A Windows key, also referred to as a Windows Product Key, is typically used to activate the Windows operating system on a computer.
On this page, we'll show you 7 reliable methods to find your Windows 7 key yourself. Let's get started.
As a beloved operating system, Windows 7 garnered a significant fan base upon its release. However, with time, Microsoft has ceased support for Windows 7.
However, some Windows 7 users might still need to record and keep their product key. Here are some situations where you might need your Windows 7 product key:
How do you find the product key on your old Windows 7 computer, though? Read on – you'll find out in the next section.
We've gathered 7 working methods, and you can try any of them to find your Windows 7 product key:
Important note:
Let's go find your Windows 7 product key now.
Tool: All-in-One Key Finder for Windows - Key Finding Tool
Duration: 1-2 minutes.
If you search for Windows product key finders, you'll find many recommendations. One of the first tools we'd suggest trying as an easy way to find your Windows 7 product key is the Key Finder.
In addition to retrieving your Windows 7 product key, you can use it to check the serial numbers of other software.
Step 1. Click on the “Windows” key under the Registry Editor.
Step 2. Look for the Windows product key on the right. Click on “Copy” to paste it somewhere. Or choose one of the other two options:
"Save" - Save as a local PDF file.
"Print" – click to print key documents.
Tool: Built-in Disk Management Utility in Windows - CMD
Duration: 2-5 minutes
CMD.exe is a disk utility intrinsic to the Windows system that most administrators use to manage their computers. Typically, the CMD command prompt requires users to input commands to execute operations and make changes to target devices.
If you're comfortable with command-line management, you can also use CMD to find your Windows 7 product key. Here's how:
Step 1: Click the Windows 7 Start menu, and then click “Search.”
Step 2: Type Run in the search box, and then select it to open the Run dialog box.
Step 3. Type cmd in the Run dialog box, then click OK.
Step 4. Type the following command in the Command Prompt to make it search for your Windows 7 product key:
Type wmic path softwarelicensingservice get OA3xOriginalProductKey, and then press Enter.
After that, you can view and copy the Windows 7 product key from within the Command Prompt window.
How to Find Windows 11 Product Key with CMD
Can't locate your Windows 11 product key? Read this article and learn how to find the Windows 11 product key using CMD. Plus, we'll introduce the best Windows key finders to solve your issue.
Tool: Registry Editor
DURATION: 2-5 minutes
The Windows Registry Editor is another built-in Windows tool used for managing a computer. Note that we generally don't recommend that regular users mess with the Registry Editor, as it can be somewhat complicated, and a small mistake can cause problems with your computer's operation.
Please follow the instructions closely to find your Windows 7 product key:
Step 1: Type regedit in the search box and open the Windows Registry Editor.
Step 2. Browse to and open the Microsoft folder located at:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft
Step 3: In the Open box, type ProductKey, and then click Find Next.
Step 4. Look for the key named ProductID. In the Data section, you should see your Windows 7 product key.
Tool: Windows 7 Product Key COA (Certificate of Authenticity) Sticker
Duration: 1 minute
If you purchased Windows 7 offline, you might have a COA sticker with your operating system's product key on it. If you can still find this sticker, you can find your Windows 7 product key here:
Step 1: Locate your Windows 7 COA sticker
Step 2: Note the string of numbers next to the product key; this is your Windows 7 license code.
Tools: Computer labels or cards
Duration: 1 minute
Some computer manufacturers place the Windows 7 key on the computer case itself. It's usually found on a sticker on the product box, the CD sleeve, or even the case of the computer.
The first step is to find the computer case, the CD, or the computer itself.
Step 2: Find your Windows 7 product key.
Look for your Windows 7 product key on the label card in the packaging:
Medium: Indexed email with product key.
Duration: 1-2 minutes
If you purchased Windows 7 online, the Product Key should have been sent to you via email by the Microsoft Support team. Check your inbox for this email so you can view and check the Product Key.
Step 1: Open your inbox and find the email that contains your Windows 7 product key.
Step 2: Find your Windows 7 key.
Tool: Telephone
Duration: 3-30 minutes
Your last option is to contact your PC manufacturer. Most Windows operating system product keys are provided with the computer. The manufacturer may have a way to help you find your Windows 7 product key.
On this page, we offer you 7 solutions with detailed step-by-step guides on how to check and find your Windows 7 product key.
Amongst the solutions, the easiest and most efficient way to check your Windows OS key is by using a Product Key Finder – a tool like Key Finder for assistance.
Since the Windows key is important, you should retrieve it immediately by following the steps below.