If you ever need to reinstall Windows 11 or move it to a new computer, knowing your product key is essential. The product key is a 25-character code used to activate Windows and verify that your copy is genuine. This guide will walk you through the different ways to find your Windows 11 product key, depending on how you got your PC or copy of Windows.

1. Check Your Computer or Packaging

If you bought a new computer with Windows 11 pre-installed, the product key might be printed on a sticker somewhere on your device. This is usually found:

On the underside of a laptop or inside the battery compartment

On the side or back of a desktop tower

Inside the box if you bought Windows 11 on a DVD or USB drive

If the device came with a digital license, you won’t find a physical key—your activation is automatically tied to your Microsoft account or device hardware.

2. Find Your Product Key Using Command Prompt

You can retrieve your product key directly from Windows using the Command Prompt. Here’s how:

Press Windows + S, type “cmd,” and select Run as administrator.

Type the following command and press Enter:

wmic path SoftwareLicensingService get OA3xOriginalProductKey

If your system has an embedded product key, it will appear on the screen.

Note: This method works only if the key is stored in the BIOS or UEFI firmware.

3. Use PowerShell to Retrieve the Key

Another quick way is through Windows PowerShell:

Press Windows + X and select Windows PowerShell (Admin).

Copy and paste this command:

(Get-WmiObject -query ‘select * from SoftwareLicensingService’).OA3xOriginalProductKey

Your product key should appear if it’s available on your device.

4. Check Your Microsoft Account

If you purchased Windows 11 digitally from the Microsoft Store, the product key is linked to your Microsoft account. To find it:

Visit the Microsoft account page

.

Sign in with the account you used to buy Windows 11.

Go to Order history to view your past purchases and licenses.

5. Look in Your Email or Digital Receipt

For digital purchases from online retailers like Amazon or the Microsoft Store, your product key is usually included in the confirmation email. Search your inbox for “Microsoft” or “Windows 11 product key.”

6. Third-Party Key Finder Tools

If you can’t locate your key using built-in methods, some trusted third-party software tools (like ProduKey or Belarc Advisor) can scan your system and reveal stored product keys. Be sure to download these only from official or reputable sources to avoid malware.

7. When You Don’t Need a Product Key

If your computer is already activated with a digital license, you don’t need to manually enter a product key when reinstalling Windows 11. Once you sign in with the same Microsoft account, Windows will automatically reactivate.

Final Thoughts

Finding your Windows 11 product key doesn’t have to be complicated. Whether it’s embedded in your hardware, stored in your Microsoft account, or saved in an email, there’s always a way to recover it. Keep your key safe—it’s your proof of authenticity and can save you time in the future.

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