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- Use Windows Key Checker To Check Your Product Key
By Sarah |
Last Updated
Once you bought a genuine Windows, a product key should come with it. You can use this key to activate your Windows easily. However, sometimes, users don’t know their system status and fail in activating Windows. They definitely need a good Windows key checker to help them check the Windows product key and then decide what to do next.
What Is Windows Key Checker
Windows key checker refers to the tools used to check your product key of Windows systems. It’s a good way to judge whether your Windows is genuine or not. According to Microsoft, after you bought a copy of Windows, the corresponding product key will be kept on a label or card inside the box. But what is a Windows product key indeed?
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Windows Product Key or Digital License
A product key is actually a 25-character code that can be used to activate Windows directly. It helps you determine whether your copy of Windows is genuine or not and whether your system has been used on more PCs that Microsoft Software License Terms allow or not.
- Windows 10 activation: in general, your Windows 10 system will be activated automatically with the digital license (called a digital entitlement in Windows 10); you don’t need to type the product key manually.
- Windows 8.1 & Windows 7: you need to find the product keys contained in the confirmation email you received after purchasing the Windows system or in the box Windows came in. Then, you should enter the correct product key as required.
How To Fix When Change Product Key Does Not Work?
How to Find Your Windows Product Key
Where do you find your Windows product key? That depends on how you get your Windows system.
- New PC running Windows: the product key has been already preinstalled on the PC or included on the COA (Certificate of Authenticity) connected to the PC.
- A copy of Windows 10 from authorized retailer: on a label or card inside the box.
- A digital copy of Windows 10 from authorized retailer: in the confirmation email or in a digital locker that can be accessed via the retailer’s website.
- A digital copy from a Microsoft website: in the confirmation email.
- Upgrade to Windows 10 from Windows 7 or Windows 8.1: a digital license instead of a product key.
- Windows 10 Store App: a digital license you received.
Show Your Windows 10 Product Key Using Command Prompt
- Press Windows + S to open Windows search bar.
- Type cmd into the search box.
- Right click on Command Prompt.
- Choose Run as administrator.
- Type wmic path softwarelicensingservice get OA3xOriginalProductKey and press Enter.
- The product key will then appear.
How to Check If Your Windows Key Is Genuine
Which Windows product key checker should you choose? Here, I’ll list the most popular 3 choices of Windows 10 product key checker.
One: Windows Settings
The most direct way to check whether the Windows product key you have used is legit or not is opening Settings app directly.
- Click on the Start button in the lower left corner.
- Navigate to the Settings icon (look like a gear) and click.
- Choose Update & Security.
- Select Activation from the left pane.
- Check the activation status.
- If it says your Windows is activated, the product key is legit. If any error occurs, you should doubt that the key is not legit or legal.
Two: Command Prompt
- Run Command Prompt tool as administrator by steps mentioned earlier or other ways.
- Type slmgr /dli and press Enter.
- The corresponding license information will appear with the activation status.
- If the status says Licensed, your product key is legit. You should suspect that your key is not valid if you say something else.
How To Recover Files Using CMD: Ultimate User Guide.
Three: Third-party Windows Key Checker
There are lots of third-party Windows key checkers designed for checking the product key of Windows 10 or other systems. You may choose a reliable one to use: Microsoft PID Checker (for Windows 10 and Server 2016), Ultimate PID Checker (for systems before Windows 10), and so on.
About The Author
Position: Columnist
Sarah has been working as an editor at MiniTool since she graduated from university. Sarah aims at helping users with their computer problems such as disk errors and data loss. She feels a sense of accomplishment to see that users get their issues fixed relying on her articles. Besides, she likes to make friends and listen to music after work.
PIDMS Office & Windows License Key Checker (Free):
Microsoft Office and Windows Error Codes
Microsoft Office and Windows Error Codes: Their Meanings Explained
| Error Code | Description |
|---|---|
| 0xC004C008 | Active key – This means the license key has been used multiple times but can still be activated using our Get Confirmation ID tool. |
| 0xC004C020 | Active key – Need to Get Confirmation ID to activate. |
| 0xC004C060 | Dead key – Can’t be used anymore. Buy a new key from us. |
| 0xC004C003 | Key blocked – Can’t use this key. Buy a new key from us. |
| 0xC004C004 | Fake key – Buy a new key from us. |
| Unsupported | The key doesn’t support getting an error code on this website. |
Microsoft PID Checker: Verify Your Microsoft Product Keys Instantly for Free
If you’re a Microsoft Office or Windows user, ensuring your product key’s validity is crucial. At our website, we provide a free Microsoft PID Checker tool to help you verify your Microsoft license keys. Whether it’s for Office, Windows, Server, or Project, this tool is fast, reliable, and user-friendly. Check if your key is active, blocked, invalid, or dead with just a few clicks!
What Is Microsoft PID Checker?
A Microsoft PID Checker is an online tool that validates the status of Microsoft product keys. It helps users confirm whether a license key is genuine and active or blocked, dead, or fake. Our PID checker provides instant results for all major Microsoft products, ensuring you know the status of your key before use.
Why Use Our PID Checker?
- Free to Use: No charges to check your keys.
- Wide Compatibility: Supports Microsoft Office, Windows, Server, and Project license keys.
- Error Code Insights: Decode key status with detailed error explanations.
- Integrated Services: GetCID tool recommendations for invalid keys.
- Ease of Use: Simple interface for quick validation.
Windows and Office Error Codes and Their Meanings
When you check your key, our PID Checker might display an error code. Here’s what they mean:
- 0xC004C008 / 0xC004C020:
Your key requires a confirmation ID. Use our GetCID tool to quickly generate a CID and activate your product. - 0xC004C060:
This key is dead. Purchase a new, affordable license key from our website. - 0xC004C003:
Your license key is blocked. Get a new, genuine key at competitive prices from us. - 0xC004C004:
The key is fake. Replace it with a reliable key from our store. - Unsupported:
The key cannot be verified. Consider buying a supported and valid key from us.
How to Fix Common Microsoft Activation Error Codes for Windows 10, 11 & Office 2021, 2019,2016 ect version
When using the Microsoft PID Checker, you might encounter certain error codes that need resolution. Here’s how to fix some of the most common errors for Windows 10, 11, and Office:
How to Fix Error Code: 0xC004C008 for Windows & Office
When you see Error Code: 0xC004C008 on your Windows or Office,It means your license key has been used multiple times and now requires activation through the telephone activation method, which needs a Confirmation ID (CID) for completion.
Steps to fix Error Code: 0xC004C008 for Office:
- Open Office App: Launch any Office app like Word or Excel.
- Activation Wizard: Navigate to File > Account > Change Product Key > Activate Product.
- Select Telephone Activation: Choose “I want to activate software by telephone.”
- Get Installation ID: The wizard will show an Installation ID (IID). Copy it.
- Generate CID: Use our GetCID tool, input the IID, and get your Confirmation ID.
- Activate Office: Enter the CID into the wizard and complete activation.
Steps to fix Error Code: 0xC004C008 for Windows:
- Run Activation Wizard: Press Win + R, type
SLUI 4, and hit Enter. - Select Region: Choose your country or region.
- Get Installation ID: Note down the displayed IID.
- Use GetCID Tool: Enter the IID on our GetCID tool page to generate the CID.
- Activate Windows: Enter the CID in the wizard to activate.
How to Fix Error Code: 0xC004C020 for Windows & Office
Error Code: 0xC004C020 occurs when a license key is restricted for online activation but can still be activated using a Confirmation ID (CID). This means your license key has been used multiple times and now requires activation through the telephone activation method, which needs a Confirmation ID (CID) for completion.
Steps to fix Error Code: 0xC004C020 for Office:
- Open an Office app and go to File > Account > Change Product Key.
- Choose Telephone Activation to get an Installation ID.
- Use the GetCID tool to generate a Confirmation ID.
- Enter the CID in the wizard to complete activation.
Steps to fix Error Code: 0xC004C020 for Windows:
- Open the Run command, type
SLUI 4, and press Enter. - Choose your region and note the Installation ID.
- Use our GetCID tool to generate the CID.
- Input the CID in the wizard and activate your product.
How to Fix Error Code: 0xC004C060 for Windows & Office
Error Code: 0xC004C060 signifies that the license key is no longer valid (commonly referred to as a “dead key”).
- Solution: Replace the dead key by purchasing a new, genuine license key from our website. We offer affordable, authentic keys for Windows, Office, and other Microsoft products to ensure hassle-free activation.
How to Fix Error Code: 0xC004C003 for Windows & Office
When you encounter Error Code: 0xC004C003, it means the license key has been blocked by Microsoft and cannot be used for activation.
- Solution: Purchase a verified and genuine license key from our trusted platform. Blocked keys can no longer be activated, so avoid delays by replacing the key with a legitimate one.
How to Fix Error Code: 0xC004C004 for Windows & Office
Error Code: 0xC004C004 indicates that the license key is counterfeit or fake and cannot activate your software.
- Solution: Buy an original and genuine license key from our store. Don’t risk using fake keys that could lead to system issues or incomplete activations.
Why Choose Our Services for Activation Errors?
- GetCID Tool: Quickly generate a Confirmation ID for error codes like 0xC004C008 and 0xC004C020.
- Affordable Keys: Replace dead, blocked, or fake keys with legitimate ones at competitive prices from our store.
- User-Friendly Process: Activate your Windows or Office easily with our automated tools.
- 24/7 Support: Get help whenever you need it.
No matter the error, we provide solutions tailored to your needs. Activate your Microsoft products today with ease!
How to Use the Microsoft PID Checker on Our Website
- Visit our PID Checker Tool page.
- Enter your Microsoft license key into the designated field.
- Click “Check Key.”
- Instantly view the status and corresponding error code (if applicable).
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How to check if a Microsoft product key is valid?
Simply use our PID Checker tool. Enter your key, and it will instantly validate its status.
2. How to check if my Office or Windows license is genuine?
Use our tool to ensure your key is legitimate. It supports all major Microsoft Office and Windows versions.
3. Can I check product keys for older Windows versions?
Yes, the PID Checker works for Windows 10, Windows 11, and even older versions like Windows 7 and 8.
5. Can I still get Microsoft Office for free?
No, Microsoft Office is no longer free, but we offer affordable license keys that include GetCID for activation.
How to Interpret Your Results
When you use our PID Checker, you may receive one of these outcomes:
- Active Key: Your license is ready to use.
- Blocked or Fake Key: Replace it by purchasing a new one from us.
- Needs Confirmation ID: Use our GetCID tool for quick activation.
How to Get a Confirmation ID (CID) for Microsoft Office or Windows?
If your PID Checker indicates you need a CID:
- Visit our GetCID tool.
- Enter your Installation ID.
- Generate a CID in seconds and activate your product.
Why Choose Us for Your License Key and CID Needs?
- Affordable Pricing: Save money on Office and Windows license keys.
- Comprehensive Tools: Use our PID Checker and GetCID generator for a seamless activation process.
How to Find Your Windows or Office Key
- To FInd your Windows Product or License key :
- Open Command Prompt (CMD).
- Run the command: wmic path SoftwareLicensingService get OA3xOriginalProductKey
- Via System Settings:
- Navigate to Settings > Update & Security > Activation.
- Find your key in the activation section.
- Using Third-Party Tools:
- Tools like ProduKey or Belarc Advisor can retrieve your license key.
- To Find License key for Microsoft Office:
Check your email for the original purchase receipt or use third-party software tools to retrieve the installed key.
Get Started Today
Use our free Microsoft PID Checker to verify your product keys. Need to activate your Office or Windows? Purchase genuine keys or use our GetCID tool for instant CID generation. Don’t waste time with unreliable methods—trust us for all your Microsoft license and CID needs.
Explore Our Tools:
- Free Microsoft PID Checker.
- Affordable license keys with free CID.
- Instant GetCID generator for seamless activation.
Start now and experience hassle-free Microsoft product activation with us!
Migration to XAML/MVVM is complete
This version applies to Windows 8 and 10 only
Windows 7 is no longer supported (apart from key checking) .
It does not have all functionality of the original (WinPE, CLI etc.) yet
Update:
- Added the About page
- Fixed «More..» button display when no additional installations available
Update: 64-bit Version 1.0.0.1616 / 32-bit Version 1.0.0.1621
- Fixed Key masking and a bunch of other stuff
- Changed to Store version logo
Update: 64-bit Version 1.0.0.26874 / 32-bit Version 1.0.0.26887
- Added Accent colour gradient to menu mouse over
- Added number of installations found by auto-discovery to ‘More…’
- Added to saved file a notification if generic key
- Progress ring when searching via More.. or Retrieve key functions
- General code optimisation
Update: 64-bit Version 1.0.0.3969 / 32-bit Version 1.0.0.4042
- Added Dark mode compatibility
- If «Default app mode» is set to Dark in Colours settings
- or can be user initiated by double-clicking Version in About
Update: 64-bit Version 1.0.0.32696 / 32-bit Version 1.0.0.32651
- Fixed Key masking of non-Key returns
Update: 32-bit Version 1.1.11.25105
- Fixed crash when no additional installations found.
Note: This is a Debug version that contains a crash reporting tool that will get marked as a Trojan by AV’s
—it’s not meant for general use.
Update: 32-bit Version 1.1.11.39129 / 64-bit Version 1.1.11.39140
- Removed debugging code
https://www.virustotal.com/gui/file/08cdd53719c4ffbd6e59e80a7b841e0b568707e21675936de28852625c4e1e89/detection - No engines detected this file
Update: 32-bit Version 1.1.12.20946 / 64-bit Version 1.1.12.23240
- Added Accent brightness
Update: 32-bit Version 1.1.12.23243 / 64-bit Version 1.1.12.23260
- Added exception handing retrieving additional installation data (via More.. or Retrieve key functions)
- Added improved Windows 7 edition checking with notification of expected delayed response
Update: 32-bit Version / 64-bit Version 1.1.12.38160
- Removed border from textboxes on mouse over
- Changed message box to window text reporting Win 7 edition in progress
- Added High Contract compatibility
- Increased opacity of Accent gradient
- Fixed collapsing Home indicator
- Added Accent brightness to Check progress bar
Update: 32-bit Version / 64-bit Version 1.1.13.15117
- Added Current Build in registry to version check due to Windows 10 1909 having inconsistent Build numbers
- Added thread cancellation tokens
Update: 32-bit Version / 64-bit Version 1.1.13.38538
- Updated Default product key list
Update: 32-bit Version / 64-bit Version 1.1.13.38600
- Updated Original key retrieval
Update: 32-bit Version / 64-bit Version 1.1.13.38662
- Additional updates to Original key retrieval (More… and Retrieve functions)
Update: 32-bit Version / 64-bit Version 1.1.13.38663
- Added logic to distinguish between the Original key in previous Windows versions and the new location (HKLM\SYSTEM\Setup\Source OS (Updated on dd mm yyyy hh:mm:ss)
Update: 32-bit Version 1.1.13.40415
- Added Upgrade button to iterate upgrades
Update: 32-bit Version 1.1.13.40420
- Improved drive collection for «More» list
Update: 32-bit Version / 64-bit Version 1.1.14.42987
- Added remaining MAK count checking (requires internet access)
- Added Transparency
Update: 32-bit Version / 64-bit Version 1.1.14.44000
- Migrated to .Net Core (requires Core 3.1 desktop runtime installed)
- Added Italian language (special thanx to @bovirus for excellent translation)
Update: 32-bit Version / 64-bit Version 1.1.14.45000
- Added Culture specific short date format on Upgrades
Update: 32-bit Version / 64-bit Version 1.1.14.46000
- Added additional languages (including ar, de, es, fr, nl, pt, ru) — untested as translation per Google Translate.
Update: 64-bit Version 1.1.14.5 — Release Candidate
-
Dependency:
—Minimum .Net Framework 4.7.2 -
Languages included (de, es, fr, it, nl, pt, ru, zh-Hant)
Update: 64-bit Version 1.1.14.6 — Release Candidate
- Italian language fixes applied — thanx @bovirus
Update: 32/64-bit Version 1.1.16.5
- Added MS Office (2010-2019) key checking
- Windows 11 GUI
| Product Key Scanner v1.03 Copyright (c) 2021 — 2024 Nir Sofer |
Description
Product Key Scanner is a tool that scans the Registry of Windows Operating system and finds the product keys of Windows and other Microsoft products.
You can scan the Registry of your current running system, as well as you can scan the Registry from external hard drive plugged to your computer.
When scanning the product keys of your current running system, you can also search product key stored in BIOS, and search product keys by using WMI.
System Requirements
This tool works on any version of Windows, starting from Windows XP, and up to Windows 11.
Both 32-bit and 64-bit systems are supported.
Known Limitations
- If you purchased a computer from a large company, the product key displayed by this tool might be different from the product key you see on the sticker.
It happens because the company uses the same duplicated disk with the same product key on all computers of the same model. - You might see the same product key multiple times, simply because it’s stored in multiple locations or because the key was found with multiple scan methods (Registry, BIOS, WMI).
- This tool can find your product key only if it’s stored on your systems. For some license types, the product key is not stored in the Registry at all.
Version History
- Version 1.03:
- Added ‘Sort By’ toolbar button.
- Fixed issue: When copying data to the clipboard or exporting to tab-delimited file, every line contained an empty field in the end of the line.
- Version 1.02:
- Updated to stop the scanning process when you press the Esc key.
- Fixed the default columns size in high DPI mode.
- Version 1.01:
- Added option to choose another font (name and size) to display in the main window.
- Added option to change the sorting column from the menu (View -> Sort By). Like the column header click sorting, if you click again the same sorting menu item, it’ll switch between ascending and descending order.
- Version 1.00 — First release.
Start Using Product Key Scanner
Product Key Scanner doesn’t require any installation process or additional DLL files. In order to start using it, simply run the executable file — ProductKeyScanner.exe
After running ProductKeyScanner.exe, the ‘Scan Options’ window is displayed, and you can choose to scan your current running system or to scan a system
on external hard drive.
Choose the desired options, and then click the ‘Ok’ button in order to start searching product keys of Microsoft products on your system.
After the scan is finished, you can select one or more items in the main window (or press Ctrl+A to select all items), and then export them
to csv/tab-delimited/XML/HTML file by using the ‘Save Selected Items’ option. You can also copy the selected items to the clipboad (Ctrl+C) and then
paste them to Excel or other application. You can use the ‘Copy Product Key’ option (Ctrl+K) if you want to copy to the clipboard only the product key.
Translating Product Key Scanner to other languages
In order to translate Product Key Scanner to other language, follow the instructions below:
- Run Product Key Scanner with /savelangfile parameter:
ProductKeyScanner.exe /savelangfile
A file named ProductKeyScanner_lng.ini will be created in the folder of Product Key Scanner utility. - Open the created language file in Notepad or in any other text editor.
- Translate all string entries to the desired language.
Optionally, you can also add your name and/or a link to your Web site.
(TranslatorName and TranslatorURL values) If you add this information, it’ll be
used in the ‘About’ window. - After you finish the translation, Run ProductKeyScanner.exe, and all translated
strings will be loaded from the language file.
If you want to run Product Key Scanner without the translation, simply rename the language file, or move
it to another folder.
License
This utility is released as freeware.
You are allowed to freely distribute this utility via CD-ROM, DVD,
Internet, or in any other way, as long as you don’t charge anything for this and you don’t
sell it or distribute it as a part of commercial product.
If you distribute this utility, you must include all files in
the distribution package, without any modification !
Disclaimer
The software is provided «AS IS» without any warranty, either expressed or implied,
including, but not limited to, the implied warranties of merchantability and fitness
for a particular purpose. The author will not be liable for any special, incidental,
consequential or indirect damages due to loss of data or any other reason.
Feedback
If you have any problem, suggestion, comment, or you found a bug in my utility,
you can send a message to support@nirsoft.net
Product Key Scanner is also available in other languages. In order to change the language of
Product Key Scanner, download the appropriate language zip file, extract the ‘productkeyscanner_lng.ini’,
and put it in the same folder that you Installed Product Key Scanner utility.
| Language | Translated By | Date | Version |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dutch | Jan Verheijen | 23/02/2024 | 1.03 |
| French | Largo | 02/05/2022 | 1.01 |
| German | «Latino» | 21/04/2025 | 1.03 |
| Greek | geogeo.gr | 19/11/2021 | 1.00 |
| Hungarian | Timinoun | 03/08/2024 | 1.03 |
| Italian | bovirus | 03/05/2022 | 1.01 |
| Japanese | coolvitto | 28/02/2024 | 1.03 |
| Persian | ZendegiyeSabz | 02/03/2024 | 1.03 |
| Polish | Hightower | 12/05/2022 | 1.01 |
| Portugal Portuguese | Nuno Ferreira | 23/01/2022 | 1.00 |
| Russian | Dmitry Yerokhin | 02/05/2022 | 1.00 |
| Simplified Chinese | DickMoore | 25/11/2021 | 1.00 |
| Slovak | František Fico | 04/03/2024 | 1.03 |
| Traditional Chinese | Danfong Hsieh | 08/10/2022 | 1.02 |
| Turkish | HARUN ARI | 21/02/2024 | 1.03 |
| Turkish | HARUN ARI | 05/10/2022 | 1.02 |
Product Key Scanner
для Windows
Product Key Scanner — бесплатный и простой в использовании инструмент, который сканирует реестр операционной системы Windows и находит ключи продукта Windows и других продуктов Microsoft.
Присутствует возможность сканировать реестр текущей запущенной системы, а также реестр с внешнего жесткого диска, подключенного к компьютеру. При сканировании ключей продуктов текущей системы вы также можете искать ключи продуктов, хранящиеся в BIOS, и искать ключи продуктов с помощью WMI.
Утилита не требует инсталляции.
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