How to Retrieve Your Old Windows 11 License Product Key

If you're trying to access the product key of your old Windows 11 license, there are several methods you can follow to obtain it. This article will guide you through the steps to use different approaches to retrieve your product key.

Method 1: Using Command Prompt

One of the simplest ways to retrieve your product key is through the Command Prompt. Here are the steps:

Press Win R to open the Run dialog. Enter cmd and press Enter to open the Command Prompt. Type the following command and press Enter:

wmic path softwarelicensingservice get OA3xOriginalProductKey

Check if your product key is displayed. If it's embedded in the BIOS or UEFI firmware, it should appear here.

Method 2: Using PowerShell

If you prefer using PowerShell, follow these steps:

Press Win X and select either Windows Terminal or Windows PowerShell. Type the following command and press Enter:

Get-WmiObject -query 'SELECT OA3xOriginalProductKey FROM SoftwareLicensingService'

The product key should be displayed if it's present in the system.

Method 3: Using Third-Party Tools

If the above methods don't work, third-party tools can be quite helpful. Some popular options include ProduKey and ShowKeyPlus. These tools can retrieve your product key easily and are well-regarded by users.

Method 4: Check Microsoft Account

If you linked your Windows 11 license to your Microsoft account, you might find it in your account settings:

Go to the Microsoft Account website. Sign in with the account you used for Windows activation. Check under Devices to see if your Windows license is listed.

Method 5: Original Packaging

If you purchased a physical copy of Windows 11, the product key is typically found on the packaging or on a card included with the installation media. Be sure to check these places thoroughly.

Notes

Keep in mind that if your Windows 11 was pre-installed on a computer, the product key may be embedded in the BIOS/UEFI firmware. If you upgraded from a previous version of Windows, the key might be associated with your Microsoft account or on the original packaging of that version.

If you need further assistance or have any questions, feel free to ask us!

Frequent Locations for Windows 11 Product Keys

There are several potential locations to locate your Windows 11 product key. Here are some of the common places:

Bios/UEFI Firmware: If your computer came with Windows 10 or 11 pre-installed, the product key might be embedded in the BIOS or UEFI firmware. You can check this by using the methods described above. Product Key Card: If you purchased a physical copy to upgrade your computer, the product key is typically listed on this card. Microsoft Account: If you bought Windows 11 from the Microsoft Store, the product key might be stored on your Microsoft account. However, you may not have direct access to it from there. Original Packaging: For physical copies, the product key is usually found on the packaging or on a card included with the installation media.

Microsoft's licensing procedures tend to change frequently, so the availability and accessibility of your product key can vary.