A product key, also known as a software key, is a specific software-based key for a computer program. It certifies that the copy of the program is original. Activation is sometimes done offline by entering the key, or with software like Windows 8.1, online activation is required to prevent multiple people using the same key. Not all software has a product key, as some publishers may choose to use a different method to protect their copyright, or in some cases, such as free or open source software, copyright protection is not used.
Computer games use product keys to verify that the game has not been copied without authorization. Likewise, one is not allowed to play online with two identical product keys at the same time.
Product keys consist of a series of numbers and/or letters. This sequence is typically entered by the user during the installation of computer software, and is then passed to a verification function in the program. This function manipulates the key sequence according to a mathematical algorithm and attempts to match the results to a set of valid solutions.
- 2Controversy
Effectiveness[edit]
Standard key generation, where product keys are generated mathematically, is not completely effective in stopping copyright infringement of software, as these keys can be distributed. The overall effectiveness of product keys in enforcing software copyrights requires further study. In addition, with improved communication from the rise of the Internet, more sophisticated attacks on keys such as cracks (removing the need for a key) and product key generators have become common.
Because of this, software publishers are increasingly turning to alternative methods of verifying that keys are both valid and uncompromised. One method, product validation, assigns a product key based on a unique feature of the purchaser's computer hardware (such as its MAC address), which cannot be as easily duplicated since it depends on the user's hardware. Other newer methods may involve requiring periodical validation of the CD key with an internet server (for games with an online component, this is done whenever the user signs in). The validation can then be performed on the server side, preventing cracks tampering with it (as they do on the client side). The server can also keep a blacklist of all CD keys known to be invalid or which have explicitly been banned, and deny them access.
Controversy[edit]
Some of the most effective CD key protection is very controversial, due to inconvenience, strict enforcement, harsh penalties and, in some cases, false positives. CD key protection has been linked to Digital Rights Management,[by whom?] in that it uses uncompromising digital procedures to enforce the license agreement.
Inconvenience[edit]
Product keys are somewhat inconvenient for end users. Not only do they need to be entered whenever a program is installed, but the user must also be sure not to lose them. Loss of a product key usually means the software is useless once uninstalled.
Product keys also present new ways for distribution to go wrong. If a product is shipped with missing or invalid keys, then the CD itself is useless. For example, all copies of Splinter Cell: Pandora Tomorrow originally shipped to Australia without CD keys.[1]
Enforcement and penalties[edit]
There are many cases of permanent bans enforced by companies detecting usage violations. It is common for an online system to immediately blacklist a CD key caught running cracks or, in some cases, cheats. This results in a permanent ban. Players who wish to continue use of the software must repurchase it. This has inevitably led to criticism over the motivations of enforcing permanent bans.[citation needed]
Particularly controversial is the situation which arises when multiple products' keys are bound together. If products have dependencies on other products (as is the case with expansion packs), it is common for companies to ban all bound products. For example, if a fake CD key is used with an expansion pack, the server may ban legitimate CD keys from the original game. Similarly, with Valve's Steam service, all products the user has purchased are bound into the one account. If this account is banned, every product will be banned from online play.[2]
This 'multi-ban' is highly controversial, since it bans users from products which they have legitimately purchased and used.[citation needed]
False positives[edit]
Bans are enforced by servers immediately upon detection of cracks or cheats, usually without human intervention. Sometimes, legitimate users are wrongly deemed in violation of the license, and banned. In large cases of false positives, they are sometimes corrected (as happened in World of Warcraft.[3]) However, individual cases may not be given any attention.[citation needed]
A common cause of false positives (as with the World of Warcraft case above) is users of unsupported platforms. For example, users of Linux can run Windows applications through compatibility layers such as Wine and Cedega. This software combination sometimes triggers the game's server anti-cheating software, resulting in a ban due to Wine or Cedega being a Windows API compatibility layer for Linux, so it is considered third-party (cheating) software by the game's server.[4][citation needed]
Recovery of keys[edit]
A key recovery program is a program that is designed to read and decrypt and/or de-obfuscate the key to its original state. When the key is returned to its original state, it may be used to reinstall its corresponding software.[5]
See also[edit]
References[edit]
- ^Australian Pandora Tomorrow CD-Key ProblemsShack News
- ^'Valve suspends 20,000 Steam accounts'. GameSpot. Retrieved 2013-05-15.
- ^Blizzard Unbans Linux World of Warcraft PlayersSoftpedia
- ^Linux users banned from Diablo 3- End Gamers
- ^http://www.nirsoft.net/utils/product_cd_key_viewer.html
Since three decades the most powerful typing software being used is the Ultrakey. This software is successful and is based on effective methodology. There are various types of typing programs which are based on games but this software program is more motivating and stimulating for the learners who want to become skilled at touch type.
This software is based upon a very attainable and clear path of learning to be an expert typist with lesson objectives. These are easy to understand, follow an accumulative curriculum and are combined with notable usability and rich functionality. These features make it one of the best in the industry. This software is of great utility among training centers, correctional facilities, libraries and various other organizations. It is also perfect to be used at home. The adaptable training methodology, logical instructions and cumulative based learning process makes the software greatly popular in the market.
This software tracks both typing speed and accuracy. The skill assessments are in-depth and more precise. The software does not only provide with an approximate accuracy percentage but also analyzes the errors like incorrectly inserted keys, wrong keys and missed keys which caters with correct diagnosis of errors and accurate tracking. For enhancing the typing skills, Ultrakey is the best option.
From time to time, we have been covering good freeware and free software in our Downloads section. We have also been posting about ‘Best 5’ or ‘Top 10’ software in various categories. I am, in this post, listing links to such type of useful posts, which will help you get the best and most useful freeware for your Windows 10, Windows 8.1, Windows 8 or Windows 7 computers. If you don’t want to scroll down the entire list, use CTRL+F to find what you want on this page.
Free Software Downloads For Windows 10/8/7
Recommended free AntiVirus software
Installing an anti-virus or security software, after installing Windows is a must. This helps protect our Windows computer from viruses and other security threats. It is also important to keep your security software up to date at all times! Here are some very nice free AntiVirus software available for Windows you might want to check out.
Free Firewall software
A Firewall can block threats that your Antivirus may miss. Not only that, it can prevent hackers from breaking into your computer! The inbuilt Windows firewall is great and just good enough for the regular home user. But if you are looking for a third-party firewall for your computer, there are several free Firewall software available.
Free Internet Security Suites
If you are looking for an integrated, multi-layered protection software you are looking out for, you might want to consider having a look at some of these free Internet Security Suites available for your Windows PC.
Change Folder colors
This post has a list of some good freeware available on the internet for your Windows PC that helps you to change folder color thereby helping you to find them easily and quickly.
File Splitter and Joiner software
Do large file sizes also trouble you? In this post, we’ve covered some of the best file splitter & joiner software available for Windows 10/8/7.
Media Players
While Windows comes with an inbuilt media player, but it comes with restrictions. Here is a list of some of the popular media players for Windows 10 which are free.
Windows Error Code & Message Lookup Tools
These Windows Error Code Lookup Tools help you identify the Error Code and Message which Windows may throw up.
Free VPN software
These free VPN software give you protected internet access by adding security to your public as well as private networks, may it be your internet connection or a Wi-Fi Hotspot connection. In other words, it hides and protects your identity online.
Wi-Fi Hotspot software
Here is a list of some of the best free WiFi Hotspot creator software for Windows 10/8/7.
Intrusion Detection Software
An Intrusion Detection Software checks for changes that are made by unwanted programs that could be injected into your systems by cybercriminals.
Anti-Ransomware Tools
Anti-Ransomware tools will prevent or more it more difficult for ransomware to get into your computer system.
Ransomware Decryptor Tools
If you are looking for Ransomware Decryptor Tools to unlock files locked by ransomware on your Windows computer, then this list is what you are looking for.
Botnet Removal Tools
Botnet Removal Tools will detect if your computer is a part of some Botnet, and clean the infected machine.
USB security software
These USB security & antivirus software will help protect your PC from all kind of viruses that can enter through the USB drive.
Free Sandboxing software
Sandboxing is a technique of running applications in a virtually isolated environment. Take a look at these free Sandboxing software for Windows 10/8/7.
Brightness Control software
Eye strain is a common problem for those who are constantly hooked to desktop screens, smartphones, and other digital devices. These brightness control software can help you!
Sync Outlook Calendar with Google Calendar
Google Calendar and Outlook Calendar are the most predominant calenders used today as a daily reminder. These free software to sync Outlook Calendar with Google Calendar may interest you.
Free Parental Control Software
You need a parental control software to protect your kids from the many types of problems that uncontrolled Internet access can create. Windows 10/8/7 includes a fine Parental Control software, but if you are looking for free third-party software, there are many such freeware available in the market. See the list of Free Parental Control Software here.
Free File Manager software
Here is a list of some of the best free File Manager software for Windows 10/8/7 – they include Shallot, Tablacus, XYplorer, FreeCommander, Unreal Commander, Multi-commander, Konverter, and FileVoyager.
Photo Editing Software
These free Photo Editor software let you manage, edit, share, and view your pictures.
Batch Photo Editor software
These free Batch Photo Editor software support batch processing which allows you to apply basic edits to multiple photos at the same time.
Time lapse software
This post takes a look at some of the best free time lapse software to make amazing videos on Windows 10.
Free Uninstaller software
Unwanted parts of files, folders, and registry keys are many times left behind, even after you uninstall the software using the Control Panel or the program specific uninstaller on your system, thereby leading to clutter. If you are looking for a better software uninstaller for your Windows computer, you might want to check out these Free Uninstaller software.
Driver Update Software
Here is a list of 10 best free Driver Update Software to update your drivers and keep your Windows PC running smooth. These software let you update the device drivers easily without any difficulty, and are especially helpful for those who don’t want to check manually for driver updates.
Disk Space Analyzer software
Here is a list of free Disk Space Analyzer software to find out, check and analyze the disk space on your Windows computer.
CHKDSK alternatives
You can use these free CHKDSK alternative software to repair and fix the bad sectors on your Hard Drive, USB, SD Cards, etc.
Imaging, Backup and Recovery Software
The Windows operating system includes inbuilt tools that let your backup and make copies of your files and create a system image. But it is found wanting in some features, and that is why many prefer to use one or the other free Imaging, Backup, and Recovery Software available on the Internet.
File Deleter Software
These free file deleter software will help you delete undeletable locked files and folders from your system
Free File Compression Software
File compression is a process that converts a file or a set of files to a specific format, after reducing its size/s. File compression utilities, pack your folders and files in a single file that is easy to carry, which is also reduced in size. Let us take a look at the best three free File Compression software.
Time synchronization software
Make use of some free Time synchronization software if your Windows PC is not synchronizing system time correctly.
Tools to forcefully terminate a full-screen application
These free tools will forcefully terminate a full-screen application or game.
Free FTP Clients
FileZilla, WinSCP, Core FTP Lite, and CoffeeCup Free FTP are some popular and feature-rich Free FTP Clients for Windows; you may want to check out.
Free Registry Cleaners, Junk Cleaners, and Windows Optimizers
Apart from registry cleaners, optimization suites are also very popular with Windows users. All of us want our Windows PC’s to be running in top condition. While you can always use some tips to make Windows faster, many prefer to use a Registry Cleaner or a Windows optimization suite to keep their computer running smoothly. Go check out our list of free Registry Cleaners, Junk Cleaners, and Windows Optimizers,
READ:Reimage Repair Review.
Game Booster Software
Use one of these free software to boost gaming performance on your Windows PC.
Task Manager alternatives
Here are some Task Manager alternative software that will help you manage the processes. Moreover, these software are free and hold various features
Broken Shortcut Removers
Having too many broken shortcuts on your Windows can be messy, and it’s a good idea to scan for and remove broken shortcuts every once in a while with these Broken Shortcut Removers.
Context Menu Editors
Context Menu Editors can help you manage your right-click context menu items and keep it tidy.
To-Do list apps
A to do list is an easy way of getting all your tasks done. In this article, we have rounded up some of the best to-do list apps for Windows 10.
Free Password Managers
Password Managers allow you to store your registration-related information in a secure electronic form. To log in to a site you just need to enter a single master password that allows retrieval of the specific password information for that site. Check out our list of some of the best Free Password Manager software for Windows 10/8/7.
Free Download Managers
If you are looking for a free download manager with some advanced features, you might want to check out this list of Free Download Managers– what we think are the five best freeware in this category.
Shutdown Scheduler Tools
These free Shutdown Scheduler software will allow you to shut down, reboot, log off, hibernate or sleep your Windows 10/8/7 at particular times.
Free Partition Manager Software
While many may prefer to use the inbuilt Disk Management Tool, there are some who may want to use a third-party Free Partition Manager Software offering more features.
Web Browsers
While some of prefer to use the default Microsoft Edge, there are many who use Chrome or Firefox browser. But apart from these, there are several other alternative web browsers available for Windows OS, some with a specifically targeted feature set.
File and Folder Synchronization Freeware
If you need to keep an identical set of files and folders on two different computers or different disks or in different locations, File and Folder Synchronization Freeware utilities will help you do so easily.
Free software to delete empty folders
A TWC forum post asking if it was safe to delete empty folders made me search for some good empty folder deleting freeware. While you would make no real space savings as they occupy 0 bytes, if it is just good house-keeping you are looking, it may be a good idea. Check out the free software to delete empty folders here.
Bulk Rename files
Renaming files individually, one at a time can consume both, time and efforts. As such, bulk file renaming software that can pull out metadata can come to your immediate rescue and intend to make your life a lot easier.
Free File Encryption Software
If you need to password protect your files and folders in Windows, we can use some great freeware to do so easily. We can download various Encryption programs to keep our personal files and valuable data safe. Go get these Free File Encryption Software!
Delete your files permanently
A list of some free software that let you permanently delete files and folders in Windows. Delete your files permanently using these free tools.
Data Recovery Software
Do you want to recover files and data which you may have deleted even from the Recycle Bin? Then what you need is a good Data Recovery Software. Here are a few freeware which may help you get back the lost file which you have accidentally deleted.
Free Notepad Replacements
The inbuilt Notepad in Windows is a basic text editor you can use for simple documents. If you are looking for a more jazzed up or a feature-rich Notepad replacement, you may want to check out some of these Free Notepad Replacements for your Windows.
Windows Search Alternative Tools
A fine selection of alternative some desktop search utilities which you can use instead of Windows Search. All these Windows Search Alternative Tools are free to use.
Automation software
This article guides you through some of the best Automation software that will help automate tasks on Windows 10.
Video Communication Freeware
There are many video communication software in the market. If you wish to look beyond Skype, for personal or business reasons, here are the top three Video Communication Freeware applications.
Free Crapware Removal Software
Crapware refers to applications that come pre-installed on a new computer when you purchase a branded one. These software will help you remove crapware and craplets from your Windows PC. Go here to check out the Free Crapware Removal Software.
Free Video Editing Software
Check out these 3 Free Video Editing Software for the Windows operating system. Most of us want freeware that we can use to easily edit our videos. Here are three which we think are among the best.
Free GoPro editing software
GoPro videos or any video for that matter needs editing before being presented to anyone. Here is a list of free GoPro editing tools that can help you edit GoPro videos.
Desktop Recorder and Screen Recording Freeware
You might have seen some video tutorials and wondered how they were made. Which screen recording software had they used? Was it freeware? This post talks about five good Screen Recording Freeware for Windows 10/8/7.
Free Screen Sharing and Remote Desktop software
Remote desktop applications are useful for those, who are working on a project in a team, and who want online repair support for their PC. There are lots of such applications out there, but we have chosen the best Free Screen Sharing and Remote Desktop software for you.
Free CD DVD Data Recovery Software
CD DVD data recovery software allows you to recover and rescue lost or corrupted data from damaged and unreadable disks. The top 3 Free CD DVD Data Recovery Software, in our opinion, have been listed here.
Image Deblurring Tools
Blurry photos? These free tools will help you deblur & fix blurry Photos & Images.
Color Picker free software
This list of Color Picker free software tools and free online web services will help you identify HTML color HEX, RGD, etc codes from images, websites, etc.
Monitor hard disk
These freeware will help you monitor hard disk for potential failure.
Free ISO Burners
If you are looking for freeware to burn ISO images in Windows, create bootable CDs and have a few more features, you can check out these three Free ISO Burners for Windows.
Free software from Microsoft
Microsoft has a huge line-up of paid software, but it also has lots of high-quality software that are available for free to use. Here is my list of top 5 must have Free software from Microsoft.
Free PlayStation Game Emulators
There are a lot of game emulators out there for different emulating purposes such as for emulating PS 2, Nintendo Entertainment System, etc. With these Free PlayStation Game Emulators you can also play the old games – and believe me playing these old games is really fun.
Graphic Design Tools
Here is a round up some of the free easy to use graphic design tools that would help users create some stunning visual designs in a go and utilize them for your growing business.
Instant Chat Messengers
Google has GTalk, Yahoo has Yahoo Messenger, Windows Live has Windows Live Messenger and its a pain to have so many different Messenger clients installed on our PC. Here is our list of Top 5 Instant Chat Messengers available for Windows, which work with multiple accounts and networks.
Free Twitter Clients
The battle among various Twitter clients is ever-growing, getting fierce and therefore no surprises why many more are coming up to win you over or bring more flexibility and power to you. The Top 3 Free Twitter Clients for Windows are being listed and discussed here.
File Integrity Checkers
List of some free File Integrity Checkers & File Checksum Integrity Verifier tools to check file integrity of downloaded files in Windows using Using MD5 & SHA1 Hashes, by computing MD5 or SHA1 cryptographic hashes for files.
Software to monitor System Performance
These free software will help you monitor System Performance & Resources and a lot more.
Free LAN Messengers
LAN Messengers are applications or utilities that enable you to chat within a local area network without any Internet Connection – but a wired LAN is a must. There may be many Free LAN Messengers available for Windows, but these three are among the best ones in our opinion.
Packet Sniffing Tools
Packet Sniffing Tools intercept and log network traffic. Take a look at these three free tools.
3D Printing Software
3D printing is something that most technology and art enthusiasts are interested in, but everyday people don’t need it. The spike in demand and accessibility of free 3D printing software has made it popular among the designer community.
Free Clipboard alternatives or replacements
For most of us, the Windows clipboard is good enough. But if you need more functionality and features, check these Free Clipboard alternatives or replacements clipboard managers for Windows.
Free PDF Readers
While the Adobe PDF Reader is widely used, there are other freeware alternatives to Adobe Reader too, that you may like to consider, for your Windows operating system. Check out these Free PDF Readers.
PDF Unlockers
Remove PDF password with Free PDF Unlocker Software or Online Tools.
Free Defragmentation Software
For most, the best practices for using defragmentation in Windows are simple – you do not need to do anything. But if you feel that you need to have a 3rd party defrag tools you might want to check out these 5 Free Defragmentation Software.
Time Tracking tools
This post aggregates some useful time tracking software for Windows PC. Some of them are cloud-based tools that can be connected to various payment options as well.
Tools to Speed Up Firefox
Firefox has made considerable improvements in the browser’s memory consumption and utilization – but it still makes people wanting more. These four tools to Speed Up Firefox may help you optimize Firefox and its memory and make it load and run faster.
Barcode scanner applications
You may have seen some barcode scanners (hardware) in some stores are shopping complexes, but what if you want to scan your barcodes or QR codes on your Windows PC? You can do so using some of the Barcode scanner applications that enable you to do so.
Free RSS Readers
To read RSS Feeds more efficiently and in a good environment, you can use RSS Readers. There are many of RSS readers out there but very few good ones. Here are what I think are some of the finest Free RSS Readers for Windows 10/8/7.
Free Kundli making software
Kundli, is a birth chart or natal chart used to forecast the upcoming events in contrast to the study of the celestial bodies. Here is a list of some good free Kundli making software.
Free e-mail clients
While you can always access it via its web interface, it is more convenient to have an email client on your Windows desktop, so that you can read and send mail quickly. This article will tell you about some of the best Free e-mail clients for Windows 10/8/7.
Free Media Converters
There are a lot of media formats out there, and it sometimes becomes very difficult for users to choose the format is best suitable for them and their device. To get the best results, you need to first convert your media into the format suitable for your device. You can convert them by using any media converter software. Here is a list of some fine Free Media Converters for Windows.
Best Free Word Processors
While there are lots of word processors out there, it is difficult to choose a good one and the one which is perfect for you. To help you out, we have compared the features of some Best Free Word Processors.
Duplicate Files Finder
Duplicate files are a problem, as you do not know which one contains the most current content. In the case of collaborating, you may miss out on changes your co-worker did to the document if you open the wrong one. This article talks about three such free Duplicate Files Finders which will help you find and delete duplicate files.
Measure Startup Time
These free software will help you measure the Startup Time in Windows. By reducing Boot time, you can also improve performance.
What is the taj mahal purpose. Jun 13, 2011 - The Taj Mahal is an enormous mausoleum complex commissioned in 1632 by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan to house the remains of his beloved wife. At its center is the Taj Mahal itself, built of shimmering white marble that seems to change color depending on the daylight. The Taj Mahal is an ivory-white marble mausoleum on the south bank of the Yamuna river in the Indian city of Agra. It was commissioned in 1632 by the Mughal.
Microsoft Visio Alternatives
For drawing, preparing charts, flowcharts, one program that best suits everyone’s need is Microsoft Visio. Let us take a look at some free Visio alternatives that may not be highly performant, but still, beat the program when it comes to price.
Windows Media Player Alternatives
Check out some of the best alternatives to Windows Media Player, which can be downloaded for free and at absolutely no cost.
Free Bandwidth Monitoring Tools for Windows
These tools not only monitor bandwidth and Internet usage or check the speed but also detect any suspicious network activity.
Screen Capture software for Windows
The Snipping Tool in Windows 10/8/7 let you take out some nice screenshots on your Windows computer. But if you are looking for a feature-rich yet free screen capture software, then you may want to check out these free screen capture software.
Watermark Remover software
There are several free options to remove watermark from images without ever having to hire a professional. This post talks about some free Watermark Remover software.
Voice changer software
Voice changer software lets you change your voice easily. By using these fun software or tools, users can conveniently change their voices during chatting over calling apps or while playing online games.
Free Registry Defragmenter
Registry Defragmenters help in removing such bloated registry hive & empty spaces and compacting the registry.
Software Update Checkers
A Software Update Checker like Secunia, FileHippo, etc. will scan your computer for installed software, check the versions and then send this information to their respective websites and see if there are any newer releases.
Event Log Managers
Event Log Managers will view, manage and analyze your Windows Event Logs.
Coding software
This post includes a list of free Code Editors for Windows OS. Take a look!
Explorer replacements and alternatives
If you are looking forward to adding tabs, and many other features, to make the Windows File Explorer run on steroids, you can check out some of these freeware applications and add-ins. Like the tabbed browsing feature in Internet Explorer, you can also add Tabs to your Windows Explorer, using these tools.
Free Rootkit Remover software
Sometimes a rootkit may even fool your antivirus software and avoid being detected. It is at such times; you may need to take help of special Rootkit Remover or Removal Tools.
Free Remote Access software
A list of some 5 Free Remote Access software for Windows, you may want to check out.
Software Key Finders
Software Key Finder will retrieve the CD-Key and Serial for installed software on your computer, including Windows and Microsoft Office. Check out these tools.
Anti-theft Laptop Recovery software
Anti-theft Laptop recovery software are programs designed with the sole purpose of tracing your laptop’s location and retrieving it.
Games for Windows
If you are looking for some cool addictive games to download free for your Windows computer, here is our pick of some cool freeware classic Games for Windows.
Animation Software
These free animation software for Windows, Victorian Giotto, Blender, Anim8tor for 3D animation are easy to use for beginners.
Finance & Accounting Software
Go take a look at some of the free finance software for personal & home use, as well as accounting software for small, medium business – along with one for enterprises.
And yes … you might also want to check out the complete range of our TWC freeware, eBook, etc. releases HERE.
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SterJo Key Finder 1.7- License: Shareware $14.50
- OS: Windows 7/Vista/2003/XP
- Requirements: No special requirements
- Publisher: Nsasoft LLC.
- License: Shareware $29.95
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- License: Shareware $29.95 Buy
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- Publisher: SecurityXploded Inc
- License: Freeware Free
- OS: Windows 7/Vista/2003/XP
- Requirements: No special requirements
- Publisher: SterJo Software
It automatically detects the Default Chrome profile for current user and recovers all the stored web login passwords.
Alternatively you can also specify the custom profile path in case your Chrome user profile is not in standard location. This is very useful in recovering the login passwords from other Chrome based browsers such as Chrome SXS/Canary, CoolNovo, Flock, Comodo Dragon etc.
Command line interface makes it helpful for Penetration Testers & Forensic investigators.
Chrome Password Dump works on wide range of platforms starting from Windows XP to latest operating system, Windows 8.
SterJo Key Finder is a Security software developed by SterJo Software. After our trial and test, the software is proved to be official, secure and free. Here is the official description for SterJo Key Finder:
EditByBSEditor: During reinstalling Windows on your PC, you inevitably end up losing your installed third party software and perhaps their license keys too. Before you reinstall Windows, it is essential that you note down the license keys for all the installed software in Windows. If you want to find and save the license keys of installed software, then you can use the free SterJo Key Finder.
SterJo Key Finder is a free program for Windows that scans your PC for license keys for many different software programs including Microsoft Windows , Microsoft Office product key , Microsoft Visual Studio, ACDSee, AutoCAD, Corel Draw and many more. And it’s pretty simple - all you have to do is download it, Extract it to a folder and run it from there. It will soon Detect all the software license keys on your computer and display them to you in a list format.
You'll find it pretty useful. It’s main advantages are that it can display product keys for various software. It detects your installed programs automatically and it lists them immediately. The software can be installed swiftly, it does not require too many resources and it is free. Also, it can be used to detect the license keys not only from the computer on which it is running but also from a dead unbootable computer. What you can do is take out the hard disk of non-booting computer, attach it to a working computer as a secondary hard disk, boot into working Windows and then run SterJo Key Finder.
It will find the product keys for your installed applications immediately, saving you from unpleasant situations.
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If you're preparing to reinstall a program or an operating system (like a clean install of Windows), you'll need to find your unique product key (CD key) or serial number before continuing.
Normally this product key is located on the original install disc, or maybe in your order confirmation email. If you've lost your product key, you can often find it in the Windows Registry but this can be difficult, or sometimes even impossible, to do. Fortunately, there are many free key finder programs available to help.
Please read our Key Finder Programs FAQ for lots of helpful information. This isn't an easy topic, especially if you're new to it.
Below are the top 20 free key finder programs. We also keep a list of commercial key finder programs but it's highly recommended that you exhaust the options below before paying for one.
Belarc Advisor
What We Like
Finds keys for newer versions of Windows
Also locates MS Office keys
Shows other information about your computer
Very small download size
Lets you copy information to the clipboard
What We Don't Like
Can't be used portably (you have to install it)
Belarc Advisor is the standard when it comes to system information software. I've been using this program for many, many years. One small aspect of Belarc Advisor is its ability to extract product keys for many software programs, including the one for Windows.
Advantages include a display of information in your browser window, no adware/toolbars to worry about, and an extensive list of other important computer data.
Finds Keys for Operating Systems:Windows 10, Windows 8 & 8.1, Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows Server 2012/2008/2003, Windows XP, Windows 2000, Windows NT, Windows ME, Windows 98, and Windows 95.
Finds Keys for Other Software: Microsoft Office 2013, 2010, (plus all previous versions), Microsoft enterprise products, most programs from Adobe, Nero, Corel, and more, as well as keys for popular video games.
Please try Belarc Advisor for your software and Windows key finding needs before any other program. It's likely to provide you with the best results.
Magical Jelly Bean Keyfinder
What We Like
Very simple interface that's easy to understand
Will find your Windows 10 key as well as keys for older OSs
The product keys are listed automatically so you don't have to click anything
Product keys can be saved to a file or copied to the clipboard
Includes advanced features like the option to view remote product keys
What We Don't Like
Doesn't find keys for newer MS Office programs
The program is sometimes identified as a virus in antivirus programs
Setup tries to install other, unrelated programs along with MJB Keyfinder
The Magical Jelly Bean Keyfinder program is a free utility that retrieves product keys from the registry. It also has the ability to find product keys for Microsoft Office programs, along with product keys from many other non-Microsoft programs.
Advantages include very small size, ease of use, instant display of product keys, and multiple product key saving options.
Finds Keys for Operating Systems: Windows 10, Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows Server 2003, Windows XP, Windows 2000, Windows ME, Windows 98, and Windows 95.
Finds Keys for Other Software: Microsoft Office 2007, Office 2003, Office XP, and several non-Microsoft programs.
The Magical Jelly Bean Keyfinder website says that this free key finder will find your Office 2010 product key but in fact, it does not, at least as of v2.0.10.13.
Winkeyfinder
What We Like
Very easy to use
Finds keys for Windows and Microsoft Office
Works as a portable program
You can save the results or print them off
Lets you change product keys in some operating systems
Shows results instantly
What We Don't Like
Unable to locate the MS Office 2016 product key
Some of the advanced options might be confusing if you're new to key finders
The Winkeyfinder program is another free utility that retrieves product keys from the Windows registry.
Advantages include small program size, no installation required, and additional features such as the ability to change registered user information.
Finds Keys for Operating Systems: Windows 10, Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows XP, Windows 2000, Windows ME, and Windows 98.
Finds Keys for Other Software: Microsoft Office 2013, 2010, 2007, 2003, XP, 2000 SP2, and 97.
Although the program doesn't state that it supports MS Office 2016, and so, therefore, shouldn't be expected to, that is one of the only Microsoft-related product keys that Winkeyfinder will not find.
Keyfinder Thing
What We Like
Installs quickly
Provides a very minimal and easy-to-understand interface
Shows keys for Windows, MS Office, and other programs
You can export the keys to save them to a file
What We Don't Like
Shows a key for Windows 10 and 8 but it isn't correct
Setup might try to install an unnecessary program
Loads slower than other key finder programs
Keyfinder Thing is another free, easy to use utility that finds product keys and serial numbers hidden in the Windows registry.
Advantages include small program size, nothing to run, and support for a large list of non-Microsoft programs.
Finds Keys for Operating Systems: Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows 2003 Server, Windows XP, Windows 2000, and Windows ME.
Finds Keys for Other Software: Microsoft Office 2007, Office 2003, Office XP, Microsoft Money, Nero, Corel Suite, The Sims, and many more programs.
Keyfinder Thing doesn't find the right product keys for Windows 10, Windows 8, or Windows NT, even though one may show up in the results. I tested it in Windows XP and didn't find issues.
Product Key Finder
What We Like
Finds keys for Windows 7 and older OSs
Uncluttered and minimal UI couldn't be easier to use
Lets you export the product keys to a file
You can also find keys from a registry file
What We Don't Like
Doesn't show Windows 10/8 product keys
Setup might attempt to install another program to your computer
Includes zero advanced features (which you may or may not want depending on what you plan to do)
The not-so-originally-named Product Key Finder tool is actually a pretty good key finder program.
After executing Product Key Finder, a simple window opens displaying your Windows product key along with other product keys and serial numbers that Product Key Finder can locate.
Software Serials
Finds Keys for Operating Systems: Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows Server 2008 & 2003, Windows XP, Windows 2000, Windows 98, and Windows NT.
Finds Keys for Other Software: Most Microsoft and Adobe applications, more than 200 in all according to the Product Key Finder website.
Unfortunately, Product Key Finder doesn't find keys in Windows 8 or Windows 10.
ProduKey
What We Like
Includes all the features you'd expect in a Microsoft-based key finder tool
Shows keys for Windows 10, MS Office, and other Microsoft programs
Can show keys from a registry file or remote computer
Lets you copy and export keys for backup
You don't have to install it (it's portable)
What We Don't Like
Unlike some key finder tools, you can't use this one to find product keys for non-Microsoft programs
Novice users can be easily confused because results include both a Product ID and a Product Key column
ProduKey is another completely free and easy to use key finder tool.
Free Software Keys Downloads
The thing I liked best about ProduKey is how easy it is to do advanced key finder tasks like loading product keys from remote registries.
Finds Keys for Operating Systems: Windows 10, Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows XP, and Windows 2000.
Finds Keys for Other Software: Microsoft Office 2013, Office 2010, Office 2007, Office 2003, Exchange Server, and SQL Server.
Everything worked fine for me with ProduKey when I used it in Windows 10 and Windows 8.
Windows Product Key Finder Pro
What We Like
Finds keys for Windows 7 and older Windows versions, plus MS Office
The program size is small, so it's quick to download
The software is fully portable, so no install is necessary
Keys display instantly without having to click any buttons
Product keys can be backed up to a file or printed
The application is very easy to use and read results from
What We Don't Like
Windows 10 and Windows 8 are supposedly supported, but it won't find keys for them
Hasn't been updated since 2013
Confusing download page
Only finds keys for Microsoft programs
Security software might falsely identify it as a threat
Gear Box's Windows Product Key Finder Pro is another fantastic utility that can find your Windows product keys. It can also find product keys for several Microsoft Office programs.
Advantages include a very small download size, the ability to run it from a flash drive or other portable device, no compressed files to extract, and nothing to run to display the keys. Windows Product Key Finder Pro instantly displays product keys and allows you to save or print them for safe keeping.
Finds Keys for Operating Systems: Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows Server 2003, Windows XP, and Windows 2000.
Finds Keys for Other Software: Microsoft Office 2013, Office 2010, Office 2007, Office 2003, and Office XP.
It's said that both Windows 10 and Windows 8 are supported, but I was unable to find the product key when I tested v2.5.
Don't let the name fool you. The 'Pro' in Windows Product Key Finder Pro doesn't mean it costs — it's actually absolutely free to use.
WinGuggle
What We Like
Locates product keys for Windows 7 and older versions of Windows
Finds the product keys quickly and automatically
Keys can be copied from the program
The program is portable
Supports OEM editing
Also functions as a system information tool
What We Don't Like
Might give false product keys for Windows 10 and Windows 8
Doesn't show keys for non-Microsoft applications
Each time the program is started, a web page opens
The program opens slower than similar key finder tools
WinGuggle is a very simple key finder program. WinGuggle easily finds product keys for popular Microsoft Windows operating systems and several Microsoft Office programs.
Major advantages include a quick download size, no installation required, access to a few advanced tools, and a very simple interface. WinGuggle instantly displays your Windows and Office product keys.
Finds Keys for Operating Systems: Windows 7, Windows Vista, and Windows XP.
Finds Keys for Other Software: Microsoft Office 2010, Office 2007, Office 2003, and Office XP.
Though WinGuggle supports Windows 8, Windows 10, and MS Office 2013, it, unfortunately, did not find the correct keys when I tried it.
LicenseCrawler
What We Like
Will find product keys for Windows 10 and older newer Windows OSs
The program is easy to use
Also locates Microsoft Office keys
Finds product keys for non-Microsoft programs, too
The software is portable (no install is necessary)
You can scan a remote computer for product keys
Keys can be copied or saved to a file
What We Don't Like
Unlike some product key finders, the results include lots of information that many won't find useful, such as registry information
Lists product keys for programs that don't use one, such as Internet Explorer
LicenseCrawler is another well put together free key finder tool.
LicenseCrawler differs from other key finder programs in its almost full-text interface, which I like. I found LicenseCrawler to be very effective at finding serial numbers for the many programs on my PC.
Finds Keys for Operating Systems: Windows 10, Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows XP, Windows Server 2003, and Windows 2000.
Finds Keys for Other Software: Microsoft Office 2013, Office 2010, Office 2007, Office 2003, most Adobe products, and many more.
I was able to test LicenseCrawler in Windows 10 and Windows 8 without finding any problems.
SIW
What We Like
Keys can be found for Windows 7, Vista, XP, and other older OSs
Also finds product keys for MS Office and lots of other non-Microsoft programs
Shows lots of other information about your computer
Small download size
What We Don't Like
Windows 10/8 are not supported
The program no longer gets updated
There's a lot of extra information beyond product keys, which can be overwhelming
SIW (System Information for Windows) is a portable program that displays tons of detailed information on your Windows installation and hardware devices.
Finds Keys for Operating Systems: Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows XP, Windows Server 2003, Windows 2000, and Windows NT.
Finds Keys for Other Software: Microsoft Office 2010, Office 2007, Office 2003, Office XP and other Microsoft products as well as non-Microsoft applications like Adobe products, Norton, Nero, AutoCAD, and 150+ others
SIW is no longer in development, but even though no new updates have been released in a long while, it's still a great program.
RockXP
What We Like
Finds the product key for Windows Vista, XP, and older Windows versions
Locates the MS Office key in some versions of the program
The application is portable
Also lets you change the Windows XP product key
A password generator is included
Can find user passwords for some accounts on the computer
What We Don't Like
Supports only really old versions of Windows
Hasn't been updated in a very long time
Your AV software might identify the program as malware
RockXP is another free program that retrieves lost product keys from the registry.
Advantages include small program size, no installation required, and additional features such as a password generator and password retriever.
Finds Keys for Operating Systems: Windows XP (officially) and also Windows Vista, Server 2003, 2000, ME, and 98.
Finds Keys for Other Software: Microsoft Office 2007 and Office 2003.
I tried running RockXP in Windows 10 and Windows 7 but none of the menus seemed to work, rendering the program useless, which means it probably works in Windows XP and Windows Vista only.
SterJo Key Finder
What We Like
Shows product keys for MS Office and hundreds of other software programs
Finds keys for Windows 10 and other versions of Windows
Results are easy to understand
Lets you search through the product key results
Free for personal and business use
What We Don't Like
The product key list can become overwhelming if all you need is the key for Windows
Sometimes shows more than one product key for the same software
Setup might try to install another program along with the key finder
SterJo Key Finder is another key finder that finds product keys for over 500 games and software on either the local Windows install (your computer) or a remote one.
Finds Keys for Operating Systems: Windows 10, Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows XP, Windows Server 2008, and Windows Server 2003.
Finds Keys for Other Software: Microsoft Office 2013, Office 2010, Office 2007, Office 2003, Office XP, Microsoft Money, Microsoft Works, and lots of other Microsoft and non-Microsoft programs like Adobe, Autodesk, Cyberlink, and others.
SterJo Key Finder is a great way to find product keys because the program is easy to read, you can search through the results, and it supports a huge number of products.
Unfortunately, SterJo Key Finder found two different product keys for one of the programs on my computer, which makes it hard to recommend above some of the other programs from this list.
Product Key Finder (OTT Solutions)
What We Like
Results are easy to read
Lets you save the product keys it finds
Runs in portable mode
Reveals the product key for Windows 7 and older Windows OSs
You can change the Windows product key with this tool
What We Don't Like
The last update released was in 2009
Shows incorrect keys for Windows 10 and Windows 8
Product Key Finder won't win any creative name contests but that's not important — it's a very good key finder program.
I like Product Key Finder because it's designed very well, instantly finds product keys, allows an easy XML or CSV backup of keys found, and also lets you change your Windows registration or product key right from the tool.
Finds Keys for Operating Systems: Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows Server 2008 & 2003, Windows XP, and Windows 2000.
Finds Keys for Other Software: Most Microsoft Office and other Microsoft programs, and many non-Microsoft applications.
I tested Product Key Finder in Windows 8 and Windows 10 but, unfortunately, the product key it showed was incorrect.
MSKeyViewer Plus
What We Like
Locates keys for dozens of software programs
Finds the Windows 7 key and keys for older Windows versions
Supports some MS Office programs
It doesn't need to be installed
Includes other Windows information like the service pack level
Keys can be copied to the clipboard
What We Don't Like
Windows 10 and Windows 8 keys found by this program are most likely incorrect
Hasn't been updated in a long time
Advanced features are hard to access
MSKeyViewer Plus is another good product key finder program.
Major advantages include a really small size, no install needed, and super easy interface. MSKeyViewer Plus instantly displays product keys–no scanning of your registry required.
Finds Keys for Operating Systems: Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows XP, Windows 2000, Windows ME, Windows 95/98, and Windows Server 2008 & 2003. 64-bit versions are also supported.
Finds Keys for Other Software: Microsoft Office 2013, Office 2010, Office 2007, Office 2003, Office XP, Office 2000, Windows Server 2012 & 2008, plus a long list of other Microsoft and non-Microsoft programs.
Though the other Windows 8 compatible programs from this list were able to find the product key for my installation, MSKeyViewer Plus wasn't able to do so.
I'd probably pick several other key finders before MSKeyViewer Plus, but if you're having trouble finding a specific key, give MSKeyViewer a try.
MSKeyViewer Plus may find a key for your Windows 10 installation, but it's probably going to be incorrect just like mine was.
Free PC Audit
What We Like
Scans for keys automatically
Doesn't require installation
Shows keys for Windows 10 and other newer (and older) Windows OSs
Identifies Microsoft Office product keys
Shows product keys for a few non-Microsoft programs
Includes a wealth of hardware information
What We Don't Like
Can seem cluttered if you're not interested in all the other results
The initial auto-scan might take a while to complete
You can't export just the product key information to a file
Free PC Audit is a system information tool that shows not only hardware information but also product keys for several Windows and Microsoft Office installs.
It's very small, completely portable, scans automatically, and lets you easily copy out product keys.
Finds Keys for Operating Systems: Windows 10, Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows XP, and probably older versions as well.
Finds Keys for Other Software: Microsoft Office 2013, Office 2010, 2007, Office 2003, and likely some older versions, as well as some Adobe and Corel software.
Because there's so much other information shown in Free PC Audit, it can seem very cluttered if you're using it just for finding product keys.
Windows Product Key Viewer
What We Like
Supports recent and old versions of Windows
Results are clear and easy to read
Shows additional information beyond the product key
No need to install the program (it's portable)
The key can be copied to the clipboard
What We Don't Like
When printing or exporting, you can't save just the product key; all the other information is included as well
Windows Product Key Viewer is another key finder program that shows the product key for several versions of Windows.
You can easily copy the product key out of the program, print the keys, or save them to a file. Additional details are shown as well, such as the product ID, install date, and build number.
Finds Keys for Operating Systems: Windows 10, Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows XP, Windows 2000, Windows ME, Windows 98, Windows 95, and Windows Server 2008/2003
Due to Windows Product Key Viewer's small size and portability, it's a great product key finder to store on a flash drive.
Lazesoft Windows Key Finder
What We Like
Finds the Windows 10 key and keys for other newer and older Windows OSs
Locates Microsoft Office keys
Very portable (small download size and no installation necessary)
The program interface is extremely easy to use
The key can be saved to a file or the clipboard
What We Don't Like
Some MS Office keys can't be found even though they're listed as being supported
Doesn't show keys for non-Microsoft programs
Lazesoft Windows Key Finder is another free program that can find the product key for many Windows installs and Microsoft Office versions.
The program is small, completely portable, and simple to read. You can print or save the product keys to a file.
Finds Keys for Operating Systems: Windows 10, Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows XP, Windows 2000, and Windows Server 2012/2008/2003.
Finds Keys for Other Software: Microsoft Office 2016, 2013, Office 2010, Office 2007, Office 2003, and Office 2000.
Though Microsoft Office 2013 and 2016 is supported, I was unable to use Lazesoft Windows Key Finder to locate those keys in Windows 10, Windows 8, or Windows 7.
Product Key Informer
What We Like
Finds product keys for some versions of Windows and MS Office
The keys are easy to read
Lets you save the keys to the clipboard
Able to search the network for product keys on other computers
Entirely portable (no installation necessary)
What We Don't Like
Supports older software only
Doesn't let you back up the product keys to a file
Product Key Informer is another free product key finder program but it finds product keys for only a few Microsoft programs other than the operating system.
Finds Keys for Operating Systems: Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows XP, Windows 2000, Windows ME, and Windows 98.
Finds Keys for Other Software: Microsoft Office 2007, Office 2003, and Office XP.
Honestly, I didn't care much for Product Key Informer. I think it was the baked-in fields for specific product keys that bothered me. It's a waste of screen real estate and confirms that the program's product key finding abilities are very limited.
Windows Product Key Finder
What We Like
Locates keys for Windows 7 and older Windows versions
The download size is small
You don't have to install the program
The key can be copied
Shows other useful OS information
What We Don't Like
Although the software technically works in newer versions of Windows, the product key it finds is not correct
Doesn't show the key automatically
You can't save the product key to a file
Windows Product Key Finder is only 80 KB in size, is completely portable, and quickly shows the product key.
Finds Keys for Operating Systems: Windows 7, Windows Vista, and Windows XP.
When compared to other key finder programs from this list, Windows Product Key Finder is extremely basic and void of support for anything but the Windows OS. Also, while it is able to open in Windows 8 and 10, the product key it finds is inaccurate.
Game Key Revealer
What We Like
Finds the keys for a huge variety of video games
Lets you export the product keys to a file
The application is 100 percent portable
Supports changing the key for some games
What We Don't Like
Doesn't show product keys for any other kinds of software
Hasn't been updated since 2014, so it might not support newer games
Game Key Revealer shows the product keys of over 2000 games.
It's completely portable, takes up very little space, and can export keys to a text file or print them off.
Finds Keys for Games: Half-Life, Battlefield 2, Counter-Strike, Mirror's Edge, Halo, Need for Speed, Dead Space, Crysis, Harry Potter, and many more.
In addition to showing the product keys for a few thousand games, keys for nearly two dozen can actually be changed with Game Key Revealer, which could come in handy.
Abelssoft's MyKeyFinder
What We Like
Works in Windows 10 and older Windows versions
Shows keys for MS Office programs and some non-Microsoft applications
You can block areas of the registry where you don't want to scan for keys
Multiple ways to save the keys
You can find keys quickly by searching through the results
What We Don't Like
Takes a while to scan for product keys
Might show keys for programs that don't use product keys
Not all features are free; you have to pay to enable them
Asks you to donate each time you close the software
MyKeyFinder lets you save product keys to a PDF file or to the clipboard. You can also send one or more keys to a printer.
You can search through the list of install keys it finds and even blacklist registry keys to avoid finding serials in those locations.
Finds Keys for Operating Systems: Windows 10, Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows Vista, and Windows XP.
Finds Keys for Other Software: VMware, some Microsoft Office products, and others.
While testing MyKeyFinder, I found that a scan takes much longer to complete than any of the other programs from this list. Also, it found keys for programs (hundreds of them) that don't actually use serials, as well a key for Microsoft Office 2013 that wasn't correct.
Important Product Key Finder Information (Windows Product Keys)
If your system was purchased with Microsoft Windows pre-installed and you have not reinstalled it or upgraded it yourself, a key finder may only find the generic product key that your PC manufacturer used to install Windows. This product key may not work when attempting to reinstall Windows. In this case, you must use the unique product key that is on the sticker attached to your computer case.
If you can't locate your product key sticker you'll need to request a new Windows product key.