Что такое номер лицензии windows

With its widespread use across personal computers and servers worldwide, Windows has become an indispensable operating system from Microsoft. Yet, its less visible elements, such as Product IDs and Product Keys, play a critical role in the Windows ecosystem.

If you also think of these two elements as the same thing, you are wrong. Though these strings of characters serve as digital fingerprints, uniquely identifying and verifying a specific instance of the software, product ID and product key are two different things.

While seemingly small, these hold immense significance not just for Microsoft but also for the millions of users relying on Windows to carry out daily tasks.

Let’s take a closer look at Product IDs and Product Keys and understand why they are important in the world of Windows.

What is Windows Product ID

Imagine you have just bought a brand new laptop with the latest version of Windows installed on it. Everything seems to be running smoothly until one day when you try to activate your operating system, you are prompted to enter a mysterious sequence of characters known as a “Product ID.”

So, what exactly is a Product ID, and why is it important?

Simply put, it is a unique identifier that is used to distinguish one installation of Windows from another. It is typically a combination of numbers and letters specific to the version of Windows installed on your computer, as well as the channel through which it was acquired.

In simpler words, a Windows product ID is the equivalent of a chassis number for a car – there is only one item in the entire world with the associated ID.

It is essential for maintaining the security and stability of your computer and ensuring that you have access to all of the features and benefits of a valid license. Microsoft uses this information to track its software usage and support users who have purchased a license.

The importance of having a valid Product ID cannot be overstated. Without it, your operating system will be unable to receive important security updates and other critical patches that are necessary for keeping your computer safe and secure.

In addition, if you ever need to contact Microsoft support for assistance with your software, they will likely ask you to provide your Product ID in order to verify that you are running a genuine version of Windows.

How to Find Windows Product ID

There are several ways for you to find the product ID on a Windows client PC (Windows 10/11, etc.) or a Windows Server.

Get Product ID on Windows 11, 10, Server 2019

On the modern Windows operating systems, you can view the product ID in the Settings app or from the Command Prompt. Follow these steps to view the product ID from the Settings app:

1. Navigate to the following:

   • In Windows 11:

     Settings app >> System >> Activation

   • In Windows 10, Server 2019 and later:

     Settings app >> Update & Security >> Activation

2. You will find the Product ID in this format “XXXXX-XXX-XXXXXXX-XXXXX.”

To get the product ID for a Windows OS, use these steps instead:

1. Open an elevated Command Prompt.

2. Run the following cmdlet:

   slmgr/dli

3. A pop-up will now appear with your product ID.

Get Product ID on Windows 7 and Older

1. Open the Control Panel by typing in “control” in the Run Command box.

2. Click “System.”

3. Look for the 20-characters product ID after the activation info.

What is Windows Product Key

Product Key is a 25-character unique code that is assigned to every copy of the Windows operating system. This key serves as an authentication mechanism that confirms that the copy of Windows you are using is genuine and has been purchased legally. In simpler terms, it is like a digital license that grants you access to all the features of your Windows operating system.

What makes the product key so important?

Firstly, it ensures you use a legal and authorized copy of Windows. This helps in preventing piracy and other illegal activities which could harm the software industry. Secondly, it helps maintain the security and stability of your operating system by providing regular updates and patches.

Moreover, a product key is necessary if you want to enjoy all the features of your Windows operating system. Some features, such as personalization options, advanced settings, and security features, are only available to users who have activated their copy of Windows using a valid product key.

How to Find Windows Product Key

There are multiple ways of finding a product key in Windows. However, steps to the simplest and the most common way that works for everyone is via Command Prompt. Here is how to do it:

1. Open an elevated Command Prompt.

2. Run the following cmdlet:

   wmic path softwareLicensingService get OA3xOriginalProductKey

   

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To know more about other methods for finding your product key, refer to our detailed guide: 4 Ways To Find Windows 10 Product Key.

Difference in Windows Product ID vs. Product Key

All in all, product ID and product key in Windows may seem similar, but they serve different purposes. A product ID is a unique identifier for each installation of Windows and is primarily used for technical support and troubleshooting. In contrast, a product key is a code used to activate Windows and verify a genuine license.

Understanding the difference between these two identifiers can help ensure proper activation and access to technical support when needed.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Last Updated :
20 Feb, 2024

Quick Solution!

Here is the easiest way to find Win 11 key. Simple follow these few steps.

Method 1: Win 11 Product Key Using CMD

• Open CMD, copy and paste the following command.

wmic path softwarelicensingservice get OA3xOriginalProductKey

• The product key for Windows 11 will be displayed on the screen.

Method 2: Win 11 Product Key Using ShowKeyPlus

• Press Win + S, type «Microsoft Store» > Search «ShowKeyPlus»> Install/Get the app.
• Open ShowKeyPlus > View the installed key.

This quick process simplifies finding your Win 11 product key, ensuring easy access and verification. For more methods check out the entire article.

A Windows product key is a 25-character code that activates Microsoft’s operating system on your computer. You require this unique product key to download and set up the latest version of  Windows 11 onto your device from any source. There are different methods for you to find product key for Windows 11. In this article, we will show you five methods to find Win 11 key.

What is a Windows Product Key?

A Windows 11 product key is a distinctive identifier that authenticates the authenticity of your copy of Windows and prevents piracy. Moreover, it enables you to enjoy exclusive services such as Microsoft Update, Microsoft Store, and customer care features offered by Windows 11. Usually, when installing or reinstalling Windows 11 on your PC requires a valid product key.

However; if you upgraded from an activated previous version of Windows already installed in your computer system with Win-11 OS now installed may not require re-entering the Windows 11 product key again.

Method 1: Find Windows 11 Product Key Using Command Prompt

The Command Prompt is a built-in tool that enables you to execute commands and perform various tasks on your PC. You can utilize the Command Prompt to find your Windows 11 product key by following these steps:

Step 1: Press Win + S then on the search bar type «CMD» or the command prompt

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Step 2: In the Command Prompt window

wmic path softwarelicensingservice get OA3xOriginalProductKey

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The product key for Windows 11 will be displayed on the screen.

Method 2: Find Windows 11 Product Key Using Windows Registry Editor

The Windows Registry is a database that stores assorted settings and options for both the Windows operating system and other applications. To locate your Windows 11 product key for Windows 11 in the registry, follow these steps:

Step 1: Press Win + S then on search bar type «Registry Editor»

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Step 2: Navigate to the following location:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\SoftwareProtectionPlatform

Step 3: Look for the «BackupProductKeyDefault» entry on the right pane and double-click it.

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A newly opened window will display a lengthy sequence of letters and numbers. This represents your encrypted product key.

Method 3: Find Windows 11 Product Key Using Windows PowerShell

PowerShell is another built-in tool that enables you to execute scripts and commands on your PC. You can use PowerShell to locate your Windows 11 product key following these steps:

Step 1: Press Win + S then on search bar type «PowerShell» or Windows PowerShell

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Step 2: In the PowerShell window, type and press enter

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

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Method 4: Find Windows 11 Product Key Using ShowKeyPlus

Step 1: Press Win + S then on search bar type «Microsoft Store»

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Step 2: On Microsoft Store search bar type «ShowKeyPlus» then hit enter

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Step 3: Click on Install Or Get button to download the ShowKeyPlus into your computer

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Step 3: Open the ShowKeyPlus

Step 4: After opening the ShowKeyPlus you will see installed key

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Method 5: Find Windows 11 Product Key by Running a VBS Script

A VBS script is a file that contains Visual Basic code which can be executed by Windows. You can create and run a VBS script to find your Windows 11 product key by following these steps:

Step 1: Open a text editor such as Notepad and copy and paste the following code:

Set WshShell = CreateObject("WScript.Shell")
MsgBox ConvertToKey(WshShell.RegRead("HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\DigitalProductId"))
Function ConvertToKey(Key)
Const KeyOffset = 52
i = 28
Chars = "BCDFGHJKMPQRTVWXY2346789"
Do
Cur = 0
x = 14
Do
Cur = Cur * 256
Cur = Key(x + KeyOffset) + Cur
Key(x + KeyOffset) = (Cur \ 24) And 255
Cur = Cur Mod 24
x = x -1
Loop While x >= 0
i = i -1
KeyOutput = Mid(Chars, Cur + 1, 1) & KeyOutput
If (((29 - i) Mod 6) = 0) And (i <> -1) Then
i = i -1
KeyOutput = "-" & KeyOutput
End If
Loop While i >= 0
ConvertToKey = KeyOutput
End Function

Step 2: Save the file by press Ctrl + S.

Step 3: Save the file as productkey.vbs on your desktop or any other location.

Step 4: Double-click on the productkey.vbs file to run it.

Step 5: A message box will pop up with your Windows 11 product key.

Conclusion

In Conclusion, We have shown five methods to you for finding your product key: using Command Prompt, Windows Registry, PowerShell, ShowKeyPlus and a VBS script. You may use any of these techniques to retrieve your product key and activate Windows 11 on your computer. Nevertheless, if you upgraded from an earlier activated version of Windows to Windows 11 then it is possible that the inputting of another activation code won’t be needed. 

Also Read

• How to Find WiFi Password In Windows 11?
• How to Factory Reset a Windows 11 PC?
• How to Check Your RAM Speed On Windows 11?
• How To Check Your Computer Uptime on Windows 11?

Quick Tips

• Use Command Prompt: Open Command Prompt and type wmic path softwarelicensingservice get OA3xOriginalProductKey to retrieve your Windows product key.
• Registry Method: Navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\SoftwareProtectionPlatform in the Registry Editor to find your product key.
• Third-Party Tools: Use reliable third-party software like ProduKey or ShowKeyPlus to quickly find and back up your product key.

1. Using Command Prompt

Step 1: Press the Windows key, type Command Prompt, and click on Run as administrator.

Select Yes in the prompt.

Step 2: Type the following command and press Enter.

wmic path softwareLicensingService get OA3xOriginalProductKey

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There you go. You will be shown your Windows product key when you press Enter. Pretty straightforward, right? There’s one more command line way to find the product key, but with Windows PowerShell. 

2. Using Windows PowerShell

Step 1: Press the Windows key, type Windows PowerShell, and select Run as Administrator.

Select Yes in the prompt.

Step 2: Enter the following command and press Enter.

powershell "(Get-WmiObject -query 'select * from SoftwareLicensingService').OA3xOriginalProductKey"

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There you go. This method is as easy as pie. We recommend you copy the above command, but if you are typing it, ensure you leave spaces and add dots, as shown above.

If Windows PowerShell begins behaving strangely, check out different ways to fix PowerShell popping up on Windows.

3. Using Registry Files

Step 1: Press the Windows key, type Registry Editor, and click on Run as administrator.

Select Yes in the prompt.

Step 2: Enter the below address into the Registry’s address bar.

Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\SoftwareProtectionPlatform

Step 3: In the right side panel, under Name, you will find BackupProductKeyDefault; right beside it, you will see your Windows product key.

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Note: You may find the product key coming from the Command Prompt or PowerShell different from the product key coming from the Registry Editor. It might happen because you have upgraded or changed your Windows version.

Although there are third-party tools that let you find your Windows product key, they pose the risk of a privacy breach. Besides, it is also worth considering that you can do it on your own without the need for a third-party tool.