How to Locate Product Key on Windows 10 – Guide
Having a Windows 10 product key on hand is essential for any PC user. Whether you’re recovering from a system cleanup, building a new computer, or replacing a broken one, having the key ready ensures you can reinstall Windows and access all its features and updates. Make sure to store it in a secure place for future use.
Don’t fret if you can’t find your Windows 10 product key. You don’t need it - a command prompt will do the trick. Follow our guide to learn how to get the key on your PC with just a few clicks.
Locate your Windows 10 product key
Windows 10 Pro Pack Key
Buying Windows 10 Pro Pack via Easy Upgrade in Windows 10 Home doesn’t require a product key - the digital license is linked to your Microsoft account. To transfer it to another computer, use the Activation Troubleshooter.
Transfer your Windows 10 Pro Pack key to a new computer
To troubleshoot activation issues, open the Settings app, select Update & Security, then choose Activation and launch the Troubleshooter.
To access the Pro Pack license, users must sign in with their Microsoft account.
Windows 10 has detected a digital license for Pro edition, signaling the successful completion of troubleshooting.
Activate Windows by following the onscreen instructions.
Complete product packaged for retail
Shoppers can purchase Windows 10 in a retail box, which contains a product key on the back of a small business card. To safeguard against loss or damage, users should store the key securely or make a backup copy. Taking a photo of the key and storing it online is also recommended.
OEM System Builder License
The Windows 10 product key can be found on the Certificate of Authenticity outside the packaging. If you bought your PC from a white box vendor, it may be stuck to the machine’s chassis - look to the top or side for it. To ensure you don’t lose it, take a photo of the key. Over time, these keys tend to wear out.
Find your Windows 10 product key on a new computer
New Windows 10 computers come with the product key stored in the motherboard firmware, allowing users to easily retrieve it by entering a command at the command prompt.
For quick access to Windows tools, press the Windows key and X together.
To access the Command Prompt with administrative privileges, click “Command Prompt (Admin).”
A command prompt can be used to reveal a computer’s original product key, according to the SoftwareLicensingService.
Product Key Activation with Volume License
Organizations deploying Windows 10 can access product keys through the Volume License Service Center portal. System administrators should click the Licenses tab, then the Windows Product Key tab to find the key, eliminating the need for computers to connect to Microsoft for activation. This is due to Special KMS (Key Management Service) servers that manage activation in commercial networks.
Imagine or Microsoft Campus Agreement
Students who have obtained a Windows 10 license through a Microsoft Campus Agreement or service such as Imagine (formerly Dream Spark) can find their product key on the download page after purchase. A purchase confirmation email should also contain a copy of the key. Some universities may use volume licensing, in which case KMS will handle product activation automatically when students join the campus network or VPN. However, this means that upon graduation or termination of enrollment, they will lose access to the license.
Microsoft Software Developers Network
MSDN subscribers can access their product keys by entering their subscription details and selecting the desired product, then clicking the product key button.
Lost or damaged product key
Microsoft warns customers to back up their product keys, as they won’t be able to retrieve them if lost. The only solution in such cases is to purchase a new one, so it’s best not to discard the box.
Users who upgraded to Windows 10 for free don’t have a unique product key. Instead, the activation process is handled by a Digital License. Those who need to transfer their free upgrade to another computer can do so with a one-time transfer right. If you’re having trouble finding your product key after upgrading from an earlier version of Windows, third-party utilities like Show Key Plus can help.
Get help from Microsoft on activating Windows 10
If you’re having trouble reactivating Windows 10 after a transfer or reinstall, Microsoft offers two options for help: a chat with a support agent or phone activation.
To quickly open the Run dialog box, press the Windows key and R on your keyboard.
To activate Windows, users can type “slui.exe 4” into the command prompt and press Enter.
Choose a nation from the drop-down list.
Activating your phone via an agent is the recommended option.
Final note
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