Resolved: Product key not showing in Command Prompt?

It can be perplexing when dealing with product key issues in the Windows system, and the key is not found through the command prompt. The product key is a crucial element for software validation and system activation. Hence, its unavailability through the command prompt can hinder various operations.

This guide addresses the issue where product keys are not displayed in the Command Prompt and provides a step-by-step solution to rectify this inconvenience. Users can effectively troubleshoot and rectify the situation by following the instructions outlined here. This guide from Tools ensures that the product key becomes visible again in the Command Prompt.

Use a Professional Third-Party Software - The Easiest and Quickest Method

The best way to overcome the limitation of not being able to display the product key in the Command Prompt is by using a powerful third-party utility like a Key Finder tool. This is a comprehensive tool specifically designed to effortlessly retrieve Windows product keys. Unlike working with the Command Prompt, this software provides a user-friendly interface that simplifies the entire process of obtaining the product key.

"Key Finder" is a smart tool that displays the product IDs and CD keys of various software installed on your computer, including Windows, SQL Server, Microsoft Office, Adobe, and more. Additionally, it can assist in retrieving Wi-Fi passwords, browser accounts, and passwords.

Key Feature of the Tool: Key Finder

Unlike the command prompt, a Key Finder tool eliminates the need to remember complex commands. It can uncover product keys for over ten thousand of the most popular programs. Key Finder tools can also recover product licenses in case of system or hard disk crashes.

The steps to use a Key Finder tool to locate missing product keys are as follows: 1. **Choose a Key Finder software**: First, you need to download and install a reliable product key finder tool. Some popular options include Magical Jelly Bean KeyFinder, ProduKey, or Windows Product Key Viewer. Make sure to get the software from the official website or a reputable source. 2. **Download and Install**: Visit the official website of the Key Finder tool you chose and download the latest version. Run the downloaded installer and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation. 3. **Run the Key Finder**: Once installed, double-click the desktop shortcut or find the app in the Start menu and open it. You might need administrator permissions upon the first run; grant them if prompted. 4. **Scan your system**: After launching the Key Finder, it will automatically scan your computer for product keys associated with various software. This process usually doesn't take long, but the time may vary depending on your system's performance. 5. **View the product keys**: Once the scan is complete, the Key Finder will display the found keys in its interface. They'll typically be listed in plain text, along with the software name, version, and corresponding product key. Carefully review the list to find the key you need. 6. **Save and back up the keys**: To prevent loss in the future, copy and paste the displayed product keys into a secure location, like a text file or password manager. Don't share these keys unless you're certain the recipient is trustworthy. 7. **Mind privacy and security**: When using a Key Finder, make sure to run it only on your own devices and avoid misusing it on someone else's computer. Also, ensure that the Key Finder software you're using comes from a trusted source to avoid malware. Keep in mind that while Key Finder tools can be helpful, they won't retrieve all types of keys, especially those for online accounts. For cloud services, you'd typically need to log in to the respective website to view or reset keys.

Here's how to use the KeyFinder tool to locate the non-visible product key via Command Prompt:

Step 1: Click the “Windows” key under the Registry Editor.

Step 2. Look for your Windows product key on the right. Click “Copy” to paste it elsewhere. Or choose one of the other two options:

"Save" - Saves as a local PDF file.

“Print” – click to print out an important document.

If you're not tech-savvy, a Key Finder tool is your best bet. Download one to help you out.

How to Fix the Issue of Windows Product Key Not Showing in CMD

If you prefer to tackle the issue directly from the Command Prompt, there are a few methods that can help with retrieving a lost Windows product key. Follow the steps below to rectify the situation and obtain your product key information through the Command Prompt:

Solution 1: Use PowerShell

When the product key is not visible in Command Prompt, switching to PowerShell can often provide another way to extract the Windows product key. PowerShell and the Command Prompt are command-line utilities with similar functions. However, their commands are different from each other. Follow the steps below to get product key information using PowerShell:

Step 1. First, open the Power menu using the “Win + X” key combination, and then click on “Windows PowerShell (Admin)” or “Terminal (Admin)” in Windows 10 or 11, respectively. In the PowerShell window, copy or paste the following command:

"Retrieve product key using PowerShell: (Get-WmiObject -query 'select * from SoftwareLicensingService').OA3xOriginalProductKey"

Step 2: Press Enter after typing the command. The PowerShell command will display the Windows product key associated with your system.

Share this article to help more users learn how to find Windows product keys using PowerShell.

Fix 2: Run CMD as an Administrator

Running the Command Prompt as an administrator can sometimes resolve the issue where a product key isn't displayed. This may allow the system to access and display product key information that wasn't previously accessible. Follow these steps to open the Command Prompt with administrator privileges to address the issue of a missing product key in the Command Prompt:

**Step 1.** Open the Run dialog box using the "Win + R" shortcut key combination. Once it's open, type "cmd" and then press "Ctrl + Shift + Enter." This will launch the Command Prompt with administrator privileges.

Step 2: Run the following command to find your product key:

"wmic path SoftwareLicensingService get OA3xOriginalProductKey" translates to " Query the value of OA3xOriginalProductKey through WMIC" This is a Windows command used to retrieve the original product key of an Office product installed on the computer.

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Fix 3: Try using different commands in CMD to find your Windows product key

If the previous command didn't display the product key, trying a different command in Command Prompt might help you retrieve the information you need. Sometimes, different commands in Command Prompt can provide the product key details. Here's how to run different commands in CMD on your computer:

Steps: Type “CMD” into the Windows search bar, then click “Run as administrator” when it appears. Once you have the Command Prompt open, type in the command “slmgr.vbs /dlv” to find your Windows product key. This will call the Windows Script Host, where you can find your product key.

Fix 4: Contact Microsoft Support

If previous methods were unsuccessful in retrieving your Windows product key, or you're experiencing persistent issues, reaching out to Microsoft Support can provide you with professional guidance and assistance. Contacting Microsoft Support ensures that you receive personalized help and advice directly from experts. It is highly recommended that you do this if you've attempted several troubleshooting steps and the problem persists.

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When troubleshooting the issue of not being able to view product keys in the Command Prompt, users have several troubleshooting options to try. One convenient choice is to use third-party software such as a Key Finder tool. This utility offers a user-friendly interface, eliminating the need for complex commands. It simplifies the process, allowing users to easily retrieve their product keys without delving into the intricacies of the Command Prompt.

Furthermore, using PowerShell or Command Prompt might provide alternative solutions. Running these interfaces with administrative privileges might uncover hidden product keys. However, if these approaches don't yield the desired outcome or users encounter persistent issues, reaching out to Microsoft Support remains a reliable option. Users can receive personalized assistance and targeted guidance to effectively address the problem. Sharing this information can help more users find a solution.

Frequently Asked Questions About Not Seeing Windows 10/11 Product Key in CMD

It can be frustrating not being able to view your Windows product key through the Command Prompt. Here are some common questions regarding why the product key doesn't display through the command prompt:

**1. How do I find my product key in the command prompt?**

You can use the Command Prompt to find your Windows product key by running a specific command with administrative privileges. Here's how:

Step 1. To open the Command Prompt as an administrator, search for "cmd" in the Windows search bar, and then choose "Run as administrator" when it appears.

Step 2: Next, copy and paste the following command:

In Mandarin Chinese, the sentence "This is a command for the Windows Management Instrumentation Command-line (WMIC) to retrieve the operating system's product key" would be: 这是使用WMIC命令行获取操作系统产品密钥的命令

Step 3: Press Enter to run the command, and your product key should appear.

**How to Retrieve the Windows 11 Activation Key via CMD?** Follow these steps to obtain a Windows 11 activation key through the Command Prompt: 1. First, open the Command Prompt as an administrator. Right-click the "Start" button, select "Command Prompt (Admin)" or type `cmd` in the search bar, then choose the option with administrator privileges. 2. In the Command Prompt window, type the following command and press Enter: ``` wmic path softwarelicensingservice get OA3xOriginalProductKey ``` 3. If your Windows 11 is activated, this command might display your product key. However, please note that this method may not always work since Windows 11 activation information could be stored on Microsoft's servers rather than your local device. 4. If the above command doesn't show the key, you can try the following command to check the activation status: ``` slmgr /dx80 ``` This command might not directly display the key but will provide detailed information about the Windows activation. 5. If you want to view or change the activation status of Windows 11, use the following command: ``` slui 0x4 ``` This will open the "Activation Settings" window, where you can connect to the Microsoft server for activation or enter a product key. Keep in mind that methods for retrieving keys from CMD may vary depending on the Windows version and updates, and not all Windows 11 installations have a visible product key. If you've legally purchased and activated Windows 11, the key is usually associated with your Microsoft account rather than being locally saved.

Retrieve Windows 11 Activation Key via Command Prompt:

Step 1: Open the "Run" function, type "CMD," and press "Enter" to launch the Command Prompt as an administrator.

Step 2: Type the command: wmic path SoftwareLicensingService get OA3xOriginalProductKey

Step 3: Press Enter to run the command, and your Windows 11 product key should appear on the screen.

3. Why can't I find my Windows product key?

Various factors, such as system issues or incorrect commands, might prevent a Windows product key from displaying through the Command Prompt. Ensure that you're using the correct command or explore alternative methods like PowerShell. If the issue persists, contacting Microsoft Support may provide further assistance.