How can I find Windows 11 product key on my PC?

Do you think pre-installed system keys are usually hidden in the motherboard's BIOS/UEFI? Is that a good way to find Windows 11 product key pn your PC? Not everyone’s comfortable navigating the BIOS settings. If you’re new to this or not super tech-savvy, it can feel intimidating. One wrong move in the BIOS and you could mess up settings that might affect how your computer runs. The location of the product key can differ based on the manufacturer and model of your laptop or desktop. While you mentioned finding it under “System Information” or “OEM Key” on a Lenovo, this might not apply to all brands. For example, some may not even list the key in BIOS at all. 

If you or someone else updates the BIOS/UEFI, it can sometimes reset settings or impact how the keys are stored. This means you could lose access to the key if it was previously available.

When it comes to finding Windows 11 product key. This method primarily works if your Windows came pre-installed (you know, like those OEM versions). If you installed Windows yourself or upgraded from a previous version, that key might not show up. Believe me, I tried this when I upgraded from Windows 10, and I got nada! It can be pretty frustrating if you think you’ll find the key and it just won’t appear.

This approach is specifically for retail or OEM versions of Windows 11/10 and may not work for Windows 11 Enterprise or other specialized editions. If you’re on a more niche variant, don’t be surprised if that command doesn’t yield results. I learned this when I thought I could retrieve a key easily from a different installation type—total dead end. 

You’ve gotta be running PowerShell as an Administrator for it to work. Missing this step can lead to confusion and irritation, especially if you’re not used to navigating user permissions in Windows. I remember once thinking I’d run it quickly as a regular user, and nothing happened. It was a “facepalm” moment!

I also encountered the situation of not being able to find Windows 11 product key before, and later I learned that the pre-installed system key is often hidden in the BIOS/UEFI of the motherboard. So I tried it, and I actually found the key! Here's how I did it:

1. Restart the computer and enter the BIOS/UEFI
   I use a Lenovo laptop, and I kept pressing F2 when booting it up (it may be Delete or F12 for different brands, you can check the corresponding key). After entering the BIOS/UEFI interface, don't rush to move around, and slowly find the option for system information.
2. On a certain page of the BIOS (usually "System Information" or "OEM Key"), you will see a string of characters, which is your product key! I was relieved when I saw the string of numbers.
3. I took a photo with my phone and wrote it down on paper to prevent forgetting it when I need it later.

At that time, I also tried various command lines and online methods to no avail, and finally found that there was this "hidden key" in the BIOS. However, if you have a digital license, there may be nothing in the BIOS. It will be automatically activated after reinstalling the system and connecting to the Internet.

So this method is suitable for friends who pre-install the system. It is simple and reliable! You can try it and see if you can find a surprise in the BIOS

Don't worry, this situation of not being able to find Windows 11 product key is quite common, especially for pre-installed systems. In fact, there is no need for too complicated methods, you can use the system's built-in functions to solve it. Here is a method that is simple and direct:

1. Press Win + X and select "Windows PowerShell (Administrator)".
2. Enter the following command and press Enter:

powershell

(Get-WmiObject -query 'select * from SoftwareLicensingService').OA3xOriginalProductKey

If your system is bound to a key, it will be displayed after the command is executed.
Applicable situations: Suitable for most pre-installed systems, simple and fast.

This support article can help you: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/find-your-windows-product-key-aaa2bf69-7b2b-9f13-f581-a806abf0a886

Make sure you double-check each character when entering the product key to avoid any typos. Even a small mistake can prevent you from successfully activating Windows. Sometimes it's easy to mix up the Windows product key with other numbers on your PC, like the serial number or model number. Take your time to find Windows 11 product key on PC.

While searching for your product key, be wary of third-party key generators or "cracked" software promising free keys. Using these can be risky and may result in security threats or activation issues. Stick to official Microsoft methods for finding your product key. Avoid shady websites or unknown software claiming to provide your key as they may compromise your system security.