If you've ever had to reinstall Windows or Office on your computer, you know that the process requires you to enter a product key. However, finding that product key can be a challenge, especially if you've lost the original packaging or email. In this article, we'll explore different ways to find your Windows or Office product key, so you can reinstall your software with ease.
What is a product key?
A product key is a unique code that is required to activate a software product, such as Windows or Office. When you purchase a new computer or install a new version of Windows or Office, you will typically be provided with a product key that you need to enter in order to activate the software. The product key is usually a series of letters and numbers, and is typically found on the packaging or in an email confirmation from the retailer.
The product key is necessary to use and access all features of Windows or Office, and without it, you may only be able to use the software in a limited capacity or for a limited time.
Why would I need to find my Windows or Office product key?
When you purchase Windows or Office, you will typically receive a product key that is used to activate the software. This key is important because it confirms that you have a legitimate copy of the software and that you have the right to use it.
First, if you ever need to reinstall the software, you will need to enter the product key during the installation process in order to activate the software and unlock all of its features. Without the product key, the software may not work properly or may only function in a limited capacity.
Secondly, in addition to reinstalling the software, you may need to find your product key if you are upgrading to a newer version of Windows or Office. Some upgrades require you to enter your existing product key in order to receive the upgrade, so it's important to have this information on hand.
Finally, if you have lost your product key, you may need to find it in order to recover your software licence. This can be especially important if you need to transfer your licence to a new computer or if you need to reinstall the software after a hardware failure.
Finding your Windows or Office product key is crucial for maintaining the proper functioning of your software and ensuring that you have access to all the features that you have paid for. By taking the time to locate your product key and keep it in a safe place, you can avoid potential issues down the line and enjoy a seamless experience with your software.
Finding your Windows product key step by step.
The first step to find your Windows product key is to press the Windows key + X and select "Command Prompt (Admin)" from the list of options. If you are using Windows 10, you can also right-click on the Start button and select "Windows PowerShell (Admin)".
Secondly, in the Command Prompt or PowerShell window, type "wmic path softwarelicensingservice get OA3xOriginalProductKey" (without quotes) and press Enter. The product key associated with your Windows installation will be displayed in the window.
Write down or copy the product key to a secure location. Note that this method will only work for Windows installations that came pre-installed on your computer or were purchased from Microsoft directly. If you purchased Windows separately or upgraded from a previous version of Windows, you may need to use a different method to locate your product key.
We recommend using the free software Magical Jelly Bean KeyFinder, which allows you to recover product keys from over 300+ supported programs, including serials for Windows 7/8/10/11 and Office.
Finding your Office product key step by step.
First, open a command prompt window as an administrator. To do this, click on the Start menu and type "Command Prompt" in the search box. Right-click on "Command Prompt" and select "Run as administrator". You can also just repeat the first step from the previous instructions.
In the Command Prompt window, navigate to the directory where Microsoft Office is installed. The default directory is "C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office16" for Office 2016, "C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office15" for Office 2013, and "C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office14" for Office 2010.
Once you are in the correct directory, type "cscript ospp.vbs /dstatus" (without the quotes) and press Enter. The product key associated with your Microsoft Office installation will be displayed in the output.
Similarly to the method used for Windows, this method will only work for Office installations that came pre-installed on your computer or were purchased directly from Microsoft. If you obtained Office through other means, we also recommend using Magical Jelly Bean KeyFinder.
Where can I buy a Windows or Office product key?
You can buy a Windows or Office product key from a variety of sources, including the Microsoft Store, online and physical retailers, as well as Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) if you purchase a new laptop or computer with software included. When purchasing a product key, make sure to buy from a reputable source to ensure that the key is valid and not counterfeit.
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