If you’ve recently upgraded to Windows 11 or purchased a new device with the operating system pre-installed, you may be wondering how to find your Windows 11 product key. A product key is a unique code that is required to activate and use Windows 11 on your device. In this article, we’ll discuss the different ways you can find your Windows 11 product key and ensure that your operating system is properly activated.
Why Do I Need a Windows 11 Product Key?
A Windows 11 product key is necessary to activate your operating system and prove that you have a legitimate copy of the software. Without a product key, you may experience limitations on your device, such as not being able to personalize your desktop or receiving constant reminders to activate your Windows 11. Additionally, if you ever need to reinstall Windows 11, you will need your product key to complete the installation.
Where Can I Find My Windows 11 Product Key?
There are a few different ways you can find your Windows 11 product key, depending on how you obtained your operating system.
If You Purchased a Physical Copy of Windows 11
If you purchased a physical copy of Windows 11, your product key should be included in the packaging. It may be on a sticker attached to the DVD case or on a card inside the box. Be sure to keep this product key in a safe place, as you will need it if you ever need to reinstall Windows 11.
If You Purchased Windows 11 Online
If you purchased Windows 11 online, your product key should have been emailed to you after your purchase. Be sure to check your email for a message from Microsoft with your product key. If you cannot find the email, you may be able to retrieve your product key by logging into your Microsoft account and checking your order history.
If Windows 11 Came Pre-Installed on Your Device
If your device came with Windows 11 pre-installed, your product key should be embedded in the device’s BIOS. This means that you do not need to manually enter a product key to activate your operating system. However, if you ever need to reinstall Windows 11, you may need to use a third-party tool to retrieve the product key from your BIOS.
How to Find Your Windows 11 Product Key Using Command Prompt
If you cannot find your product key using the methods mentioned above, you can use Command Prompt to retrieve it. Follow these steps:
- Open Command Prompt by typing “cmd” into the search bar and selecting “Run as administrator.”
- In the Command Prompt window, type “wmic path softwarelicensingservice get OA3xOriginalProductKey” and press Enter.
- Your Windows 11 product key should appear on the screen.
How to Find Your Windows 11 Product Key Using PowerShell
Another way to find your Windows 11 product key is by using PowerShell. Follow these steps:
- Open PowerShell by typing “powershell” into the search bar and selecting “Run as administrator.”
- In the PowerShell window, type “powershell “(Get-WmiObject -query ‘select * from SoftwareLicensingService’).OA3xOriginalProductKey” and press Enter.
- Your Windows 11 product key should appear on the screen.
How to Find Your Windows 11 Product Key Using a Third-Party Tool
If you are still unable to find your Windows 11 product key, you can use a third-party tool to retrieve it. There are many free tools available online that can help you find your product key, such as Belarc Advisor or ProduKey. These tools scan your device and display your product key on the screen.
How to Activate Windows 11 Using Your Product Key
Once you have located your Windows 11 product key, you can use it to activate your operating system. Follow these steps:
- Open the Settings app by clicking on the Start button and selecting the gear icon.
- Click on “Update & Security” and then select “Activation” from the menu on the left.
- Click on “Change product key” and enter your product key when prompted.
- Click on “Next” and follow the instructions to complete the activation process.
What If My Product Key Doesn’t Work?
If you are having trouble activating Windows 11 with your product key, there are a few things you can try:
- Double-check that you have entered the product key correctly. Product keys are case-sensitive, so be sure to enter it exactly as it appears.
- If you are using a third-party tool to retrieve your product key, try using a different tool to confirm that the key is correct.
- If you are still having trouble, contact Microsoft support for assistance.
How to Activate Windows 11 Without a Product Key
If you do not have a product key for Windows 11, you can still use the operating system, but with some limitations. You will not be able to personalize your desktop or receive updates from Microsoft. Additionally, you will see a watermark on your screen reminding you to activate your Windows 11.
To activate Windows 11 without a product key, follow these steps:
- Open the Settings app and click on “Update & Security.”
- Click on “Activation” and then select “Go to Store.”
- You will be taken to the Microsoft Store, where you can purchase a product key or upgrade to Windows 11 Pro.
- If you do not want to purchase a product key, you can click on “I don’t have a product key” and continue using Windows 11 without activating it.
Conclusion
Your Windows 11 product key is an essential piece of information that you will need to activate and use your operating system. Whether you purchased a physical copy of Windows 11 or it came pre-installed on your device, there are several ways to find your product key. If you are unable to locate your product key, you can use Command Prompt, PowerShell, or a third-party tool to retrieve it. Once you have your product key, you can easily activate Windows 11 and enjoy all the features and benefits of the operating system.
