Have you ever lost your Windows 10 product key and had no idea how to retrieve it? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. A Windows 10 product key is an essential element for activation, and it usually comes with the device or is provided by the retailer or Microsoft. But sometimes, due to accidental changes, system crashes, or other reasons, the product key may get lost or misplaced. In this blog, we’ll guide you on how to find your Windows 10 product key.
If you want to reinstall or upgrade your Windows 10 operating system, you need a valid product key to activate it. The Windows 10 product key usually looks like this: XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX.
Video Tutorial:
What’s Needed
Before jumping into the solutions, make sure that you have the following items:
- Working computer or laptop (with Windows 10 installed)
- Internet connection (optional)
- Command Prompt or PowerShell knowledge
- A reliable software tool for extracting product keys (optional)
What Requires Your Focus?
This article will provide you with different methods to find your Windows 10 product key, whether it’s from the operating system, manually from the registry, or using a third-party software tool. Each solution comes with step-by-step guides to make it easier for you, whether you’re a tech-savvy user or not. Moreover, we’ll discuss the reasons why you can’t find or retrieve your product key, and share some useful tips for you. Let’s dive in!
Different Methods to Find My Windows 10 Product Key
Method 1: Finding the Product Key on Your Device
If your device came with Windows 10 preinstalled, then the product key should be stored somewhere on your system. It might be included in the BIOS or firmware of your computer. Here’s how to find it:
- Press "Windows Key + X" to open the Start menu and select "Windows PowerShell (Admin)" or "Command Prompt (Admin)."
- In the dialog box that appears, type the following command and press Enter:
wmic path softwareLicensingService get OA3xOriginalProductKey - Your Windows 10 product key will appear on the screen.
Pros:
- Quick and easy to use, especially for newer devices
- No need to install any third-party software
Cons:
- May not work for older devices or systems that were updated from earlier versions of Windows
- May not reveal the complete product key, only a partial one
Method 2: Finding the Product Key from the Registry
If your device came with an older version of Windows that you updated to Windows 10 or if you installed the operating system yourself, you can find the product key stored in the Windows Registry. Here’s how:
- Open Notepad or any text editor on your computer.
- Copy and paste the following code into the blank text document:
Set WshShell = CreateObject("WScript.Shell")
MsgBox ConvertToKey(WshShell.RegRead("HKLMSOFTWAREMicrosoftWindows NTCurrentVersionDigitalProductId"))
Function ConvertToKey(Key)
Const KeyOffset = 52
i = 28
Chars = "BCDFGHJKMPQRTVWXY2346789"
Do
Cur = 0
x = 14
Do
Cur = Cur * 256
Cur = Key(x + KeyOffset) + Cur
Key(x + KeyOffset) = (Cur 24) And 255
Cur = Cur Mod 24
x = x -1
Loop While x >= 0
i = i -1
KeyOutput = Mid(Chars, Cur + 1, 1) & KeyOutput
If (((29 - i) Mod 6) = 0) And (i -1) Then
i = i -1
KeyOutput = "-" & KeyOutput
End If
Loop While i >= 0
ConvertToKey = KeyOutput
End Function - Save the file with a .vbs extension.
- Execute the saved file with administrative privileges. A message box will appear, showing you a series of letters and numbers.
- This series of letters and numbers is your Windows 10 product key.
Pros:
- No need to purchase any additional software
- Reliable method that works for most Windows 10 devices
Cons:
- May be difficult for non-technical users to execute
- Can be time-consuming without a batch file or script
Method 3: Finding the Product Key with a Third-Party Tool
If you prefer not to use the Registry Editor or the Command Prompt, you can use a third-party tool to extract your Windows 10 product key for you. There are many such tools available online, including Belarc Advisor, ProduKey, and ShowKeyPlus. In this example, we will use ShowKeyPlus:
- Download and install the ShowKeyPlus software from its official website.
- Launch the program and select "Load Hive" in the menu bar.
- Enter the path of the Windows installation drive (usually "C:") and select the "Windows" folder.
- Select the "System32" folder and select the "config" folder.
- Select "SOFTWARE" and click "Open."
- The program will now extract the product key for you.
Pros:
- Can be more straightforward than using the command prompt or registry editor
- No need to be tech-savvy to extract the product key
Cons:
- Some third-party tools may not be reliable or trustworthy
- May be burdensome to install and use
Why Can’t I Find My Windows 10 Product Key?
There are many reasons why you may not be able to find your Windows 10 product key. Some of the most common ones include:
- You’ve lost or misplaced the product key
- The key was never provided to you when you purchased the device or operating system
- The key has been blocked or revoked by Microsoft
Fixes:
- Try using one of the methods above to retrieve your product key
- If you still can’t find it, contact the device manufacturer or Microsoft support for assistance
- Consider purchasing a new product key if your current one is invalid or blocked
Implications and Recommendations
The importance of having a valid Windows 10 product key cannot be overstated. Without it, you may not be able to activate your operating system, and certain features may be disabled, limiting your ability to use your device. Therefore, we recommend that you store your product key in a secure and easily accessible location, such as an encrypted USB drive or cloud storage service.
5 FAQs About Finding My Windows 10 Product Key
Q1: What if my device didn’t come with Windows preinstalled?
A: If your device did not come with Windows preinstalled or you installed the operating system yourself, the product key should be included in the packaging or in the email receipt you received when you purchased the key. If you have lost these documents, you can try contacting Microsoft support or the retailer from whom you purchased the key.
Q2: Can I use the same product key on multiple devices?
A: No, a single Windows 10 product key can only be used on one device at a time. If you try to use it on multiple devices simultaneously, you may encounter issues with activation or licensing.
Q3: Can I retrieve my product key from a Microsoft account?
A: Yes, if you linked your Windows 10 product key to your Microsoft account, you can retrieve it from the account settings page. However, this option is only available if you purchased your product key directly from Microsoft or used a Microsoft account to log in to your device.
Q4: What if my product key doesn’t work?
A: If you’re having issues activating your Windows 10 product key, double-check that you’ve entered it correctly and that you’re not using an invalid or revoked key. If the issue persists, contact Microsoft support for further assistance.
Q5: Do I need a product key to upgrade to Windows 10?
A: If you’re upgrading from a previous version of Windows to Windows 10, you may not need a product key, as the upgrade process will automatically activate your operating system. However, if you’re performing a clean install of Windows 10 or installing it on a new device, you will need a valid product key to activate the system.
In Conclusion
Losing your Windows 10 product key can be frustrating, but it’s not the end of the world. By following the methods listed in this article, you can quickly and easily retrieve your product key and activate your operating system. Remember to keep your key in a safe place and avoid using unreliable third-party tools. Good luck!
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