Windows operating systems, unfortunately, very often have the ability to “fly off” at the most inopportune moment, as a result of which there may be problems with registering a license, and you have to reactivate the system again. Everything would be fine, but you need a special key in the form of a 25-digit combination containing five blocks of five characters each.
How to find out the product key of Windows 7 or OS, released later, many ordinary users do not know. They are trying to activate the reinstalled OS in all sorts of pirated ways. Of course, this is much simpler, but do not forget about the legal side of such actions. Below are a few basic methods that allow you to quickly get the necessary information, but some of them may seem quite complicated. Nevertheless, we will consider them too, because you never know what situations may arise or when this or that proposed solution may turn out to be useful.
The difference between standard and OEM keys
It goes without saying that initially the product key is intended solely to activate the system, since without it the OS will not work at full strength. One of the most unpleasant side effects is not even that the user will not be able to access some important system tools, but that at some point Windows may restart spontaneously, which may lead to the inability to save data when working with files and programs .
Among other things, you need to clearly understand that in licensed Windows 7 (or version above) can use two types of product keys.
- The first type is intended solely for performing system activation and is the very code that was mentioned above. It is used differently than in the "top ten", in which on the basis of the source key you need to get an additional activation code (this works on a "question and answer" basis).
- The second type is “sewn” into the system and often has the designation OEM. In particular, many laptop manufacturers use such a key in pre-installed OS. When you buy a laptop with Windows 7 on board, you do not need to enter an activation key for it, since it was activated initially, which, in fact, indicates the authenticity (legality) of its origin. But what if the system has to be reinstalled or returned to the factory settings?
Where is the Windows 7 product key located?
Some inquisitive minds try to find the key among the files of the system itself. I must say that the occupation is absolutely useless.
The fact is that this information is encrypted in the DigitalProductId parameter, and it is a registry entry in the WindowsNT and CurrentVersion sections of one of the main HKLM branches. Despite this, decrypting this data is quite simple. But you can read more about this below. OEM keys are sewn directly into the electronic chip of the primary BIOS I / O system at the factory installation stage, but there is no information in the program interface.
The simplest method for determining a license key
Explaining how to find out the Windows 7 product key, first we’ll give you the simplest method that any computer user should know about. But it applies exclusively to those cases when you have really installed the official copy of Windows.
If you have available the disk from which the installation was made, just look at the back of the package and find the required code there.
But the box may be lost or missing. How to find out the product key in Windows 7 based on this situation? Consider the most complex methods that involve the use of only the tools of the operating system itself, and then move on to third-party utilities, the use of which looks simpler.
How to find out a Windows 7 product key using a VBS script?
One of the first ways to determine keys in any known modifications and assemblies of Windows is to independently create a special executable script based on the Visual Basic language.
The above contents should be written in the usual Notepad, and then save the file with any name and in any location, select the "All files" in the object type field and assign the extension ".vbs".
After that, you just need to run the script file, and the information you need will be displayed on the screen.
Using the command line and PowerShell console (for OEM keys)
Now let's see how to find out the product key in Windows 7 using the command line tools and PowerShell console, which is an analogue of the command line with more features.
To determine the OEM-type key (if it is initially installed) in the command line, which is run as administrator, you must enter and execute the command shown in the image above.
In the PowerShell console, this option does not work, but you can use the line shown in the second image for it.
ShowKeyPlus Utility
As can be seen from the description, the above methods are quite complex and time-consuming, although they guarantee a completely positive result in the absence of third-party tools. That is why ordinary users can be advised several small utilities from third-party developers that work no less efficiently and much easier.
The first program presented is portable, so you just need to run the executable file and view all the necessary data.
Here, by the way, both the original and installed keys will be presented (when activated by third-party tools, for example, in the KMSAuto Net application, they may differ).
ProduKey app
Another simple, according to many experts, program is ProduKey.
In Windows 7 and in any other OS of the entire family, its application looks more interesting, since this utility can display not only the key of the operating system itself, but also installed office suites, and even IE browser. Like the previous program, this application is portable.
Programs Speecy, AIDA64, SIW and the like
Now let's see how to find out the product key in Windows 7 when using well-known informative applications. In almost all the programs mentioned, the actions look the same.
For example, in the Speccy application for Windows 7, you need to go to the operating system section in the menu on the left. The serial number will be shown on the right, which corresponds to the product key. In AIDA64, you must use both the main section of the operating system and the sub-section of the same name. In the SIW application, you first need to expand the program section, and then select the license sub-item.
Is it possible to change the key and how to do it?
Finally, a few words should be said separately about how to change the product key in Windows 7 and OS rank higher (if you have a legally acquired license code, this will not affect the system’s performance). To perform these actions, call the properties of the computer, and then use the hyperlink in the lower right, which indicates the key changes.
After starting the activator integrated into the system, you just need to enter a new combination in a special field and confirm the changes. You can also use the command line, in which you need to perform a combination of slui 3, after which the activator window appears.
Note: if you need to delete all old keys before entering a new license code, in the command console you will need to execute the combination slmgr.vbs / upk, and then enter the command for specifying the new key slmgr.vbs / ipk KEY, where instead of “KEY” the new licensed 25-digit code.
conclusions
So, let’s summarize. As can be seen from the material presented, it is not always advisable to use the built-in tools of the operating system, since such methods are both complex and time-consuming. It is much easier to download portable programs and take advantage of their capabilities. True, the ProduKey application looks preferable (you never know when you may need to reactivate the office suite). However, all this can be avoided if you activate both the OS and the Office through the use of semi-legal programs like KMSAuto Net or KMSpico. At least, everything will work without complaints, and there will be no complaints against you regarding the use of illegal software at home.
Another thing is if you are a system administrator in a large enterprise, where you can use (and need) exclusively licensed software products purchased officially. Here you can’t do without using the described techniques.
In conclusion, it is worth noting that not all the simplest specialized programs and informative applications have been described above that allow you to obtain the necessary data regarding license codes. However, in the opinion of the vast majority of specialists, they are the most effective and suitable for use by any users who have not encountered such situations before or simply did not ask themselves such a goal.