Ever tried reinstalling Windows 10 only to find yourself stumped when it asks for the Windows 10 product key? If yes, you are not alone. Whether it’s in a desperate bid to upgrade your system or simply just troubleshoot, knowing where to find your Windows product key will keep you from such huge frustration.
Even if you didn’t make a note of it way back during your first Windows installation, there are a few easy methods to retrieve it. This article will introduce three simple methods to get your Windows 10 product key so you’ll never be left without it again.
How to Find Your Windows 10 Product Key
The method you use to locate your Windows 10 product key will depend on how your system was activated. If you upgraded from a legitimate copy of Windows 7 or 8, or if your PC came with Windows pre-installed, these should all work interchangeably – if not perfectly. However, if your Windows 10 is part of an organization’s licensing agreement, finding the product key might be much more difficult.
Here are the 3 simple ways to find your product key:
1. Using the Command Prompt
You can get your Windows 10 product key by using Command Prompt—one of the easy ways.
- First, you need to open the command prompt. So, start on your desktop in the search bar, and type in cmd.
- Once this appears in the results, right-click on Command Prompt, then select Run as administrator from the menu options.
- In the command prompt, write the following command and press Enter:
wmic path SoftwareLicensingService get OA3xOriginalProductKey
That will show if the product key is stored on your device. This generally works for most preinstalled versions of Windows 10.
2. By Using PowerShell
If you are used to working with PowerShell, well, you can also make use of it to find the Windows 10 product key. The procedure is somewhat similar to that of the Command Prompt method:
- Right-click the Start Menu
- Under the list, click on Windows PowerShell (Admin) so that it opens with the elevated privileges of an administrator.
- In the PowerShell command prompt, type the following:
$(Get-WmiObject -query ‘select * from SoftwareLicensingService’).OA3xOriginalProductKey
Hit Enter, and the product key will be shown on the screen. Using PowerShell is a much more geeky method of interacting with your system, but retrieving the key is also as easy as doing this via the Command Prompt.
3. Using Windows Registry
Another method for finding your product key involves digging into the Windows Registry. The Windows 10 product key does exist there, but it takes a little more navigating to find it.
- Open the Registry Editor by typing regedit in the desktop search box and then select the Registry Editor from the results.
- Once you open the Registry Editor, follow this path:
Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\SoftwareProtectionPlatform
Find the entry that says BackupProductKeyDefault. Under this entry, the product key for Windows 10 is shown.
This method might be helpful if you feel comfortable working in the Windows Registry; you will be making the changes at your own risk since bad changes could have an impact on functionality.
Alternate Methods for Finding Your Windows 10 Product Key
Besides using the above-mentioned methods, there are third-party tools available online that claim to find and show you your product key. A few of them work great, but you should always be cautious when downloading software from unknown sources—it may introduce a security risk. Most of these applications perform all the steps described above, but they simply automate the process for you.
Another simple way to get it is by checking your Microsoft account order history if you bought Windows 10 directly from the Microsoft Store, since the product key may be mentioned in the purchase details.
Interesting Blog:- 192.168.100.1: The Router Admin Page With The Easiest Access To Network Security
Takeaway
Finding your Windows 10 product key doesn’t have to be a daunting task! With these three simple methods—using Command Prompt, PowerShell, or the Registry—you can easily unlock the key to your software’s potential. And if all else fails, don’t forget to check your Microsoft account or explore trusted third-party tools. Now that you know how to find it, keep your product key safe for future use, and enjoy your Windows experience worry-free!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is a Windows 10 product key?
Ans:- A Windows 10 product key is a 25-character code used to activate the operating system. It looks like this: XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX.
2. Where can I find my Windows 10 product key?
- Pre-installed Windows: If your PC comes with Windows 10 pre-installed, the product key may be embedded in the motherboard. You can retrieve it using a tool like ShowKeyPlus.
- Physical Copy: If you bought Windows 10 in a retail box, the product key will be on a card inside the box.
- Email (Digital Purchase): If you purchased Windows 10 digitally from the Microsoft Store, your product key will be in the confirmation email.
- Microsoft Account: If you linked your Windows 10 activation to your Microsoft account, you may not need the key after reinstalling—it will reactivate automatically.
3. Do I need a product key to upgrade to Windows 10?
Ans:- If you’re upgrading from an activated version of Windows 7, 8, or 8.1, you usually won’t need a product key. Windows 10 will activate automatically using the existing license from your previous OS.
4. How do I check if my Windows 10 is activated?
- Step 1: Go to Settings > Update & Security > Activation.
- Step 2: Under Activation, it will say “Windows is activated” if it’s properly activated. If not, it will provide instructions on how to activate.
5. What happens if I don’t activate Windows 10?
- Limited Customization: Without activation, you won’t be able to personalize your PC (e.g., change wallpaper or themes).
- Watermark: A “Windows is not activated” watermark will appear in the lower right corner of your screen.
- Notifications: You will receive periodic reminders to activate your copy of Windows.
- However, core functionality will remain unaffected.
6. How do I get a new Windows 10 product key?
Ans:- You can purchase a genuine Windows 10 product key from the Microsoft Store, authorized retailers, or from the Microsoft website.
7. How do I activate Windows 10 with a product key?
- Step 1: Go to Settings > Update & Security > Activation.
- Step 2: Click the Change product key and enter your 25-character code.
- Step 3: Follow the on-screen instructions to complete activation.