Locating your Microsoft Office license key can be essential when reinstalling, transferring it to a new device, or verifying your software’s activation status. One straightforward method to find this information is through Command Prompt (CMD).
With administrator privileges, you can run a command that displays crucial details, such as activation status and partial Office product keys (either 32-bit or 64-bit, depending on your installation). While this approach is practical, it doesn’t provide the complete license key necessary for full reinstallation or transfer processes.
So, what other options are available if CMD doesn’t yield the full key? If you purchased Office digitally, you can use your Microsoft Account or third-party key finders to secure your license information. With these solutions, you can easily retrieve the complete license information whenever needed.
Finding Microsoft Office License Key Using CMD: Step By Step Guide
If you need to find your Microsoft Office license key via CMD, you can do it in just a few simple steps, such as:
1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator
To start, you need to open Command Prompt with administrative privileges. This step guarantees you the required access to run the commands to help you find your Microsoft Office license key.
Begin by typing “cmd” into the Windows search bar. You’ll see the Command Prompt app appear in the search results. Instead of simply clicking on it, right-click on the Command Prompt icon.
A context menu will pop up, and here, you’ll see the option labeled “Run as Administrator.” Click on this option to launch Command Prompt with elevated permissions.
2. Navigate to the Office Directory
Locating your license key requires opening Command Prompt as an administrator. Your path depends on whether you have an installed 32-bit or 64-bit version of Office. If you’re using the 32-bit (x86) version, type the following command into the Command Prompt:
‘cd c:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Office\Office16’
After typing this command, press Enter to navigate to the correct folder.
For those with the 64-bit (x64) version, you’ll want to enter this command instead:
‘cd c:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office16’
Again, press Enter to access the right directory.
Type the command accurately to avoid errors. Once you successfully navigate to the Office directory, you’re one step closer to retrieving your license key.
3. Run the License Key Retrieval Command
Now that you’re in the correct Office directory, you can run the command that retrieves your license key details. To do this, type the following command in the Command Prompt:
‘cscript ospp.vbs /dstatus’
Once you’ve entered the command, hit Enter. This action prompts CMD to display vital information about your Office license. You’ll see details about your activation status, indicating whether your Office product is activated.
Additionally, the command will provide partial product key information, helping you identify your specific Office installation. Ensure you type the command exactly as shown, including spaces and punctuation. Any errors could cause the license information to be retrieved unsuccessfully.
4. Review the License Information
Once you’ve executed the command, you’ll want to review the license information displayed in the Command Prompt carefully. Give it a moment to process, as the details may take a few seconds to appear. You’ll see essential information about your Microsoft Office license when they do.
The output will include a partial product key, vital for troubleshooting or verifying your software activation. Your partial key is typically a sequence of characters that helps you identify your version of Office.
Moreover, you may find other relevant license details that can assist you in understanding the status and type of your Microsoft Office installation. Look for any indicators of the license type, whether a retail or volume license and note these details.
Other Ways to Find Microsoft Office License on Your Windows
If you can’t find your Microsoft Office license key using CMD, don’t worry; there are other methods you can try. You can use tools like:
1. Via EaseUS Key Finder
Finding your Microsoft Office license key can be a hassle, but with EaseUS Key Finder, the process becomes straightforward. This user-friendly tool is designed to effortlessly retrieve product keys for Microsoft Office, Windows, and other installed software.
To get started, install and open EaseUS Key Finder on your computer. Then, select the option to find Microsoft Office product keys. The software will scan your system and display your Office license key and any other product keys it detects.
2. Via ProduKey
Retrieving your Microsoft Office license key is easy using ProduKey, a free tool from NirSoft. This lightweight application is designed to extract product keys from Windows and Microsoft Office installations, making it a go-to solution for many users.
To get started, simply download and install ProduKey on your computer. Once installed, open the application, and it will automatically display the product keys for various software installed on your system, including your Microsoft Office key.
3. With a Microsoft Account
Accessing your Microsoft Office license key through your Microsoft account is simple and efficient. Your product key might be saved if you purchased Office via the Microsoft Store or through your account.
Start by logging into the Microsoft account you used for the purchase. Once you’re in, navigate to the Services & Subscriptions section. In this area, you’ll find an extensive list of your Microsoft purchases, which includes your Office licenses.
Depending on how you bought Office, Microsoft may display the product key directly. If not, you’ll usually see options for reinstalling Office on your current or new devices. This method is convenient for digital purchases, saving you from needing extra software or complicated steps.
Can I use CMD to get the full product key for Office?
Using CMD to check your Microsoft Office activation details can be helpful, but it won’t give you the full product key. You’ll receive a partial product key and some activation information when you run specific commands in Command Prompt.
This can be useful for confirming the status of your Office installation, but it falls short if you need the complete key to reinstall or transfer Office. If you’re looking for the entire product key, CMD doesn’t cut it.
Is this method safe to use?
Retrieving your Microsoft Office license key through CMD is a safe method that won’t affect your software or system settings.
This process simply retrieves and displays the necessary information without making any changes. Using this command-line tool means you don’t have to worry about damaging your Office installation.
CMD operates read-only when you access licensing details, ensuring your system integrity remains intact. It’s designed for users who want to gather information quickly and effectively, making it an ideal choice for retrieving your license key.
Keeping Your Microsoft Office License Secure and Accessible
Command Prompt is a straightforward way to gather essential details about your Microsoft Office license, but it won’t reveal the full product key. Trusted third-party tools like EaseUS Key Finder or ProduKey are often necessary for a complete key.
However, always use reputable tools from verified sources to protect your information and system integrity. Tracking your software licenses through secure methods makes reinstallation and activation easier and helps you avoid future complications and potential security risks.
By staying organized and choosing reliable solutions, you can keep your software licenses secure and accessible when needed.
