Determine which software product a Microsoft Product Key activates

Unfortunately there isn’t. The product key sequence is according to a mathematical algorithm. The product key is a partially random, 25-character alphanumeric code, specifically designed to defeat against keygens and leaked serial numbers. The code has three (known) components:

  1. An actual serial number
  2. Verification data (using modular math)
  3. A checksum (CRC) for typos

There are several good references to how product keys are utilized. This one is particularly good.


Yes, you can determine which Microsoft Product ID (PID) a given key corresponds to with tools like Microsoft PID Checker (alternative) and The Ultimate PID Checker (alternative). The former supports a wide array of products, including Windows 7/2008 R2 - 10/2016, Office 2010-2016, Visual Studio, Exchange Server, and more, while the latter includes support for Windows XP/2003 - 8/2012 and Office 2010-2013.

While you do need to select the right general product (e.g., Windows 7) in order to get the specific version information (e.g., Windows 7 Ultimate Retail), it only takes a moment to try them all if you've lost even that information:

Microsoft PID Checker screenshot

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VAMT 2.0 allows administrators to automate and centrally manage a range of activities related to Windows client, Windows Server, and Office 2010 activations.

To see what it looks like and how to make it work, check out this link