Look for and click View product key or simply select Install . If it's linked here, you don't actually need the physical key to reinstall. 2. Check Your "Digital Receipt"
The Windows Registry stores configuration settings, including license information. For Office 2016 and newer (including 2021), the license is typically stored in the registry hive. Navigate to: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Office\16.0\Registration . Here, you will find a subkey with a long GUID (Globally Unique Identifier). Clicking it reveals values like "ProductID" and "DigitalProductID." However, as with the command prompt, these entries do not store the full 25-character product key you initially entered. This method is primarily for verifying the product edition and the partial key.
This method confirms which key is currently in use by showing the last five characters.
In older editions of Microsoft Office (such as Office 2010 or 2013), the full 25-character product key was stored directly in the Windows Registry. Third-party "key finder" programs could easily scan your registry and display the code. ms office key finder 2021
Finding your Microsoft Office product key is a critical step when reinstalling software, upgrading your computer, or moving your license to a new machine. With Microsoft transitioning heavily toward digital licenses linked to Microsoft Accounts, finding the physical 25-character product key can be tricky, especially for older versions or volume licenses.
If you need to audit your local system to find your partial key or linked account details, several reputable third-party utilities can scan your machine. 1. Belarc Advisor
: A reliable utility capable of scanning local registries to extract product keys for modern Office suites and Windows deployments. Look for and click View product key or simply select Install
| | Key Features | Office 2021 Support | Safety | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | ProduKey (NirSoft) | Displays Product ID and CD-Key for Windows, Office, Exchange, and SQL Server. Extremely lightweight and portable. | ✅ (Retrieves partial key) | Safe, but may be flagged by some antivirus as a "hack tool" due to its nature. This is a false positive. | | zebNet Office Keyfinder | Specifically designed for Office. Retrieves keys from full suites and individual apps (Word, Excel, etc.). Can save or print the key. | ✅ | Safe, with a clear security guarantee from the developer. No adware or malware. | | Magical Jelly Bean Keyfinder | A very popular, simple tool that works well with Windows and Office products. It has a clean, intuitive interface. | ✅ (Retrieves partial key) | Safe, but like many similar tools, may be flagged by antivirus software. | | ShowKeyPlus | An open-source tool that not only shows Windows keys but also includes Office 2010–2021 key checking. | ✅ | Safe. It may be flagged as a PUP (Potentially Unwanted Program) by some antivirus software, but this is a false positive. |
If you are wary of third-party tools, you can attempt to find the key manually via . However, this is complex and fails on newer encrypted versions.
How to find product key for Microsoft Office already installed Check Your "Digital Receipt" The Windows Registry stores
This method does not provide the full key, but it is highly useful for verifying which key is active on a machine, especially in a business environment managing multiple licenses. Keep in mind that Microsoft has moved away from displaying the full product key for most of its modern products. This command reveals only a partial view for verification, but it does not give you the entire key needed for a fresh manual installation.
Scroll down to the or Services & subscriptions section. Locate Office 2021 from the list.
Right-click the producey.exe file and select . Without admin rights, the tool cannot read the encrypted registry sections.