arches 

Where to find the windows 7 product code. How to find out the activation key installed on a Windows computer. Finding an activation key via KeyFinder

Each licensed copy of the Windows 10 operating system has a unique key that indicates the activation of the installed version. The key consists of 25 characters, including English letters and numbers. Without this code and adding it to the system, your OS will be available within 30 days from the date of installation. After that, the computer will remind you of the need for activation, and after a while it will stop loading altogether. Below you can read about how to find out the Windows 10 product key, what types of keys are and what they are for.

There are two types of operating system serial numbers:

  • OEM key - "sewn" into the memory of the motherboard by default, since the OS was installed by the manufacturer;
  • product key. This key refers to the installed digital version of the product.

Due to the difference between the two types of serial numbers, confusion sometimes arises. For example, if you remove a pre-installed copy of the OS and then install your own version, then the OEM and Product keys will not match.

Why is a key needed?

Prior to the release of the “dozens”, developers from Microsoft used an easier way to determine a unique code. Serial number for the preinstalled version of the operating system was always on a sticker on the back of the laptop or PC case. With the advent of Windows 10 and the spread of digital versions, it was decided to abandon this idea.

Now the owners of the "dozens" have to use non-trivial solutions to determine the serial key. You will need the number if you decide to reinstall a licensed copy of the OS on your computer. When using a pirated version, this operation is not required, since activation is carried out using a special program. You can also purchase a license for Windows 10 through the official Microsoft website.

How to check if Windows 10 is activated?

Before looking for a key in the system, check if your copy is activated. It is very easy to do this. To solve the problem, follow these steps:

  1. Right click on the shortcut "This computer" on the desktop and select from the context menu.

  1. In the window that opens, you will see information about your system (technical data, performance rating, etc.). In subsection "ActivationWindows» there should be an inscription: "ActivationWindows done" as shown in the screenshot:

You can open the same window using the keyboard shortcut Win + Pause / Break

Now you know how to check if the installed copy of the OS is activated. Now you can start searching license key for your Windows 10.

Where can I find the Windows 10 key?

You can find the activation key using standard OS tools and third-party programs. Let's consider all the methods in more detail:

  • VBS script;
  • extended command line (PowerShell);
  • ProduKey program;
  • ShowKey Plus;
  • extraction from UEFI;
  • applications for collecting data about the system.

Finding the key through scripts

This method considers finding a license key using Visual Basic Script. It differs from the usual command line in that the result of the script is displayed in a separate window. You can download the script from . If there are any difficulties with the download, then do not worry - you can create such a script yourself.

First you need to create a document in Notepad with the following Then save the file to any location on your computer with .vbs resolution and any name on English language. To change the extension, you must first save the text document, and then change the resolution through the rename function. Next, you need to run the file by simply clicking on it. The system should show the OEM key on the desktop in a separate window, as shown in the screenshot. Click the OK button, after which you will see more detailed information about the installed version of the operating system:

The method works for 32-bit and 64-bit systems, as well as for all versions of Windows 10, including Home, and Pro.

PowerShell

The second way to get the key using the built-in functionality is to use the PowerShell command line, which is only available on Windows 10 (x64). With its help, you will receive information about the Product Key, that is, the number of the current OS version.

  1. Launch Notepad and copy the text from the . After that, save the file to any folder with the .ps extension. Now you need to run PowerShell as an administrator. To do this, go to the search and enter the name in English (1). Now right-click on the icon and select from the menu "Run as Administrator" (3).

  1. In the command prompt window, enter the command Set-ExecutionPolicy RemoteSigned and press Enter on your keyboard. Next, you need to specify the path to the file with the .ps1 extension. If you saved it directly to your desktop, then the command would look like this:
C:\Users\your username\Desktop\winkey.ps1

The Installed Key line will contain a 25-digit code for your operating system. You can save it to a separate text file. Now let's figure out where to check the serial number for the OEM version of the OS.

We get the key from UEFI

This method will find the OEM Key.

  1. First, open a command prompt as an administrator:

At the command prompt, type the combination and press Enter.

The same action can be performed via PowerShell. Open PowerShell again as described earlier and enter the command in the window ( Get-WmiObject -query "select * from SoftwareLicensingService").

Now you know how to check the license using the built-in tools of the operating system. Let's move on to third-party tools.

Follow the link to install the program. The application starts without installation, immediately after downloading. The main ProduKey window will display information about the serial numbers of the installed software:

Produkey is also used to determine the license number of Microsoft office suites and other software.

Download the program for free from the link. After launch, you will immediately be able to read Product and OEM information in one screen:

Other applications

If you want to receive information not only about the OS license, but also about the entire PC, then you can use one of the following programs:

  • AIDA 64;
  • Everest;
  • SIW and the like.

The software of this category allows you to learn everything about the software and hardware installed on your computer. Among the information there is also data on serial numbers. Finding them isn't that hard.

Let's take the program as an example. On the main screen, press the button OperatingSystem(one). On the right side of the program you will see Serialnumber(2). In a similar way, you can find the serial number through the other programs listed above.

conclusions

There are many ways to find the Product Key or OEM Key of the installed operating system. The article describes everything so that the user can use it by choosing a method on their own. If any method does not work for you or you do not understand the procedure for its implementation - just move on to another! The easiest way is to use automated software such as ProduKey and others. More experienced users will easily cope with scripts and command line (PowerShell).

Video instruction

Instruction

To enter a product key, go to the appropriate section of the operating system. To do this, call the "Start" menu and right-click on the "Computer" item. Select the "Properties" attribute from the list that appears.

In a new window, you will see information about your computer and the operating system version you are using. To go to the product activation section, at the bottom of the "Windows Activation" menu, click on the "Activate Windows Now" link.

In the window that appears, you will be asked to choose one of the methods for activating the system - directly via the Internet or by phone. The first option is considered the most convenient activation option. The second option should be selected only if you do not have a working network connection.

After selecting "Activate Windows over the Internet", enter the product key that is printed on the box with the license disc. If the combination is entered correctly, you will see a message about the successful activation procedure.

To receive the code by phone, select "Show other activation methods". After that, enter your product key found on the box with the Windows 7 disc. After that, click on the link "Use automatic phone system". In the next window, select the country of your residence and call the number indicated on the screen.

To activate, follow the instructions of the answering machine. The automatic program will ask you to enter the product code, which will be shown on the screen. Input must be done using the phone keypad. If the operation is performed correctly, you will be informed of the activation code, which you will need to write down or immediately enter in the activation program window. If you cannot enter the code correctly, stay on the line to consult with a Microsoft support specialist.

Useful advice

OS activation is required to prevent the use of unlicensed software and serves as a means of combating pirated copies of Windows.

Often, before installing software on a computer or laptop, you should first download its demo version. This will allow you to find out the performance of the program and choose its optimal configuration. Then you can activate full version, gaining access to it in the form of a serial number-key. The key can be issued for a certain period, after which the program will again require activation. This requires obtaining a new product key.

Instruction

There are several ways to obtain a new key for a software product. The first way is a product through the Internet. If the program is free and does not require financial investments to extend the term of its use, then registration via the Internet will require only an e-mail address and the ability to access the website of the computer software manufacturer. As a rule, after registering on such a site, you receive an email with an activation code or an offer to follow the link for a certain period of time to extend the period of using the program. If the use of the program involves a periodic payment for the extension of the validity period, then its activation via the network requires bank card or a personal account from which money will be debited to pay for it. When entering contact information, you will need to indicate the account number and confirm payment for it.

The second method involves paying for the product via SMS. Information about this possibility is usually indicated on the website of the program manufacturer. This is very convenient if you are unable to make a payment. An SMS message to a certain number activates the use of the program, or after the payment is withdrawn from your mobile phone account, you will receive a unique digital code to extend the use.

The third way to get it is to buy a licensed disc or a special scratch card containing an activation code. The PC-disk will require installation and will automatically extend the period of using the software. The scratch card contains a unique digital code that will need to be entered directly in the window of the already installed program intended for this. Both the disk and the scratch card can be purchased at specialized online stores and computer stores in your city.

WebMoney is used to create a virtual wallet on the Internet to pay for services and purchases in online stores, as well as to send money over the network. With this app, you can easily manage your web savings, billing, paying bills and exchanging currencies.

You will need

  • - the Internet.

Instruction

To get your own registration code, go to start.webmoney.ru. Find the "Registration" item - it is located in the top menu of the page. Click on the label to start the registration process. Enter your mobile phone number, which you use constantly, because if you lose access to your wallet, one of the recovery methods is through your mobile phone. Carefully enter your phone number, as it will receive a message asking for activation.

Click on the "Continue" button and fill in all the fields, entering your real data. To confirm your identity, you will need to provide a copy of your passport, and without this, the registration procedure will not be completed. You can not immediately upload copies of your documents, but only after you make a personal certificate.

Check the entered data on the next page. If everything is correct, click Continue. Open your mailbox and check your mail - a letter with a registration code should come to the mailbox indicated in step 1. If you do not activate your WebMoney account using the link in the letter within 10 days, your registration will be cancelled.

Install the WM Keeper Classic program into the operating system and connect the registration data to the program to activate your wallet. After confirming your identity by the site administration, you can use the wallet.

If you still haven't received a letter with a registration code, check the "Spam" folder of your mailbox - sometimes, due to incorrect anti-spam settings, the letter ends up there. Go through the registration procedure again if the letter was not there. It is also worth noting that for a more reliable use of the wallet, you need to include anti-virus licensed software.

Related videos

Using the Internet, you can pay for purchases, services and much more. Helps with this electronic wallet. And to create it, you can use WebMoney. After the registration procedure in this system, you will be assigned a registration code for working with a virtual wallet.

Instruction

Go to start.webmoney.ru website to get your own registration code. Find the item called "Registration", which is located in the top menu. To start the registration process, click on the inscription. Enter your mobile number, which you constantly use. This is necessary so that in case of loss of access to the wallet, you can restore the procedure in this way. Also to confirm the various operations performed. Enter the number very carefully, as it will receive an SMS message with an activation code.

Click on the "continue" button, fill in all the fields (enter only your valid data). You will have to provide a copy of your passport and TIN to verify your identity. If you do not do this, the registration procedure will not be completed. You can not immediately upload copies of documents, first make a personal certificate.

On the next page, check the entered data. Click "Continue" if everything is correct. Check on your email - you should receive a letter with a registration code to the mail specified in the first step. If you do not activate your account within ten days, the registration will be cancelled.

Download WM Keeper Classic and install this program. To activate your wallet, connect your registration data to it. You will be able to use the wallet after your identity is confirmed by the site administration.

If you haven't received any emails with the registration code, please check the Spam folder in your email inbox. Due to incorrect settings of the anti-spam filter, the letter can get there. Go through the registration procedure again if the letter was not there.

Computer owners often face a situation where they need to find out the activation key for their operating system. And in most cases, this is quite simple to do: a sticker is placed on a desktop computer or laptop, on which it is indicated. But what if this sticker is rubbed off or even peeled off? The answer is simple - "pull out" the license key from the operating system itself.

View key on Windows 7

, then first of all turn your attention to programs for a complete computer diagnostics. With their help, the easiest way to find out the activation key. One of these programs is the notorious AIDA 64. In order to view the activation code in it, you need to go to the "Operating system" tab. There will be a "License Information" section, where the product key will be written.

Another way to view the Windows activation key is to use the KeyFinder utility. It allows you to find the keys to almost all installed software products and from the operating system itself. You will only need to install, run it and select from the proposed list the software whose activation code you want to know.

In general, there are still a lot of programs that allow you to find out the Windows 7 activation key. With minimal programming knowledge, you can do without them altogether by writing and running a script that works with PowerShell or VBScript.

Entering an activation key in Windows 7

Many users are afraid to reinstall the operating system because they don't know where to enter windows key 7 and when to do it. But in fact, there is nothing complicated in this process. With a clean installation of windows, the activation key must be entered at the system setup stage. After creation account you will be presented with a screen prompting you to enter a 25-character product key. Then, after entering it, the system will require you to go through the activation procedure.

You must activate an already installed operating system within 30 days after installation. You can do this through the properties of "My Computer". In the basic information window, at the bottom is the column " Windows Activation".

There you need to click on the item "Change product key" and enter the windows 7 license code you know. After that, the system will automatically start activating the key via the Internet.

Windows 7 key extraction script

The point is that the key is stored in the Windows registry, but in an encrypted binary format. This key cannot be used.

You can easily create a simple VBScript that will read the values ​​from the registry and then translate it into the format you need to reinstall.

Copy and paste the following text into notepad:

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

When saving the file, give it the vbs extension:

Now run the resulting file by double-clicking the mouse:


The script will show a window containing your key.

A very standard and common situation prompts many to read this material: I once bought a laptop with a licensed Windows 7 or 8 operating system installed. After a certain time, due to the need to reinstall Windows or for any other reason, you need an activation key that was indicated on the sticker , which is located on the bottom of the laptop, however, over the months and years of operation of the laptop, it has long been erased or completely peeled off. How to be?

If your PC is running Windows with an activated license key, then "getting" it from the operating system will not be difficult. If by icon My computer right click and open Properties, then below we will see only product code, not the activation key itself. It is also important to distinguish between what you need to get - just the code that was listed on a special sticker or the code for Windows 8, which is in the BIOS of the computer.

Screenshot of "My Computer" properties

For Win8 from BIOS using RWEverything

To extract the OEM license key Windows 8 from the BIOS of a laptop or a desktop computer, we recommend that you familiarize yourself with - in it we looked at how to use the program to get the Win8 key from a new type of BIOS: UEFI. This method is also relevant for those who are trying to restore the key if another OS was installed instead of licensed Windows 8 "from the store".


Screenshot of RWEverything

Windows activation key in AIDA64

If you need an activation key for an installed and running system, you can use the already familiar program for a complete PC diagnostic - - go, get acquainted, download and install. Then run the program and open the tab Operating system. In chapter License Information in field Product Key and the required activation code for Windows will be indicated.


Screenshot of the AIDA64 program

In AIDA64, as well as in RWEverything, you can see the key sewn into the BIOS. To do this, go to the tab Motherboard, then ACPI. In chapter Table Description find MSDM and in the field SLS Data the 25-character Windows activation code we need will be registered.


Screen AIDA64

Finding an activation key via KeyFinder

A simple utility from Magical Jelly Bean. This small program does not take up much space and gives out only the bare minimum of information, but it is exactly what we need. You can download KeyFinder from here (the official website of the developers), it is available in two versions - the free one is enough for us. Download, install, run. In the left window, select the software for which you need to find out the activation key - in this case, we are interested in Windows 7 Home Premium. CD Key and there is the desired code.


Screenshot Key Finder

Instead of a conclusion

This list could be continued indefinitely, since there are at least a dozen more popular utilities for solving the same task, but I think that the set provided will be enough for you. There are also various scripts on the Internet that use VBScript or PowerShell to extract keys without installing extra programs. Everyone chooses the method that is more convenient for him.

Any system must be licensed and have some identifier pointing to this license. Windows software is a paid solution, which means that if you buy it online or on a disc, you will always have a product key. Some wonder how to find out the key of windows 7, 8 or 10. For which case it is up to you to decide, the main thing is that here you will find many options on how to perform this procedure.

One good option to find out the Windows 8 license key is to download the RWEEverything utility. Download from this site - http://rweverything.com/download.

So, the procedure for finding information about the license key may be needed in the following cases:

  • When the system is damaged to such an extent that the option to fix the problem is to reinstall the system.
  • The drive where Windows is installed is formatted.

#1 way to find the key

In almost every laptop with an OS system, that is, there is no DOS, while it is licensed, there is a key wired into the BIOS. That is, it is an activation key for OEM systems. This is found in both Windows 7 and Windows 10. More on the bottom of the device there should be a sticker with a product key and a couple of irrelevant information. When download clean system desired edition (for example, Home), you can enter this key, thereby activating it.

#2 method to find system key

  • Run Rw.exe
  • In the window we find the tab ACPI, and in another window go to the tab MSDM. Finding a line Data where your license key will be written.

In this section, we use the program again, but with a different one. The previous one is also suitable for any system.

The program is called Product Key Viewer and you can download it from this resource:.

Why two keys in a laptop

All laptops you purchase online or in a brick and mortar store come pre-installed with OEM versions. The system can be anything. The OEM version is pre-installed on a Windows computer using special 2-key mapping authentication.

Initially, the key embedded in the BIOS is checked, further than the 25-digit license key already in the system, the so-called OEM certificate is also required to activate the system.

When you start reinstalling Windows 10 and activation starts, Microsoft servers will start matching these keys, 1st and 2nd license. Provided that both keys are related to Windows 10 Home for one language, then the activation will be successful (For an example, I indicated the tenth version of Home).

In one of my articles, I reviewed several tools, which include ProduKey. With the help of simple steps, you can find out the key of Windows 10 and other OS versions. If you have Microsoft Office installed on your computer, then you will see the desired key from this software.

It turns out that you can find out the product key using the command line. Run it with elevated privileges and enter the following command:

wmic path softwarelicensingservice get oa3xoriginalproductkey

Such a long line will help to detect the key from any Windows system.

In order to check the Windows key, just download the ShowKeyPlus utility. It is free and there is no need to install it, and after opening you will immediately see the necessary data.

You will see the system name, product code, the key itself, and a second key for the OEM system.

Free PC Audit

Another tool that will help you learn about the Windows key on any computer. It is similar to the other tools we have reviewed. Download from here, run it and go to the "System" tab. On the left we are looking for a section Windows product key. And in the right part of the window, the information we need is displayed.

You can download it from here: http://www.ixbt.com/news/soft/index.shtml?17/77/14

How to find out the Windows key using Speccy and AIDA64

So, here we are getting to one of my favorite utilities, with which I look at information about the system and components called. It also has an option to check the Windows key. All you need to do is go to the "Operating System" tab and on the right you will see the line "Product Key".

The second similar tool is this. Also go to the "Operating System" tab, which is there on the right. Find the line "Serial number". That's the whole process.

I don't think that anyone would want to bother about entering a script when there are such simple methods described above. But I still, just in case, I will indicate this method.

Below is a script that runs as a file with a VBS extension. Let's consider this option.

Open a standard notepad and paste this content into it:

Set WshShell = CreateObject("WScript.Shell")

regKey = "HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\"

DigitalProductId = WshShell.RegRead(regKey & "DigitalProductId")

Win8ProductName = "Windows Product Name: " & WshShell.RegRead(regKey & "ProductName") & vbNewLine

Win8ProductID = "Windows Product ID: " & WshShell.RegRead(regKey & "ProductID") & vbNewLine

Win8ProductKey = ConvertToKey(DigitalProductId)

strProductKey = "Windows Key: " & Win8ProductKey

Win8ProductID = Win8ProductName & Win8ProductID & strProductKey

MsgBox(Win8ProductKey)

MsgBox(Win8ProductID)

Function ConvertToKey(regKey)

Const KeyOffset = 52

IsWin8 = (regKey(66) \ 6) And 1

RegKey(66) = (regKey(66) And &HF7) Or ((isWin8 And 2) * 4)

J=24

Chars = "BCDFGHJKMPQRTVWXY2346789"

Cur = 0

Y=14

Cur = Cur * 256

Cur = regKey(y + KeyOffset) + Cur

RegKey(y + KeyOffset) = (Cur \ 24)

Cur = Cur Mod 24

Y=y-1

Loop While y >= 0

J=j-1

WinKeyOutput = Mid(Chars, Cur + 1, 1) & winKeyOutput

Last = Cur

Loop While j >= 0

If(isWin8=1) Then

Keypart1 = Mid(winKeyOutput, 2, Last)

Insert="N"

WinKeyOutput = Replace(winKeyOutput, keypart1, keypart1 & insert, 2, 1, 0)

If Last = 0 Then winKeyOutput = insert & winKeyOutput

End if

A = Mid(winKeyOutput, 1, 5)

B = Mid(winKeyOutput, 6, 5)

C = Mid(winKeyOutput, 11, 5)

D = Mid(winKeyOutput, 16, 5)

E = Mid(winKeyOutput, 21, 5)

ConvertToKey = a & "-" & b & "-" & c & "-" & d & "-" & e

end function

The file must not be saved with a text extension, such as ".txt". You must click the "File" button, select the "Save as" option and write some name in Latin, adding the VBS postscript. In other words, the title might be:

script.vbs

After running this file with the script, you should see a notification in the form of a window where it is written - the name of the system, ID and the key itself.

SIW Program

The last section of the article. We use the SIW program. You just need to download it, run it and go to the "Licenses" tab on the left.

Why are other characters displayed instead of a normal key

Sometimes, when trying to find out the Windows 7, 8, 10 key of a laptop or other device, a situation occurs when characters appear that are completely unrelated to the key. Typically, such systems are activated by the so-called MAK and VLK, and they are usually not saved. Such keys are not registered on the PC, but are located on Microsoft servers.

Another similar case can occur when changing components, so remember, maybe you recently changed your motherboard or some other component.

Now you know how to find out the windows 7, 8, 10 key using various software and even the system itself.