What Are CD Keys? Steam Keys, Game Codes and Product Keys Explained

If you have ever wondered what are CD keys, you are in good company. The phrase is decades old, yet people still search for cd keys, cd key, cdkey and cd-keys every day, usually because they want to buy a game cheaply and legitimately. This guide explains what a CD key really is, how it relates to a steam key, and how Steam game codes work from purchase to download.

What is a CD key?

A cd-key (also written CD key or cdkey) is a unique code that proves you have a license to use a game or a program. The name comes from the days when the code was printed on the case or on a sticker inside the box of a PC game on CD. Today almost everything is digital, but the term stuck. When people say game cd key or game product keys, they mean the same thing: a code you enter to unlock a game.

A modern PC game product key works like this:

• You buy the code from a store.
• The code is delivered by email or shown in your account.
• You enter it in the game's launcher or store client.
• The game is added to your library and you download it.

Many pc game product keys are sold this way, which is why pc cd keys and pc games cd keys are such common searches.

Steam CD keys: are they the same as Steam keys?

Yes. A steam cd key is just another name for a steam key. You will also see steam cd keys, cd keys steam, cd steam keys, steam cdkey and cd keys for steam used for the same thing. All of them describe a code that you redeem on Steam so a game appears in your library.

The words steam key code, steam game code and steam codes are also used loosely. Be careful with one detail: a Steam wallet code adds money to your Steam balance, while a Steam key unlocks one specific game. If you want a particular title, you need the key for that title.

How to redeem a Steam key

Redeeming steam codes for games takes less than a minute:

1. Open the Steam client and sign in.
2. Click Games in the top menu and choose Activate a Product on Steam.
3. Accept the subscriber agreement.
4. Type or paste the key exactly as delivered.
5. Follow the prompts. The game is added to your library, ready to install.

You can also redeem a key on Steam's website from the account page. For the full walkthrough with tips for common errors, read our redeem guide.

Steam game codes for other launchers

Not every key is a Steam key. Keys and steam games codes are only one part of the market. Depending on the title, the code may activate on:

• Steam (most PC keys)
• Epic Games Store
• EA app (formerly Origin)
• Ubisoft Connect
• Xbox / Microsoft Store
• Nintendo eShop or PlayStation Store for consoles

So when you see game codes steam or steam code games in a search, make sure the product page says Steam. A key for another launcher will not activate on Steam.

Which searches mean the same thing?

These are all different ways of asking for a similar product:

• keys for steam, key for steam and keys on steam: a code you redeem on Steam.
• steam games key, key steam games, key games steam and steam keys games: a key for a specific game.
• steam pc keys and pc steam keys: Steam keys for games on Windows PC.
• cd keys pc games, cd keys for pc and pc games cd keys: the older terminology for the same idea.

What to check before you buy any key

• Platform. Steam, Epic, EA app, Xbox or another one. The title should say it.
• Region. Some keys work worldwide, others only in a region.
• Edition and content. Base game, Deluxe Edition, DLC, Season Pass. Add-ons usually need the base game.
• Key or gift. A key is redeemed by you. A Steam gift is delivered to your Steam account differently.
• Refund policy. What happens if the key does not work.

Our guide on how to tell if a key site is legit goes deeper on that last point.

Where to get a Steam key

You can find steam keys from publisher stores, marketplaces and independent retailers. If you are choosing a seller, our article on where to buy Steam keys covers the options. At 24GAMEKEYS, the Steam collection lists each game with its region and platform, and your key arrives by email and in your account.

Frequently asked questions

Is a CD key the same as a license key?

Practically, yes. A CD key or license key is a code that proves you are allowed to use a product. For games, it activates your copy on a specific platform.

Can I use a CD key on more than one account?

No. A key can normally be redeemed once. After that, the game belongs to the account that redeemed it.

Do CD keys expire?

Many keys do not expire, but some have an activation deadline, especially DLC or promotional keys. Redeem your key soon after you buy it.

Why did my key say it was already used?

That means the code has been redeemed before. If you have not used it, contact the seller straight away. At 24GAMEKEYS, invalid or already-used keys are covered by our refund policy when you contact us within 7 days and have not redeemed the key.

24GAMEKEYS is an independent digital retailer. All trademarks, game titles and logos are the property of their respective owners. We are not affiliated with, authorized by, or endorsed by Valve, Steam or any game publisher.