Forum Discussion
Where to find Windows Server product key?
I’m trying to locate the product key for my Windows Server, but I’m not sure how to go about it. I understand there are different ways to retrieve the key, either through the command line, registry, or using third-party tools, but I’m not familiar with any of these methods to find Windows Server product key. Some specific details about my situation:
- I’m running Windows Server 2016.
- I’m the administrator of the server, so I have full access.
- I’d prefer a method that doesn’t require additional software, but I’m open to safe and reliable tools if needed.
Thanks in advance for your help!
- Who purchased and activated the machine? This is very important as there are several ways to buy a Windows Server product key. Go and ask the right people who are responsible for this. If purchased online, you can find Windows server product key from the confirmation email.
Sanasgo I did this on a Windows Server 2012 a couple of days ago. One simple trick is using the built-in command prompt utility. To do this, first open the cmd utility with Administrator privileges. Type the following command and press Enter to find Windows Server 2012 product key from command Prompt:
wmic path softwarelicensingservice get OA3xOriginalProductKeyThis command should display your product key if it's stored in the BIOS or UEFI firmware.
Sanasgo The Windows Server product key can be located in several places, depending on how the software was purchased or installed.
For servers that came pre-installed with Windows Server (OEM version), the product key is often embedded in the BIOS or UEFI firmware of the machine. This allows Windows to automatically detect the key when reinstalling or upgrading. You can retrieve product key of Windows Server using the Command Prompt or PowerShell methods mentioned above.
In addition, if you purchased a physical copy of Windows Server, the product key may be printed on a label or card inside the box. Older versions sometimes have this sticker affixed directly to the server hardware.
Sanasgo In some cases, the product key is stored in the Windows Registry. However, accessing it from the registry may not always be straightforward, and it could be encrypted. You can manually check the Windows Registry, though it's more technical and doesn't always work on newer Windows versions.
To find Windows Server 2016 product key in Registry, press Win + R, type regedit, and press Enter to open the Registry Editor. Navigate to the following path:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\SoftwareProtectionPlatform
Look for the entry called BackupProductKeyDefault. This might contain Windows Server license key.
Sanasgo If Windows Server was purchased online, the product key may have been sent to you via email. Check your inbox or purchase confirmation for a message containing the product key.
For organizations that use volume licensing, the product key can be obtained from Microsoft’s Volume Licensing Service Center (VLSC). Log into your VLSC account to retrieve your key from the purchase history or licenses section.
If you bought Windows Server digitally through the Microsoft Store, the product key may be linked to your Microsoft account. Log in to the Microsoft Store or your account on the Microsoft website to find product key of Windows Server 2022/2019/2016/2012.
Look, I get it—there are shady websites out there offering “free” Windows sever product keys that look super tempting. But trust me, they're just digital quicksand. You might end up with a virus or a key that just doesn’t work when it’s time to activate.
How to find Windows server product key?
- If you’ve got an original copy of Windows Server, don’t forget to check the packaging! The product key is usually printed on a sticker or included in the documentation. If you’ve purchased it digitally through Microsoft, log in to your Microsoft account. You might find the key hanging out in your purchase history.
- If you bought Windows Server online, scour through your emails. Searching for keywords like "Windows Server," "purchase," or "receipt" might help. You’d be surprised what gems you can find buried in your inbox.
- If you’ve got an original copy of Windows Server, don’t forget to check the packaging! The product key is usually printed on a sticker or included in the documentation. If you’ve purchased it digitally through Microsoft, log in to your Microsoft account. You might find the key hanging out in your purchase history.
Sanasgo I remember the first time I had to track down a Windows Server key. I was in a panic because I had to set up a new server, and all the documentation was scattered. I thought I was doomed! But then I remembered some old emails and found a digital receipt that had the key. It saved me a ton of headache! So, don’t overlook your past purchases or check your old systems—sometimes the key is right under your nose!
About finding Windows server product key. If your server is currently running with a license, you can pull up the product key using a simple command. Open Command Prompt as an admin and type:
wmic path softwareLicensingService get OA3xOriginalProductKey
It’ll spit out the key right there if your Windows was activated with it. Easy peasy!
Finding the Windows Server product key in the registry can be a bit of a mixed bag, and honestly, there are some real downsides to it. First off, diving into the Registry Editor feels like you're entering a secret lab where things can go haywire. If you accidentally change or delete something important while you're in there, you could mess up your system.
In fact, you can find the Windows Server product key in one click as the following tutorial describes:
https://www.recodie.com/find-windows-server-product-key
Dr.KEY will scan all the saved keys on your server and display them on the screenshot. You can copy and save the product key almost instantly!
