column next to this entry.
Third-Party Product Key Finder Software
If the key is neither in the BIOS/UEFI nor easily found via your Microsoft account, specialized software can scan your operating system files to find the currently active license key.
Always download software from reputable sources to avoid malware. Popular and trusted options include:
- NirSoft ProduKey — a small utility that shows keys for Windows and Office.
- ShowKeyPlus — open-source, displays installed and OEM keys and can extract the digital product ID.
These tools typically scan your registry for the stored product key and display it in an easy-to-read format.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Does every Windows 11 installation have a product key?
No. Many Windows 11 installations are activated using a digital license instead of a traditional 25-character product key. This digital license is automatically tied to your hardware or Microsoft Account.
How can I check if my Windows 11 is activated?
Go to Settings > System > Activation. If it says “Windows is activated with a digital license”, then your system is already activated, and you don’t need to manually enter a product key.
Can I use my old Windows 10 product key to activate Windows 11?
Yes. In most cases, a valid Windows 10 retail key can still activate Windows 11, especially if it’s the same edition (Home → Home, Pro → Pro).
I upgraded to Windows 11 for free — do I have a product key?
Probably not. Free upgrades from Windows 10 or Windows 7 use a digital entitlement, which means activation happens automatically via Microsoft’s servers without showing a visible key.
