Clean Windows install – recover original product key

A clean re-installation of Windows 11 failed to detect the original (OEM) digital licence on the machine. The activation troubleshooter doesn’t resolve the issue.

You can activate your licence by identifying the product key via PowerShell and then manually enter it into Windows.

Open Windows PowerShell (Admin)
Enter the command:

wmic path softwareLicensingService get OA3xOriginalProductKey

A 25 character product key will be displayed. Copy the text (highlight and press enter to copy) then enter the command:

slui 3

Windows Settings will open on the Activation page.
Click the Change button under the Change product key heading and paste the copied key.
Click Next and follow the prompts to activate Windows.