A product activation has many other names like software key, serial key, or activation key. Unlocking a computer program requires a software key. It ascertains the originality of the software it belongs to. In this case, it is composed of digits and letters. Whenever a user installs a program, the verification program verifies the user, by matching this key according to a mathematical algorithm. Thus, Activation Key prevents the copyright infringement of software. In this blog, we will find, out how to get the Windows 11 Product Activation Key after Complete Format.
How to get the Windows 11 Product Activation Key after Complete Format?
Sometimes a user needs to format his operating system. This removes all the data and programs from the hard drive of the user. So, now the user will have to install the operating system again. So, the system will ask for the activation key for many programs. The user must have access to this activation key. They will not be able to access the programs otherwise. So if a user wants to format his system, you must store these keys in advance. However, if the user forgets to save these keys, you may find them in the following ways:
01. The user shall check email:
This is the case, in which the user has purchased the program online or from a physical store. In the former case, the key is sent to the registered email address. Thus, the user can find the activation key by logging into the registered email address. In the latter case, the activation key is printed on the package within which the system was delivered. A user may have this package, so you can retrieve it there if he or they have it.
02. The user can check the online account:
This is the case if the user has purchased her programs online. If the user has purchased the programs online, the software vendor will have the account. The user shall log in to the account and get the details of her purchase, including the activation key.
03. The user shall contact the vendor:
If the user still is not able to find the activation key, you should contact the software vendor. Vendors will provide activation keys to users if they provide purchase information.
04. The user shall use a key finder tool:
If the user is still unable to find the keys, they can use some key finder tools like Magical Jelly Bean Key Finder. These tools can retrieve the key from the software installed.
05. The user can recover it directly from the motherboard:
It’s the case in which the windows are pre-installed on the system.
You should take the following steps to find the key:
- The user will click on the “Settings “app.
- You will then go to the “update and security”.
- You will then select the “Activation” tab.
- It will show that Windows 10 is activated.
06. Recover from the Microsoft account:
Every Windows purchase has a Microsoft account associated with it. So the user must have the details of the old Microsoft account. In this case, the user shall install Windows 10 normally and skip the license key step. When the user reaches the create account step, then use the same old account. This will automatically enable the same license on the user’s system.
If the user has found the key, you should save it for future purposes. A new product key should be purchased if the user is unable to locate the product key. It’s a simple process to buy a new key.
07. The user can buy a new activation key:
The user will have to visit the Microsoft store website. They can also go to a local retailer dealing in Microsoft Products. Users should type “Windows 11 Activation Key” in the search bar. The user will select the correct version. The user must choose the number of licenses they want to purchase. Payment will be made by them. The activation key will be emailed to the user after the transaction is complete. There is also another way. The user will log in to their Microsoft account. You should go to the “Activation” Section. Then the user can buy a new activation key by following the prompts.
08. The user can use the activation key in many ways :
Users can use it to activate the Windows 11 operating System. Otherwise, Windows 11 will not work properly and with limited functionality. The authenticity of the software is also ensured. Thus it prevents the software from being compromised. Piracy of software is also prevented by it. The activation of Windows 11 also provides access to many other services to the user like regular updates. Defending the computer against security threats is done in this way. Additionally, the user will be able to receive technical assistance in case of any malfunctions with Windows. A number of options can also be customized by the user. They can customize the taskbar and change the desktop background etc.
09. The user can take the backup of the product key:
The user can take the backup of the product activation key, in many ways. Users can use the command prompt for it.
Follow these steps:-
- Type “Windows Key + X “.
- Select the “Windows Power Shell (Admin)” or “command prompt (Admin ) “.
- Type the “wmic path softwarelicensingserviceget OA3*OriginalProductKey “.
- The product key is displayed on the screen.
For later use, the user can save it.
Moreover, the user can also use third-party software available online. You can download any safe software.
Alternatively, the user can also use the registry editor. For it, the user will hit the ” Windows Key + R” to open the Run Dialog Box. The user should type “regedit” and press enter. Then, you can navigate to “HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\WindowsNT\CurrentVersion\SoftwareProtectionPlatform”. The user will right-click on “SoftwareProtectionPlatform”. Also, you will have to select “Export”. The user will choose a location to save the backup file. You can also give a name to the particular file. This backup file stores the product activation key of the user.
Conclusion:
Thus the user can find her activation key in the easy ways as discussed above. Utilizing the system to its full potential requires the activation key. A user may, however, purchase the activation key if they do not have it. It’s easy to buy a product key as discussed above. Moreover, the user shall also save the product activation key for future use. Also, the user shall store the backup of the product activation key in a safe location. Such safe locations are cloud storage and the hard drive. The user can access her product key safely and easily from such sources if the hardware changes or the system fails.
Relevant Question
Question 01: Define a product key for Windows 11.
Answer: A product key is a unique alphanumeric code. It is used to enable Windows 11 on the user’s computer. It validates that the copy of Windows is genuine and not pirated.
Question 02: Where can a user look for the product key for Windows 11?
Answer: If a user purchases a new computer with Windows 11 pre-installed, the product key is embedded in the system’s firmware. The user can also find the product key written in the confirmation email if they purchased a digital copy of Windows 11. If they are updating them, the product key is written in the upgrade process.
Question 03: Can a user install and activate Windows 11 without a product key?
Answer: Yes, the user can install Windows 11 without a product key, but then, they won’t be able to customize their desktop, change the wallpaper, or access different features. They will also see a watermark on the bottom right corner of the screen reminding them to activate the copy of Windows.
Question 04: Can a user use the same product key to activate Windows 11 on different computers?
Answer: No, the user cannot use the same product key to activate Windows 11 on different computers. Every product key is unique and used to activate Windows on one computer.
Question 05: What happens if I lose my product key for Windows 11?
Answer: If you lose your product key for Windows 11, you can retrieve it by contacting Microsoft support. Proof of purchase and other personal information will be required.
Question 06: Can a user transfer her product key for Windows 11 to another computer?
Answer: Yes, the user can transfer the product key for Windows 11 to another computer. But only if the user deactivates Windows on the old computer first. This is done via the Windows activation settings.
Question 07: What should a user do if the product key for Windows 11 is not working?
Answer: If the product key for Windows 11 is not correctly working, they may need to contact Microsoft support for assistance. You will get a solution and assistance in solving the problem from them.
Question 08: How long does a product key for Windows 11 last?
Answer: A product key for Windows 11 lasts as long as a user wants. If it is not transferred to another computer or deactivated by the user.