To ensure your product key is genuine, see How to tell your software is genuine and How to tell your hardware is genuine. If you’ve lost or can’t find the product key, contact the manufacturer.
If Windows came preinstalled on your PC, the product key should appear on a sticker on your device.
Generally, if you bought a physical copy of Windows, the product key should be on a label or card inside the box that Windows came in. Locate your product key for Windows 7 or Windows 8.1Ī product key is usually required when uninstalling or reinstalling Windows 7 or Windows 8.1. If you aren't able to get help from your retailer or have already tried and couldn't get a working key, call Microsoft Support.įor more information about digital licenses and product keys in Windows 10, see the “Methods of Activation” section in Activate Windows 10. If your product key is scratched, blurred, or otherwise unusable, contact the retailer who sold you the product. This method works in Windows 7 and Windows 8. This is one of the easiest and fastest ways to check if Windows is activated or not. Check Windows Activation Status from System App. You can use the digital license for activation. If Windows is not activated, you will see the Error: product key not found message in the dialog box. If you bought Windows 10 Home, Professional, or Upgrade to Pro in the Windows 10 Store app, you'll receive a digital license instead of a product key.
