If you’ve purchased a Windows 10 license, you may need to retrieve your product key for various reasons, such as reinstalling your operating system or upgrading your hardware. The product key is a 25-character code that serves as a license for your copy of Windows 10. Let’s explore different methods you can use to easily find your product key.
Checking Your Windows 10 Settings
One of the simplest ways to locate your Windows 10 product key is through the system settings:
- Open Settings: Click on the Start menu, and select “Settings” (the gear icon).
- Navigate to Update & Security: In the Settings window, click on “Update & Security.”
- Select Activation: On the left sidebar, click on “Activation.”
Here, you may see your activation status along with a hint of your product key, although it usually displays the message “Windows is activated with a digital license.”
Using Command Prompt
If you prefer a more direct approach, the Command Prompt can also help you retrieve your product key:
- Open Command Prompt as Admin: Search for “Command Prompt” in the Start menu, right-click on it, and choose “Run as administrator.”
- Enter the Command: In the Command Prompt window, type the following command and press Enter:
wmic path softwarelicensingservice get OA3xOriginalProductKey
If your product key is available, it will be displayed on the screen.
Using PowerShell
PowerShell is another built-in tool that can fetch your product key:
- Open PowerShell: Search for “PowerShell” in the Start menu and run it as an administrator.
- Enter the Command: Type the following command and hit Enter:
powershell
(Get-WmiObject -query 'select * from SoftwareLicensingService').OA3xOriginalProductKey
This should also provide you with the 25-character product key if it’s accessible.
Third-Party Software
If the above methods do not work for you, there are third-party applications available that specialize in retrieving product keys for installed software, including Windows. Some popular tools include:
- Belarc Advisor: This free tool generates a detailed profile of your installed software and hardware, including the product keys.
- ProduKey: A small utility from NirSoft that displays the product keys of Windows and other Microsoft applications.
Always ensure you download software from trusted and secure websites to avoid malware or unwanted software.
If You Purchased a Digital Copy
If you bought a digital copy of Windows 10 directly from Microsoft, the product key is usually sent to your email or can be found on your Microsoft account under the “Services & subscriptions” section.
Conclusion
Retrieving your Windows 10 product key can be straightforward if you follow the right methods. Whether you choose to check your settings, use Command Prompt or PowerShell, or opt for reliable third-party tools, you can easily find your product key. Always keep a note of your product key in a safe location for future reference to ensure a seamless experience when reinstalling or upgrading your Windows operating system.