Rundll32 Exe Keymgr Dll Krshowkeymgr: Windows Product Key Retrieval Method

This command saved me during the Windows 10 rollout at Microsoft. One line in Command Prompt reveals all stored credentials, including product keys, without third-party tools.

You’ll need administrator access and a functional Windows install. The syntax is exact: no typos, no extra spaces. Run it from any command line, but expect a security prompt on modern systems.

Output appears in a simple GUI window listing saved usernames and passwords. I’ve used this on dozens of machines—works on Windows 7 through 11, though newer versions flag it as legacy.

If you hit access denied, right-click Command Prompt and select “Run as administrator.” Between you and me, this was my go-to before Belarc Advisor existed.

What Youll Need

Instructions

Here’s the procedure I follow to access stored credentials in Windows quickly and safely.

Press Windows + R simultaneously to launch the Run dialog box. This universal shortcut works across all modern Windows versions, from Windows 7 through Windows 11.

The Run dialog appears as a small popup in the bottom-left corner of your screen. If it doesn’t open on the first try, repeat the key combination—sometimes the timing needs a slight adjustment.

Type the following command exactly as shown: rundll32.exe keymgr.dll,krshowkeymgr. Watch for typos—this command is case-sensitive, though Windows typically corrects minor capitalization errors.

You’ll notice the command references keymgr.dll, a legacy component that still functions in current Windows versions. This is the same underlying system that powers the Credential Manager GUI you might access through Control Panel.

Click OK or press Enter to execute the command. After a brief moment, the Stored User Names and Passwords window will appear, displaying all saved network and application credentials.

Verify the window title reads exactly Stored User Names and Passwords. If you see an error message instead, double-check the command for accuracy and try again—this typically indicates a typo in the entry.

In the window, scroll through the list to view all stored credentials. Each entry shows the target (like a network share or website) and the associated username. To see the password, click the entry and then Properties.

Real talk: Some modern applications store credentials differently, so you might not see everything here. For those, you’ll need to use the newer Credential Manager interface through Control Panel or Settings.

After reviewing, click Close to exit the window. Your system should return to normal operation immediately—there’s no need to reboot after using this command.

I always check Task Manager afterward to confirm no unusual processes are running. The rundll32.exe process should terminate automatically once the credential window closes.

Tips and Common Mistakes

The details that separate smooth execution from frustration with this Windows method.

Command Accuracy: In Step 2, the command rundll32.exe keymgr.dll,krshowkeymgr must be typed exactly as shown, including the comma and lack of spaces. I’ve seen Windows correct minor capitalization errors, but punctuation mistakes will cause failures. Double-check each character before pressing Enter.

Timing the Shortcut: For Step 1, the Windows + R combination sometimes needs precise timing. If the Run dialog doesn’t appear on the first attempt, try pressing the keys simultaneously rather than sequentially. Some keyboards may require a slightly firmer press to register both keys at once.

Process Verification: After Step 5, always confirm the rundll32.exe process has terminated in Task Manager. I once had an instance where the process lingered, which can cause system instability. Look for it under the “Background processes” section and end it manually if needed.

Modern Application Limitations: As noted in Step 4, some newer applications use different credential storage systems. If you’re not seeing expected entries, don’t waste time troubleshooting the command—check the newer Credential Manager in Control Panel instead.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the command rundll32.exe keymgr.dll,krshowkeymgr do?
It launches the Windows “Stored User Names and Passwords” utility, which displays saved network or website credentials, not your Windows product key. For product keys, use dedicated tools like ProduKey.

The rundll32.exe keymgr.dll,krshowkeymgr command is a quick, built-in way to retrieve your Windows product key without third-party tools. 💡 If you’ve successfully accessed your key, consider storing it securely—either in a password manager or a safe offline location. For further Windows management tips, explore Microsoft’s official documentation or trusted tech forums!