If you’ve recently installed Windows 10 or are planning to reset your PC, you might be wondering how to retrieve your product key. The product key is a 25-character code used to activate Windows, ensuring that it’s legitimate and not being used on multiple devices. In this blog post, we’ll explore various methods to find your Windows 10 product key.
Finding Your Windows 10 Product Key
Method 1: Using Command Prompt
One of the simplest ways to find your Windows 10 product key is through the Command Prompt. Follow these steps:
- Press the Windows key + X to open the Power User menu.
- Click on Windows Terminal (Admin) or Command Prompt (Admin).
- In the Command Prompt window, type the following command and press Enter:
wmic path softwarelicensingservice get OA3xOriginalProductKey - If your Windows 10 installation has a product key, it should display on the screen.
Method 2: Checking System Properties
You can also check system properties to find your product key:
- Right-click on This PC on your desktop or in File Explorer.
- Select Properties.
- Scroll down to the Windows activation section. If your system is activated, the product key might be listed there.
Method 3: Using PowerShell
If you’re more comfortable with PowerShell, you can use it to get your product key as well:
- Press Windows key + X and choose Windows Terminal (Admin).
- Type the following command and hit Enter:
(Get-WmiObject -query 'select * from SoftwareLicensingService').OA3xOriginalProductKey - The product key should now be displayed.
Method 4: Using Third-Party Software
There are various third-party tools available that can help you retrieve the Windows 10 product key. Tools like “Belarc Advisor” or “ProduKey” can provide you with your product key alongside other essential system details. Be sure to download such applications from reputable sources to avoid security risks.
Conclusion
Retrieving your Windows 10 product key is quite straightforward, with several methods at your disposal. Whether you prefer using built-in command lines or third-party applications, it’s crucial to keep a secure copy of your product key for future use. Ensuring that you have this key handy can save you from activation issues and is beneficial should you need to reinstall or reset Windows in the future. Always remember to keep your product key secure and stored in a safe place!