Windows 11 is the latest operating system developed by Microsoft, which was released in October 2021. A product key is a unique alphanumeric code that is required during the installation process to activate the Windows operating system.
The Windows 11 product key is a 25-character code that is used to activate and verify that your copy of Windows 11 is genuine. It is required during the installation process, and without it, you will not be able to use the full range of features and functionalities offered by the operating system.
There are several ways to obtain a Windows 11 product key. If you purchased a new PC that came with Windows 11 pre-installed, the product key should already be activated and associated with your hardware. If you are upgrading from a previous version of Windows, you may be able to use your existing product key to activate Windows 11.
Another option is to purchase a product key directly from Microsoft or an authorized reseller. Microsoft offers various licensing options for Windows 11, including a retail version for personal use and volume licensing for businesses and organizations.
It is important to note that using an unactivated or pirated version of Windows 11 is not only illegal but also puts your computer at risk of malware and other security threats. Activating Windows 11 with a genuine product key ensures that you have access to security updates and support from Microsoft, as well as the full range of features and functionalities offered by the operating system.
A Windows 11 product key is an essential component required for activation and verification of the operating system. It can be obtained through various channels, including pre-installed hardware, upgrades from previous versions of Windows, or direct purchase from Microsoft or an authorized reseller. Using a genuine product key is important for legal compliance and ensuring access to security updates and support from Microsoft.
How to Get a Product Key Using Command Prompt?
To get a Windows 11 product key using the Command Prompt, follow these steps:
- Open the Command Prompt as an administrator. You can do this by typing “cmd” into the Windows search bar, right-clicking on “Command Prompt,” and selecting “Run as administrator.”
- Type the following command into the Command Prompt and press Enter: wmic path SoftwareLicensingService get OA3xOriginalProductKey
- The product key for your Windows 11 installation will be displayed in the Command Prompt window.
- Copy the product key and save it somewhere secure, such as a text document, in case you need it for future use.
Note: This method only works if you have already activated your copy of Windows 11 with a product key. If your copy of Windows 11 is not yet activated, this method will not work. Additionally, this method will not work for Windows 10 or earlier versions of Windows.
Finding the Product Key Using the Windows 11 PowerShell?
To find the Windows 11 product key using PowerShell, follow these steps:
- Open PowerShell as an administrator. You can do this by typing “PowerShell” into the Windows search bar, right-clicking on “Windows PowerShell,” and selecting “Run as administrator.”
- Type the following command into the PowerShell window and press Enter: (Get-WmiObject -query ‘select * from SoftwareLicensingService’).OA3xOriginalProductKey
- The product key for your Windows 11 installation will be displayed in the PowerShell window.
- Copy the product key and save it somewhere secure, such as a text document, in case you need it for future use.
Note: This method only works if you have already activated your copy of Windows 11 with a product key. If your copy of Windows 11 is not yet activated, this method will not work. Additionally, this method will not work for Windows 10 or earlier versions of Windows.
How to Find Your Product Key In the Windows Registry?
To find the Windows 11 product key in the Windows Registry, follow these steps:
- Press the Windows key + R on your keyboard to open the Run dialog box.
- Type “regedit” into the Run dialog box and press Enter.
- In the Registry Editor window, navigate to the following key: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\SoftwareProtectionPlatform
- Look for the entry “DigitalProductId” on the right-hand side of the window.
- The 25-character Windows 11 product key will be listed in the “Value data” column next to “DigitalProductId.”
- Copy the product key and save it somewhere secure, such as a text document, in case you need it for future use.
Note: Be very careful when editing the Windows Registry, as making changes to it can potentially harm your system. It is recommended to create a backup of your registry before making any changes. Additionally, this method only works if you have already activated your copy of Windows 11 with a product key. If your copy of Windows 11 is not yet activated, this method will not work.
FAQs
Where can I buy a Windows 11 product key?
You can buy a Windows 11 product key from the Microsoft Store, online retailers such as Amazon or Best Buy, computer manufacturers, or third-party software sellers.
How do I activate Windows 11 with a product key?
To activate Windows 11 with a product key, go to “Settings” > “Update & Security” > “Activation,” click “Change product key,” enter your 25-character product key, and click “Next.” Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the activation process.
Do I need a Windows 11 product key?
You need a valid product key to activate and use Windows 11. Without a product key, you will not be able to fully use the operating system, including getting regular updates and security patches. While you can install Windows 11 without a product key, it will only run for a limited time before requiring activation.
Can I use the same product key on multiple computers?
No, you cannot use the same Windows 11 product key on multiple computers. Each product key is designed for a single device and is tied to that specific device’s hardware. Attempting to use the same product key on multiple computers will likely result in activation issues, and is a violation of the Windows End User License Agreement (EULA). If you need to activate Windows 11 on multiple devices, you will need to purchase a separate product key for each device.
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