A Windows Product key is a 25-character code that activates and validates the operating system. It’s essential to purchase a product key from legal sources and activate the operating system to receive timely updates, security patches, etc.

If you already have an activated Windows 10/11, you may have to know the product key first to perform a clean installation of Windows on any other computer/laptop. So, is there any way to view the Windows Product key?

How to View Your Windows Product Key?

To perform a clean Windows installation on a new computer or laptop, you must first view the Windows Product key installed on your existing machine.

Knowing the Windows Product Key will also be helpful if you want to transfer your copy of Windows to a new machine. There are various ways to view the Windows Product key, which we have shared below.

1. View the Product Key on a new PC running Windows

If you just purchased a new PC or laptop, the product key is already preinstalled. The key is on the Certificate of Authenticity (COA) attached to the PC.

You also need to look for a label or card inside the PC or laptop box.

2. View Windows Product Key Using the Command Prompt

Command Prompt is an excellent utility for viewing the Windows Product key. Follow some simple steps below to view the Windows Product key via Command Prompt.

1. Type in Command Prompt on the Windows Search. Next, right click on the Command Prompt and select Run as administrator.

wmic path softwareLicensingService get OA3xOriginalProductKey

3. Now, the Command Prompt utility will list the product key.

3. View Windows Product Key from the Registry Editor

Like the Command Prompt, you can use the Registry Editor to view the Windows Product key. Here’s how you can view Windows Product Key from the Registry Editor.

1. Type in Registry Editor on the Windows Search. Next, open the Registry Editor app from the list.

2. When the Registry Editor opens, navigate to the following path:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE > SOFTWARE > Microsoft > Windows NT > CurrentVersion > SoftwareProtectionPlatform

3. On the right side, find the BackupProductKeyDefault.

4. Now look at the Data column to view the Windows activation key.

4. View Windows Product Key using KeyFinder

KeyFinder is third-party software that allows you to view the Windows Product key and find the key used to activate your version of Windows. Here’s how to use the KeyFinder utility to view the Windows Product key.

1. Download & install the Keyfinder tool on your Windows PC.

2. Once installed, type Keyfinder on the Windows Search. Next, open the Keyfinder app from the list of best match results.

3. When the application opens, it will scan your operating system files. On the right pane, it will show you the product key.

5. View Windows Product Key using ShowKeyPlus

ShowKeyPlus is another excellent third-party tool for Windows that can display the Windows Product Key. This software is available on the Microsoft Store. Here’s how to view the Windows Product Key using ShowKeyPlus.

1. Open this link on your computer. Next, click on the Install button to install the application.

2. Once installed, launch the program. You can also launch ShowKeyPlus from the Windows Search.

3. The application will show you the Windows Product Information. This includes the operating system, product ID, build version, Installed Key, OEM Key, etc.

4. You need to note the Product ID & Installed Key row.

These are the best and easiest methods for viewing your Windows Product Key. Once you have the Key, you can perform a clean installation of Windows on your machine or transfer your copy of Windows to a new machine. Let us know if you need more help finding your Windows Product key.