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Is software product key the same as product license?

Anonymous
2017-01-22T17:15:33+00:00

I don't understand the difference between a product key and a product license.  Are they the same thing?  If not, where do I find each of them on a new piece of software?

Microsoft 365 and Office | Install, redeem, activate | For home | Windows

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  1. Anonymous
    2017-01-23T11:29:02+00:00

    Hi Sheila,

    They both mean the same thing- by concept.

    A Product key is a 25-Alpha-Numeric code. They're segmented by 5 like this :

    PRODUCT KEY: XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX

    The location of your product key depends on how you got your copy of Windows:

    From an authorized retailer. The product key should be on a label or card inside the box that Windows came in.

    A new PC running Windows. The product key will be pre–installed on your PC, included with the packaging the PC came in, or included on the Certificate of Authenticity (COA) attached to the PC.

    A digital copy from a Microsoft website. The product key will be in the confirmation email you received after buying it. Or it may be distributed as a digital license if you bought Windows 10, in which case you won't receive a product key.

    Free upgrade to Windows 10. If you upgraded to Windows 10 for free from Windows 7 or Windows 8.1, you'll have a digital license instead of a product key. For more info about digital licenses in Windows 10, see Activation in Windows 10.

    For Microsoft office products, this product key will normally be available to you when you log in to the Microsoft Office website using your account, just go to the My Account section. This is if you have purchased the digital (Downloadable version) of Office. If you bought the physical disc copy or retail copy, the product key is printed on a sticker somewhere on the packaging.

    For further information you may visit the Microsoft website for Office product key or activation.

    The product key is basically your license to use the product, which will be required during the activation of your software.

    Should you have other concerns, feel free to contact us.

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