How to Find Windows Machine GUID in Regedit

This article explains how to locate and inspect the unique Machine Globally Unique Identifier (GUID) assigned to a Windows operating system using the Windows Registry Editor. You will learn the exact registry path, the name of the specific key value, and the straightforward steps required to view this identifier on your system.

Registry Location of the Machine GUID

The operating system’s unique hardware Machine GUID is stored under the following registry path:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Cryptography

Within this key, the identifier is stored in the string value named MachineGuid.

Step-by-Step Instructions to View the Machine GUID

Open the Run Dialog: Press Windows Key + R on your keyboard.
Launch Registry Editor: Type regedit into the text box and press Enter (or click OK). Click Yes if prompted by User Account Control (UAC).
Navigate to the Path: In the left sidebar of the Registry Editor, expand the folders to reach:
```
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Cryptography
```
(Alternatively, paste this path directly into the address bar at the top of the Registry Editor and press Enter.)
Locate the Value: In the right pane, look down the list to find the entry named MachineGuid.
Inspect the GUID: The string listed under the Data column is the unique 128-bit GUID assigned to your Windows installation (formatted as xxxxxxxx-xxxx-xxxx-xxxx-xxxxxxxxxxxx). Double-click the entry to open the value and copy the text if needed.

What Is the Machine GUID Used For?

The MachineGuid is generated during the installation of Windows. Third-party software applications, digital rights management (DRM) services, and hardware-licensing systems frequently query this specific registry string to identify and validate individual machines.