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A Windows product key is a 25-character code used to activate Windows.
Where to find it depends on how Windows was obtained:
- New PC with Windows preinstalled
- The product key may be preinstalled on the PC.
- It may also be included with the packaging or on the Certificate of Authenticity (COA) attached to the device.
- Physical copy bought from an authorized retailer
- The product key is usually on a label or card inside the box.
- Digital copy bought from an authorized retailer
- Check the confirmation email received after purchase.
- It may also be available in the retailer’s digital locker.
- Digital copy bought from Microsoft
- Check the confirmation email.
- If purchased from the Microsoft online store, the order can be checked in Microsoft account Order history.
- Windows upgraded for free
- A digital license is usually used instead of a product key.
- In that case, no product key is needed to activate.
- Windows 10 or Windows 11 Pro upgrade from Microsoft Store app
- A digital license is provided instead of a product key.
If Windows is already activated with a digital license, there may be no product key to retrieve.
A commonly used command to check for an OEM key stored in firmware is:
wmic path softwarelicensingservice get OA3xOriginalProductKey
If that returns blank, the device may be using a digital license instead of a stored product key.
If reinstalling Windows 10 or Windows 11, a product key might not be needed.