How to find your windows 10 license key

If you’ve recently upgraded to Windows 10 or have just purchased a new device, you might be curious about how to locate your Windows 10 license key. Understanding your license key is essential, especially for troubleshooting or reinstalling the operating system. Thankfully, there are several methods to find your Windows 10 license key without too much hassle.

Methods to Locate Your Windows 10 License Key

Check the Physical Packaging

If you purchased a physical copy of Windows 10, your license key should be included within the packaging. Look for the card or sticker inside the box, which typically has a 25-character key format (XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX).

Look for a Digital Copy

If you purchased Windows 10 digitally from the Microsoft Store, the license key is often sent to you via email. Searching through your email for “Microsoft” or “Windows 10” can help you find the confirmation email containing your key.

Use Command Prompt

For those who prefer a quick and technical approach, you can find your license key through the Command Prompt. Follow these steps:

1. Press Windows + X and select Command Prompt (Admin) or Windows PowerShell (Admin).
2. Type the following command and hit Enter:
   wmic path softwarelicensingservice get OA3xOriginalProductKey
3. Your product key will appear on the screen if it’s available.

Use PowerShell

If you prefer using PowerShell, the process is quite similar to Command Prompt. Here’s how:

1. Press Windows + X and select Windows PowerShell (Admin).
2. Enter the following command:
   (Get-WmiObject -query 'SELECT * FROM SoftwareLicensingService').OA3xOriginalProductKey
3. This will display your Windows 10 license key if it’s retrievable.

Third-Party Software

There are several trustworthy third-party applications available for retrieving your Windows 10 license key. Programs like Belarc Advisor or ProduKey can scan your system and display the license key alongside other software licenses.

Check in Device Settings

If your version of Windows 10 is linked to your Microsoft account, you might not need your key at all for a reinstall. Signing into your Microsoft account on the Microsoft website can show you linked devices with your digital license.

Register with Microsoft

For users generally looking for more information regarding their Windows account status or licensing issues, visiting the official Microsoft account page and logging in can provide necessary details regarding your license status.

Conclusion

Locating your Windows 10 license key can be achieved through various methods, whether through physical means, command tools, or third-party software. Keeping your license key safe is crucial, as it can facilitate future installations or repairs. Always remember to back up sensitive information, including your Windows 10 license key, for easy access when needed.