It’s essential to know how to find the Windows 10 product key if you are activating software, upgrading your system, or reinstalling Windows. This comprehensive guide will show you how you can retrieve product keys from your computer using Built-in tools like CMD, Registry, and third-party software. We will also show you how you can easily store it for next time and where you can get a new Activation key if you lose your previous one.
What is Microsoft’s product key?
A Microsoft Product key is a 25-character unique code consisting of words and letters. It is used to authenticate the legitimacy of the software. Microsoft’s product key is used to activate Windows operating systems, including Windows 10.
Why do you need a Microsoft product key?
A Microsoft Product key is essential for various reasons:
- Activation: You primarily use the product key to activate Microsoft software, such as Windows or Office. Activation verifies that your copy of the software is genuine and not pirated.
- Reinstallation: If you are reinstalling your Windows 10, especially due to a hardware change or system failure, you need a valid activation key.
- Access to Features: Some features and updates in Microsoft products are restricted and unavailable until the software is activated with a valid product key.
- Preventing Piracy: The product key system helps Microsoft ensure that only authorized users can access and use their software, reducing the risk of piracy.
- Support and Updates: A valid License key might be necessary to receive technical support and download updates, ensuring your software remains secure and functional.
How to find Windows 10 product key?
You can use built-in tools like CMD, Registry, and PowerShell to find your license key. Further, many third-party software programs can also be used to find it. The success of these methods depends on how your PC was activated. If your computer was upgraded from Windows 7 to 10, the method will differ. We will talk about each of these methods in detail:
How to find Windows 10 Product key using CMD
Finding the Windows 10 product key with cmd is a simple process. You can view your exciting serial key in just one click. Here is how to do it:
- Run Program
Press Windows Key + R from your home screen
- Open CMD
Type “cmd” in the search bar and press enter
- Type command
Now type this command in cmd “wmic path softwareLicensingService get OA3xOriginalProductKey“
- Get Product key
As you can see below image, the product key is displayed in the command prompt
Finding Product Key with PowerShell
Here is how you can find your Windows 10 product key from PowerShell. This process is similar to cmd and it extracts information from the system.
- Type “PowerShell” in Windows 10 desktop search box
- Then right-click on it and Run as Administrator
- Run this command in PowerShell
wmic path softwareLicensingService get OA3xOriginalProductKey
As you can see in the above image, the PowerShell command is displaying the current Activation key of Windows 10.
Note: In my case, the serial numbers in screenshots are different because I have a lot of working Windows Product Keys. You can get them for free.
How to find Windows 10 Product key in Registry
Did you know you can find your exciting product key from the registry file in Windows 10? Follow these simple steps to retrieve your key from the system registry:
- Click on the start menu and search “Registry Editor”.
- Now right-click on that and run it as Administrator
- Navigate to this location
Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\SoftwareProtectionPlatform
As you can see in the above image, the Backupproductkeydefault is showing the original Windows 10 License code.
Find your Windows 10 product key with third-party Software
You use third-party software if you are a newbie and cannot run complex commands to find the license key. These tools are easy to use and reveal your Activation key in seconds. To find the Windows 10 product key, you can use tools like Belarc Advisor, ProduKey, or Magical Jelly Bean Keyfinder. Here’s how you can use these tools:
1. Belarc Advisor
- Download and Install: Go to the Belarc Advisor website and download the software. Install it on your PC.
- Run the Software: Once installed, run the program. It will analyze your computer and generate a detailed report.
- Find the Product Key: In the generated report, look for a section called “Software Licenses.” Your Windows 10 product key should be listed there.
2. ProduKey
- Download and Install: Go to the NirSoft ProduKey page and download the tool. Extract and run the executable file.
- View the Activation Code: ProduKey will automatically display your Windows product key and other software keys installed on your computer.
3. Magical Jelly Bean Keyfinder
- Download and Install: Visit the Magical Jelly Bean Keyfinder website and download the software.
- Run the Software: Once installed, launch the program.
- Locate the Product Key: The software will scan your system and display your Windows 10 Product activation code.
Note: These tools can retrieve the product key from your system, but if you upgraded to Windows 10 for free from Windows 7 or 8, the key retrieved might be a generic one. In such cases, your license is tied to your hardware and Microsoft account, not a specific product key.
Other ways to find an Activation key in Windows 10
If your system is dead or not working correctly, you can still find your Windows 10 Activation key.
Contact Microsoft Support
Contact Microsoft Customer Support and provide evidence that you have already purchased your license. Show him the payment invoice or email used to make the purchase. Once they confirm that you are a legitimate user, they will give you a Windows Activation key.
Check your purchase materials.
If you purchased Windows 10 directly from Microsoft or an Authorized retailer, your product key can be found in a few places:
- Payment Invoice: Check your payment invoice for the license key
- Retail Receipt: Check your Retail Receipt for printed License key
- Physical packaging: The product key is usually labeled on a packaging box
Get a Free Product Key for Windows 10
If you still cannot find it, you can obtain a new one from sumorb.com. Users from all countries share these keys. Some keys will work for you, while others are valid for different operating systems. You can also use KMSPico Activator to activate Windows.
Conclusion
No matter whether your computer or laptop is working or not. You can still find your License Key using these methods. We have shared these methods after testing whether they are working or not. If you face any issues while implementing these methods, you can tell us in the comments section. We will give you a solution ASAP.
Also Read:
- How to take a screenshot on Windows
- Windows 10 Activator TXT
- How to Easily Fix DPC Watchdog Violation Error in Windows 10 and Windows 11
