Editor’s Note: Microsoft now not sells Windows 10, and its help will finish on Oct. 14, 2025. However, you’ll be able to nonetheless purchase Windows 10 from some third-party retailers.
Finding your Windows 10 product key can really feel like a treasure hunt. It’s typically tucked away on a hard-to-reach sticker in your pc {hardware} or hidden in the packaging of a bodily copy — assuming you haven’t already tossed the field.
However, earlier than you go crawling right into a closet or behind your desk on the lookout for a 25-digit alphanumeric code in effective print on the bottom of your PC, there are much less strenuous methods to monitor down your Windows 10 product key.
This tutorial exhibits you the way to discover your Windows 10 product key utilizing the ability of the working system. We have additionally revealed tips about how to discover your product key in Windows 11.
How to discover your Windows 10 product key
The success of any of those strategies largely will depend on how your PC was activated. If you activated Windows 10 by upgrading from a legitimate Windows 7 or 8 set up or with the pc’s current buy, you’ll doubtless discover the product key with most of those strategies. However, in case your PC was activated as a part of a corporation’s licensing settlement, discovering a product key could also be extra problematic.
1. Command immediate
The most direct technique for locating your Windows 10 product secret is from the command line.
- Type
cmdinto the Windows 10 desktop search field. - Then, right-click the command line outcome.
- Select run as administrator from the context menu.
- Type this command on the immediate:
wmic path softwareLicensingService get OA3xOriginalProductKey
As proven in the picture under, the command will show your present Windows 10 product key.
2. PowerShell
If you’re utilizing Windows 10 PowerShell, the method is analogous:
- Right-click the Start Menu button.
- Select Windows PowerShell (Admin) from the context menu.
- Type this command on the immediate to reveal the product key.
powershell "(Get-WmiObject -query 'select * from SoftwareLicensingService').OA3xOriginalProductKey"
3. Registry File
The product secret is saved in the Windows 10 Registry File, so it’s attainable to discover the code there if you realize the fitting key. To accomplish that:
- Type
regeditinto the Windows 10 desktop search, and choose the suitable merchandise in the outcomes. - Navigate to this key:
ComputerHKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREMicrosoftWindows NTCurrentVersionSoftwareProtectionPlatform
As you’ll be able to see under, the BackupProductKeyDefault key will reveal a legitimate Windows 10 product key.
(*3*)
Note: In my case, the Windows 10 product key displayed by each the command immediate and PowerShell strategies are the identical; in the registry instance, the product secret is completely different. The greatest clarification I can recommend is that as a result of I upgraded from Home to Pro on the instance PC, the product key displayed is for the improve to Pro or vice versa. If you’ve gotten a greater resolution, please tell us.
SEE: Windows 10 and 11 in S Mode: What Is It, and Should You Use It?
Other methods to discover your Windows 10 product key
Third-party distributors provide purposes that may additionally find and show your Windows 10 product key. These purposes basically do the identical factor we did right here, however they introduce another person’s programming and potential safety points.
In addition, in case you purchased Windows 10 from the Microsoft Store, the product key data is accessible in your account order historical past.
Is the Windows 10 product key tied to my {hardware}?
If you bought a tool with an OEM key, equivalent to a Dell or Lenovo laptop computer, the Windows 10 product key could also be tied to your {hardware}. However, in case you purchased a digital copy of Windows, you’ll be able to switch the license to one other pc.
What ought to I do if I lose my product key after buying Windows 10?
According to Microsoft, if not one of the strategies listed right here work, it’s possible you’ll have the opportunity to contact your system’s producer to discover the product key. However, this can doubtless solely be attainable in case your system remains to be underneath guarantee. You may have to buy a brand new retail license if all else fails.
Can I switch my Windows 10 license to one other pc?
Yes. Just word that Windows 10 licenses are meant to be used on one pc at a time.
