Computer: How to Find Your Windows 7 Product Key

This updated guide examines Computer: How to Find Your Windows 7 Product Key and organizes the essential facts, background, and practical takeaways in clear American English.

Method 1of 3:

Locating the COA Sticker

1. Check the Certificate of Authenticity (COA) sticker on your computer. If your PC came preinstalled with Windows 7, you should be able to find a Certificate of Authenticity (COA) sticker on your computer.^[1]
   • Your product key is printed here on the sticker.
   • The COA sticker may be located on the top, back, bottom, or any side of your computer.
   • The COA confirms you're using a computer running an authentic version of Windows, and also features the product key.
   • If you can't find this sticker on your computer, try taking out your PC's removable battery (if applicable). You might just find it here.
2. Check the label or card inside the box your Windows copy came in. If you purchased a physical copy of Windows, such as an installation CD or package, you can find your product key on a label or card inside the box.^[2]
3. Check the confirmation in your mailbox for online purchases. If you purchased a copy of Windows online, you can check out the confirmation email in your registered mailbox. You'll find your product key in this email message.^[3]
4. Contact your PC's manufacturer for your original product key. ^[4]If you've lost or can't find your product key, you can contact your computer's manufacturer, and learn the Windows 7 product key for your computer.

Method 2of 3:

Using the Command Prompt

1. Open your computer'sStart menu. Click the Windows icon on the bottom-left corner to open the Start menu.
   • This method will only work if your PC came with a factory-preinstalled copy of Windows.
2. Search and selectRunon the Start menu. This program will allow you to directly run and open an application on your computer.
   • Alternatively, you can press?Win+Ron your keyboard to open the Run window.
3. Typecmdin the Run window. Click the textbox next to "Open," and type this shortcut here for Command Prompt.
4. ClickOKin the Run window. This will open the Command Prompt in a new window.
   • Alternatively, press?Enteron your keyboard.
5. Type or paste the command below in the Command Prompt window:
   • wmic path softwarelicensingservice get OA3xOriginalProductKey.
   • This command will show your product key if your computer came with a factory-preinstalled copy of Windows 7.
6. Press?Enteron your keyboard. This will run the command, and show your product key in the Command Prompt window.

Method 3of 3:

Using the Belarc Advisor App

1. Openhttps://www.belarc.comin your internet browser. Type or paste this URL into your browser's address bar, and press?Enteror?Returnon your keyboard.
   • The Belarc Advisor is a free, third-party app that displays all the information regarding your installed software and hardware in your internet browser.
   • You can run the Belarc Advisor without downloading a permanent copy of the application to your computer.
2. Click theFREE DOWNLOADtab at the top. You can find this option on a blue navigation bar at the top of the page.
3. Click theDOWNLOAD A FREE COPY OF BELARC ADVISORbutton. This is a red button near the top left corner of the page. It will open a File Download window in your browser.
4. Click theRunbutton in the File Download window. This will run the Belarc Advisor app, create a system profile of your PC, and open a new browser tab with all your information.
   • You will see a "Belarc Advisor" logo at the top of the information page, and find your "Computer Profile Summary" here.
   • Alternatively, you can download the file, and run the Belarc Advisor offline any time you want.
5. Scroll down and find the "Software Licenses" section. You can find this section towards the middle of your "Computer Profile Summary."
   • You will see a list of all the licensed, installed software on your computer here.
6. Find "Microsoft - Windows 7" on the list. Your operating system should be listed under "Software Licenses.
7. Find your product key next to(Key:on the right-hand side. You'll see your product ID next to "Microsoft - Windows 7" across the page, and your product key enclosed in parentheses.