Product Key Number for Windows 7 - Find and See

How to Find and See the Windows 7 Product Key Number​

   Information

The Windows 7 product key number is a sequence of 25 letters and numbers divided into 5 groups of 5 characters each (ex: XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX) that is used to activate either the 32-bit or 64-bit Windows 7 edition that you purchased and installed.

This will show you how to find and see your product key number in Windows 7 or on the retail or OEM product license key Certificate of Authenticity (COA) sticker.

   Note

• A Windows 7 product key number can only be used to activate the same edition of Windows 7 that it was for, and cannot be used to activate a different edition of Windows 7.
• A Family Pack Windows 7 product key number can be used to activate the Family Pack Windows 7 copy on up to 3 computers at any one time.
• A OEM Windows 7 product key number can only be used to activate a OEM Windows 7 copy on the same computer that it was first activated on, and no other computer.
• A retail Windows 7 product key number can be used to activate a retail Windows 7 copy on any computer, but only on up to one computer at any one time.

For more information on the license terms of Windows 7, see: License Terms

For more information about the product key number authenticity, see: How to Tell

   Tip

A Product Key and Product ID are two completely different things, despite the similarity of the terms.

The 20 character Product ID is created during the installation process and is prominently displayed under the Windows activation section at the bottom of the Control Panel (icons view) -> System window. It is used to obtain/qualify for technical support from Microsoft; it is of no use during the installation process.

The 25 character Product Key is used to "prove" ownership of a legitimate license and is required to perform the installation to activate Windows with.

OPTION ONE

Find Windows 7 Product Key Number on Product Key Sticker

1. For a OEM Product Key on COA Sticker
NOTE: These will be store bought computers that came with Windows 7 preinstalled on them. The product key sticker will usually be on the back of a desktop, and on the bottom or under the battery of a laptop and notebook. The sticker key number may be different than the key number reported in one of the programs below. If so, the key number on the sticker is the one that's unique to your computer, and that's the one you'll need to input should you ever clean install Windows. The different extracted key is just a master key used at the OEM factory.






2. For a Retail Product Key on COA Sticker
NOTE: These will be computers that a retail copy of Windows 7 has been installed on. The product key sticker will be in the included paperwork in the retail Windows 7 box.

OPTION TWO

To Use "ShowKeyPlus" to See Product Key Number in Windows 7

   Note

Installed Key = This is the product key that Windows is currently activated with.

OEM Key = This is the key stored in the UEFI firmware chip on the motherboard. This key will not always be the same as the installed key. For example, when the PC came with Windows 8.1 originally installed.

1. Download and run ShowKeyPlus. See: "ShowKeyPlus" Information and Download Page

OPTION THREE

To Use "Magical Jelly Bean Keyfinder" to See Product Key Number in Windows 7

   Note

This option shows you how to use the free program Magical Jelly Bean Keyfinder to see what the product key number is from within a Windows 7 that it has already been entered in (ex: activated). Magical Jelly Bean Keyfinder will not show the product key number for Windows 7 Enterprise though.

1. Download and run the free Magical Jelly Bean Keyfinderprogram towards the bottom of the link.

2. In the left pane, click on Windows 7 (your edition). You will see CD Key in the right pane displaying the Windows 7 product key number.

OPTION FOUR

To Use "Speccy" to See Product Key Number in Windows 7

   Note

This option shows you how to use the free program Speccy to see what the product key number is from within a Windows 7 that it has already been entered in (ex: activated). Speccy will not show the product key number for Windows 7 Enterprise though.

1. Download, install, and run the free Speccy program.

2. In the left pane, click on Operating System. In the right pane, you will see the product key number to the right of Serial Number.

OPTION FIVE

To Use "ProduKey" to See Product Key Number in Windows 7

   Note

This option shows you how to use the free program ProduKey to see what the product key number is from within a Windows 7 that it has already been entered in (ex: activated). ProduKey will not show the product key number for Windows 7 Enterprise though.

1. Download, extract, and run the free ProduKey program.

2. You will now see Windows product key listed.

OPTION SIX

To Use a VBS Download to See Product Key Number in Windows 7

   Note

This option was provided by our member Konst at this link.

There you can see that the encrypted key is stored in registry key:
HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\DigitalProductId
at Offset = 52

And that the key only includes this letters and numbers
BCDFGHJKMPQRTVWXY2346789
And no "AEILNOSUZ015 allowed.

1. Click on the Download button below to download the file below.
See_Windows_Product_Key.vbs


Download


2. Save the VBS file to your desktop, run it, and approve running it.
NOTE: The .vbs file does not install anything on your computer. You can also right click on the .vbs file and click on Edit to see what the script contains.

3. You will now get a pop-up dialog box displaying the product key number used to activate your current Windows installation. Click on OK to close the pop-up when ready. (see screenshot below)

OPTION SEVEN

Find Windows 7 Product Key with "Belarc Advisor"

   Note

You must be signed in as an administrator to run this program. This program will not find the product key of Windows 7 Enterprise since it's a volume license.

1. If you have not already, download and install the free Belarc Advisor program.

2. Run the program. When it displays the results in your default web browser, scroll down until you see your Windows 8 product key like below.




That's it,
Shawn

Related Tutorials

---

• How to Change the Product Key Number in Windows 7
• How to Activate Windows 7 Online
• How to Activate Windows 7 by Phone
• How to Uninstall the Product Key Number and Deactivate Vista, Windows 7, or Windows 8
• Windows Genuine and Activation Issue Posting Instructions

 

[Barman58]

From a technical point of view This would not prevent you for doing what you want to do - and as long as you have a qualifying licence for the upgrade hanging around, should not have a licencing implication, (XP is ideal as this requires a fresh install)

If you have the 64Bit install disk from the 3 pack it would probably be best to install from that (fresh install no need to actually upgrade).

Of course the easiest way from a licence point of view would be to retain the Acer windows and run the Linux in a Virtual machine, but I'm sure you have good reasons for doing things the way you intend.

 

[Konst]

Here another version:

• Save this script to a text file.
• Change the extension of the file to *.vbs
• Run it.

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

There you can see that the encrypted key is stored in registry key:
HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\DigitalProductId
at Offset = 52

And that the key only includes this letters and numbers
BCDFGHJKMPQRTVWXY2346789
And no "AEILNOSUZ015 allowed.

 

[Brink]

Hello Konst,

Thank you. I added this as OPTION SIX in the tutorial.

 

[avendeep]

request for help ,to activate my windows

hi
am avendeep,
i have purchased win7 home basic from shop, i have installed it in my desktop pc,
but now i have installed it in my laptop , but its telling while in online registration " the key is not valid",
but still i tried to activate throught phone, but its also not working out,
if i try through phone its telling 'sorry there seems to be some techinical error plz call back later'
please please please please ,,,,
help me , bcoz as im student, am in very much need in laptop to workout my college work,

 

[Dwarf]

Do you still have it installed on the desktop? Unless otherwise stated in the EULA, a license key may only be used to activate an installation on a single machine. You state that you have already installed it on a desktop, which would explain why you weren't able to on your laptop.

 

[M1GU31]

hi
am avendeep,
i have purchased win7 home basic from shop, i have installed it in my desktop pc,
but now i have installed it in my laptop , but its telling while in online registration " the key is not valid",
but still i tried to activate throught phone, but its also not working out,
if i try through phone its telling 'sorry there seems to be some techinical error plz call back later'
please please please please ,,,,
help me , bcoz as im student, am in very much need in laptop to workout my college work,

you can't have the key activated on two machines or more at the same time or else everyone in the world use the same key and not buy windows keys at all. I suggest get a different key or install something else that you have like xp or w/e that has a key and if you have no keys you can have something like ubuntu ftm till you can get another windows key

 

[avendeep]

thanks

yeah i got it!
thanks a lot buddy

 

[biterman]

Hi everyone,
I have some issues with my product key. I have tried all of the programs from the tutorial and I got an answers like "Product key was not found " or "BBBBB-BBBBB-BBBBB-BBBBB-BBBBB". I got my windows from online msdnaa program. Can someone help me?

Cheers
Matt.

 

[Brink]

Hello Matt, and welcome to Seven Forums.

Unfortunately, the programs will not be able to show you your product key number if you have not already entered and activated it in your Windows 7.

You'll need to contact the MSDNAA from where you got it to see if you may be able to get another one sent to you.

Hope this helps,
Shawn

 

[biterman]

Hello Matt, and welcome to Seven Forums.

Unfortunately, the programs will not be able to show you your product key number if you have not already entered and activated it in your Windows 7.

You'll need to contact the MSDNAA from where you got it to see if you may be able to get another one sent to you.

Hope this helps,
Shawn

Sorry I haven't been enough clear ;]

My windows is activated and it works, however I am planning to reinstall it and I need my key to do it, which I have lost!

Do you know what could be the reason why all the programs dont work?

Thanks.

 

[Brink]

Matt,

It sounds like you are using a volume key number. That's the only type the programs cannot find when it has been entered and activated.

You could contact the MSDNAA as above to try and get it, or you could try calling the Microsoft phone activation number to explain to an operator what happened to see if they may be able to help pull up your key number using your Installation ID number and Product ID number.

 

[doroty]

find my windows key

i found a place it seems they support every version , i personally tested the key finder on windows 8 (test/beta edition, basically the one given for free few montha ago to public) and it worked fine
the app is free and in my test virus free, toolbars free and does not require any weirdness
the app is called find my windows key

 

[dgw62]

Buying a new key

While looking for a price on Win 7 Pro for a second machine I have come across a website selling activation keys which I can apparently use with the CD I have already bought. The site claims they are genuine and valid keys from MS but as I have not heard of this before I wanted to find out a bit more before I part with the money.

 

[z3r010]

All of these cheap keys sites are scammers illegally reselling Technet keys, they will work for a while and then MSFT will disable the account, so just dont waste your money.

 

[Golden]

Good advice from Zero10 - stay away from these sites.

 

[dgw62]

thanks for the info. I suspected it was too good to be true.

 

[foggylad]

My problem is similar but a bit more complicated,

I have a samsung netbook with windows 7 starter OEM version but the HDD failed dramatically. I can get a copy of windows 7 to install the os but how do I get my activation code?

The sticker under the netbook is genuine but unreadable as the number is almost completely worn away. The netbook was bought in a reputable and well known store, I have the receipt, I still have the failed hard drive, I still have the box the netbook came in with serrial number etc on it.

Is there any way i can get my activation code or will I have to buy a copy of XP and upgrade?

 

[Brink]

Hello Foggylad, and welcome to Seven Forums.

It's to bad that you didn't write that COA product key number down and keep it somewhere safe for just such a case.

You might be able to contact the netbook's manufacturer to see if you may be able to get a replacement COA key number from them.

 

[foggylad]

I usually take a picture of the stickers and have pictures of the key stickers for all my other pc's, I have emailed Samsung and explained pretty much how i should have returned the dead disk to them and probably still could but prefer to replace it myself and hoped they could help me to help them by sending me the activation key Basically i grovelled

 

[Brink]

I hope they will for you. Please let us know how it turns out.