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

 

[Benteke]

Not trying to burst your bubble but there is no way MJB knows what is on that COA sticker unless you used that key to install previously.

Comparing the OEM SLP key that MJB is reading to the completely different COA key is not really going to help, but considering that character resembles an X it's certainly worth trying. It would be coincidence if it was though.

You are most likely correct! It was just a thought... Tbh, I'm trying to better understand the whole OEM: COA / SLP / NONSLP differences. I know that if you purchase a retail version of Win7, then only the retail product key can activate it. As for the other versions, I'm thoroughly confused!

 

[Layback Bear]

From post #140

You are most likely correct! It was just a thought... Tbh, I'm trying to better understand the whole OEM: COA / SLP / NONSLP differences. I know that if you purchase a retail version of Win7, then only the retail product key can activate it. As for the other versions, I'm thoroughly confused!

I believe this will help you understand.

https://social.microsoft.com/Forums...license-types-explained?forum=genuinewindows7

Windows License Types Explained.

Each Windows license type confers rights and imposes restrictions on its use. This is a brief summary of the license types most often discussed in this forum. Your license type can be determined by running the MGADiag Tool and inspecting the report. Look for the two lines that are similar to:

Windows Product ID Type: 5
Windows License Type: Retail



Most common license types:

- KMS Client and Volume MAK

- OEM SLP and COA SLP

- OEM System Builder

- Retail



Explanations:

- KMS Client and Volume MAK product keys, are volume license keys that are not-for-resale. They are issued by organizations for use on client computers associated in some way with the organization. Volume license keys may not be transferred with the computer if the computer changes ownership. Consult your organization or the Volume Licensing Service Center for help with volume license keys.

https://www.microsoft.com/licensing/servicecenter/Help/FAQDetails.aspx?id=127

- OEM SLP and COA SLP product keys, are issued by large computer manufacturers and use SLP (System Locked Pre-installation) technology to bind the license to the original motherboard via the BIOS and software.

The OEM SLP keys self-activate if the corresponding data in the BIOS is correct. OEM SLP keys, which the user can read in the MGADiag report or software like KeyFinder, cannot be used by the end user to manually activate Windows. The COA SLP key is printed on a sticker affixed to the side of the computer case (desktops), or on the bottom of the case (laptops), or in the battery compartment (newer laptops). This is the key for the user to enter manually should he need to activate Windows himself.

- OEM System Builder, product keys are for use by smaller system builders, computer shops, consultants, and others who provide computers and services to their customers. A system builder is defined by the System Builder license as "an original equipment manufacturer, an assembler, a refurbisher, or a software pre-installer that sells the Customer System(s) to a third party." A person who builds a computer for his own use or for friends and family is not a system builder as defined by the System Builder license. The correct license for these cases is Retail.

OEM keys are not-for-resale and may not be transferred to another computer. They may, however, be transferred with the computer if the computer is transferred to new ownership.

- Retail, product keys are what the customer gets when he buys a Full Packaged Product (FPP), commonly known as a "boxed copy", of Windows from a retail merchant or purchases Windows online from the Microsoft Store.

The term "retail" used in licensing has nothing to do with how the user purchases Windows, however, but refers to certain rights granted by retail licenses. A retail license may be transferred to another computer so long as the number of computers licensed does not exceed the licensing limit. In most cases, the limit is one.

Some retail licenses are not-for-resale. Licenses obtained from a subscription such as MSDN, TechNet, BizSpark, and complimentary copies are not-for-resale. Subscription and complimentary licenses are transferrable to a new computer by the subscriber/recipient only. They may not be transferred with a computer that changes ownership. Such licenses are classified as "retail" because, unlike OEM licenses, they are transferrable to a different computer.

Retail licenses may be either Upgrade licenses or Full Rights licenses. Microsoft uses "upgrade" to mean both an installation methodology and a licensing right. Don't confuse the two meanings. As a licensing right "upgrade" means that the customer is given credit (residual value) for the old Windows license because it is being superseded by the new upgrade license. Upgrade licenses are sold at a reduced price compared to the Full Rights license for this reason. However, the user must own a previous Windows license qualifying for the upgrade in order to take advantage of the reduced price. Further, the user may not re-use the old, superseded license.

Full Rights retail licenses do not supersede a preceding license regardless of how the software is installed.

 

[ICIT2LOL]

Hello Shawn mate have they changed the rules about fidning out if the activation on a machine is correct?
I have a laptop that was a downgrade from 8.1 to 7 Pro and when I run MJB and Belarc they both give me the same code yet when I check with Microsoft they give me a message about checking with the seller and that as you may know is easier said than done.

I am sure I checked the machine when I first got it - just about four months ago and it returned as genuine. I in fact used the key I am getting with both those softwares to reinstall 7 Pro to a SSD using an ISO I have and now I am getting this nonsense re it being the wrong key??

I cannot run Showkey on this machine for some obscure reason - it runs on my old Toshiba and the 10 machines but just not this work laptop.

Am I doing something wrong?? or is there a change in how one validates a copy of Windows 7.

 

[Brink]

Hello John,

Are you using "ShowKeyPlus" from above?

Showkey - Windows 10 Forums

 

[ICIT2LOL]

Hello Shawn yes mate I have tried downloading it form the 10 forum site and this tutorial link.

I'll try again and let you know.

Edit: Just downloaded it for the third time and have tried run as admin - open etc etc and it just will not run.

 

[Brink]

Since the computer came with Windows 8.1 preinstalled, the product key for Windows 8.1 would be embedded in the UEFI firmware chip on the motherboard. It will automatically be detected and used to activate Windows 8.1 when installed on the PC.

Are the programs showing you a W7 or W8.1 key?

 

[ICIT2LOL]

Hello Shawn mate in my pic is what MJB pulls up and the same code comes up with Belarc and it is the one I re installed the 7 Pro with

 

[Brink]

I suppose it's the correct key then. My guess is that the OEM key is not matching with the type of ISO you used.

I have asked Superfly if he could check with you when he has time to see if he may be able to help with ShowKeyPlus on your laptop.

 

[ICIT2LOL]

Ok Shawn thanks mate I have already been in touch with Craig. The ISO I used was one from the Heidoc site I saved before it went belly up and it activated ok and I have in the Control Panel System as a genuine copy of 7 Pro.

As I mentioned to Craig the machine was originally an 8.1 one and was downgraded to 7 Pro maybe that has something to do with it because the message from Microsoft in verify is that it is something to do with the sellers licence to install 7 on the 8 machine??

 

[Brink]

It sounds like you may be getting the embedded Windows 8.1 key instead.

 

[ICIT2LOL]

Yep mate I think that is what is the trouble even so why doesn't it throw up the 8 Product key and stuff??

 

[Brink]

That is the question, and was why I was hoping that ShowKeyPlus may work better when Craig gets it sorted with you.

 

[ICIT2LOL]

Ok I have done what Craig has asked but am not sure excatly if I have the correct stuff he wanted - an MGA report.

 

[ICIT2LOL]

Its ok Shawn sorry late reply mate been organising the trip to the UK.

Well I found looking through the report that some drivers were missing and I fixed up as many as i could find and now the Showkey works - but only when it is first booted once closed I have to reboot the machine to get it back so no big deal as I don't have to refer to it that much eh?

 

[Brink]

Good news. Did it show your proper key?

 

[ICIT2LOL]

Sorry late reply mate yes I think it is the right one as it definitely is the same as MJB and Belarc. I did try harassing the sellers for the key they put on it and they haven't got back to me yet but I am sure it is ok because I have installed 7 using it and it shows genuine.

 

[Brink]

It should be the correct one then.

 

[ICIT2LOL]

Yes pretty sure and might have to find out soon as I changed the broadband modem at home last night and it has thrown this machine into a bit of a tizz so might have to reinstall unless things settle down.

 

[musicmanrocks]

How to find OEM key for PC donation

Hello, my company is looking to donate several PCs (Dell Optiplex 9020) with Windows 7 Pro 64 bit loaded. My problem is I can't figure out which product key these PCs should have once they go out. Should it be the original OEM product key? some of them have the COA sticker and some don't. For the PCs missing the COA sticker, how do I pull the OEM key from the PC? My company uses a volume key license, but they do not want to donate these PCs with that key activated on them.

 

[Brink]

Hello musicmanrocks, and welcome to Seven Forums.

You would need to know the product key number on the COA sticker.

The OEM SLP key is just what the manufacturer used to activate with, but an individual wouldn't be able to activate with a clean install with it. An OEM SLP key will only work to activate with OEM recovery media.

If it's a retail OEM key, then that could be used to activate Windows 7 from a clean install on the PC though.

I find that Option 2 works best to see the key.