How to get win10 product key

Finding your Windows 10 product key can be essential for several reasons, whether you’re reinstalling the operating system, upgrading to a new device, or troubleshooting issues. Here are some effective methods to locate your Windows 10 product key.

Check the Original Packaging or Documentation

If you purchased a physical copy of Windows 10, the product key is typically found inside the box on a card or label. Keep an eye out for a 25-character alphanumeric string that looks like this: XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX. If you got Windows 10 pre-installed on a new device, the product key may be included in the documentation that came with your computer.

Use Command Prompt

If you don’t have the physical packaging, you can retrieve your product key directly from your Windows 10 device using the Command Prompt. Here’s how you do it:

1. Press Windows + X and select Command Prompt (Admin) or Windows PowerShell (Admin).
2. In the window that appears, type the following command and hit Enter:

wmic path softwareLicensingService get OA3xOriginalProductKey

1. Your Windows 10 product key should be displayed. Note that this method works best if Windows was pre-installed and the key was embedded in your BIOS/UEFI.

Using Windows PowerShell

Similar to the Command Prompt, you can also utilize Windows PowerShell to find your product key. Follow these steps:

1. Right-click the Start button and select Windows PowerShell (Admin).
2. Input the same command as above:

(Get-WmiObject -query 'select * from SoftwareLicensingService').OA3xOriginalProductKey

1. Press Enter, and your product key should appear on the screen.

Use a Third-Party Software

If the previous methods do not yield the desired results, consider using third-party software tools like NirSoft’s ProduKey or Belarc Advisor, which can help extract the product key with more straightforward interfaces. These applications scan your PC for installed software and display the product keys for various applications, including Windows.

Look for Digital License

In many cases, Windows 10 is activated via a digital license linked to your Microsoft account. If you’ve upgraded from a previous version of Windows or simply don’t have access to the product key, you can check the activation status:

1. Open the Settings app by pressing Windows + I.
2. Navigate to Update & Security > Activation.
3. If it states that Windows is activated with a digital license, you won’t need the product key for a reinstall on the same device, as it will automatically reactivate.

Conclusion

Finding your Windows 10 product key might seem tedious, but with the above methods, you should be able to locate it easily. Whether you’re using Command Prompt, PowerShell, or third-party tools, ensure that you keep your product key stored securely for future reference. Additionally, consider linking your Windows installation to your Microsoft account for hassle-free management and activation down the line.