Finding your Windows 10 product key is essential for reinstalling your operating system or verifying your copy of Windows. Whether you’ve lost it or just never knew where to find it, the process is straightforward if you follow a few simple steps. Here’s a quick guide on how to locate your Windows 10 product key.
How to Get Your Windows 10 Product Key
This section will walk you through the steps to find your Windows 10 product key. By following these instructions, you’ll know exactly where to look and how to retrieve it.
Step 1: Open Command Prompt
Open the Start menu and type “cmd” in the search bar. Right-click on ‘Command Prompt’ and select ‘Run as administrator’.
Running Command Prompt as an administrator ensures you have the necessary permissions to execute the commands needed to find your product key.
Step 2: Enter the Command
Type or paste the following command into Command Prompt: wmic path softwarelicensingservice get OA3xOriginalProductKey. Press Enter.
This command queries the Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI) to retrieve your Windows 10 product key from the system registry.
Step 3: View Your Product Key
After pressing Enter, you’ll see your product key displayed on the screen. Write it down or save it somewhere safe.
Make sure to keep your product key in a secure location where you can easily access it when needed. This key is essential for reinstalling Windows 10 or transferring it to another computer.
After completing these steps, you will have successfully retrieved your Windows 10 product key. You can use this key for various purposes, such as reinstalling Windows or verifying your copy of the operating system.
Tips for Finding Your Windows 10 Product Key
- Always run Command Prompt as an administrator to ensure you have the necessary permissions.
- Store your product key in a secure location, such as a password manager, to avoid losing it.
- If the command doesn’t work, your Windows version might be a digital license that doesn’t need a product key.
- Use third-party software like Belarc Advisor to find your product key if the manual method fails.
- If your Windows 10 came pre-installed on your computer, the product key might be on a sticker on your device.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if the command doesn’t show my product key?
If the command doesn’t work, your version of Windows might use a digital license. Check your Microsoft account for the digital license.
Can I use third-party software to find my product key?
Yes, tools like Belarc Advisor or ProduKey can help you retrieve your product key if the manual method fails.
What is a digital license?
A digital license is a method of activation in Windows 10 that doesn’t require a product key. It’s linked to your Microsoft account.
Where is the product key on a pre-installed Windows 10 device?
For pre-installed Windows 10, the product key is usually on a sticker on the bottom of your laptop or inside the battery compartment.
Can I transfer my product key to another computer?
If your product key is a retail version, you can transfer it to another computer. OEM keys, which come pre-installed, are usually tied to the original hardware.
Summary
- Open Command Prompt as an administrator.
- Enter the command
wmic path softwarelicensingservice get OA3xOriginalProductKey. - View and save your product key.
Conclusion
Locating your Windows 10 product key is crucial for managing your operating system. Whether you’re reinstalling Windows or verifying your copy, knowing where to find this key can save you a lot of headaches. By following our easy steps, you can effortlessly retrieve your key and store it securely.
If you encounter any issues, consider using third-party software to help you out. Remember, the key to a smooth Windows experience is being prepared, so take a moment to find and safeguard your product key today. For further reading, explore Microsoft’s official support pages or other reliable tech resources.
Go ahead, take control of your Windows 10 experience, and never lose track of your product key again!
Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read over 50 million times.
After receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.
His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.