How to Clear Product Key from Registry in Windows

   Information

When you install and activate a retail copy of Windows, the product key is stored in the registry. This can be helpful to be able to use a program like ShowKeyPlus to view your installed product key if lost.

However, having your installed product key in the registry could leave it vulnerable to being stolen from disclosure attacks by malicious software. Clearing the product key from the registry will prevent this, but you will need to make sure to keep a copy of your product key written down and kept in a secure location.

This tutorial will show you how to permanently clear the product key from the registry to prevent it from being stolen in Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8, and Windows 10.

You must be signed in as an administrator to be able to clear the product key from the registry.

   Note

This will not remove an OEM Windows 8/8.1/10 product key embedded in the UEFI firmware chip.

If you run the slmgr /dli command in a command prompt, you will still be able to see the last 5 characters of the installed product key to help let you know what key you used to activate Windows with.

Here's How:

1. Open an elevated command prompt.

2. Copy and paste the command below into the elevated command prompt, and press Enter. (see screenshot below)

slmgr /cpky

3. Click/tap on OK when the product key has successfully been cleared from the registry. (see screenshot below)

That's it,
Shawn

Related Tutorials

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• How to Uninstall Product Key to Deactivate Windows 10
• How to View the Product Key in Windows 10
• How to Change Product Key in Windows 10
• How to Activate Windows 10
• How to Use Activation Troubleshooter in Windows 10
• List of Generic Product Keys to Install Windows 10 Editions

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