If you’ve ever needed to reinstall Windows or upgrade your system, you may find yourself searching for your Windows 10 product key. This key is important as it validates your copy of Windows. Luckily, there are several methods to recover your lost or forgotten product key. Below are some effective ways to do so.
Use Command Prompt
One of the simplest methods to retrieve your Windows 10 product key is by using the Command Prompt. Here’s how to do it:
Open Command Prompt as an Administrator: Type “cmd” into the search bar. Right-click on the Command Prompt and select “Run as administrator.”
Enter the command: In the Command Prompt window, type the following command and press Enter:
wmic path softwarelicensingservice get OA3xOriginalProductKey
- View your product key: If your copy of Windows 10 came pre-installed on your device, the product key should appear on the screen.
Check in Settings
You can also find your product key directly through your system settings:
Open Settings: Click on the Start menu and then select the gear icon to open Settings.
Navigate to Update & Security: In the Settings window, find and click on “Update & Security.”
View Activation: Click on “Activation” in the left sidebar. While this section won’t directly display your product key, it will confirm if your Windows has been activated, which is useful if you’re troubleshooting.
Use Third-Party Software
If the methods above don’t work for you, consider using third-party software designed for product key recovery. Programs like Belarc Advisor, ProduKey, or Magical Jelly Bean Keyfinder can often extract your product key as well as other important information about your system. Here’s a quick rundown on how to use one of these tools:
Download and Install a Key Finder: Choose a reputable tool, download it, and install it on your computer.
Run the Software: Open the tool and allow it to scan your system.
Locate Your Product Key: The software should display your Windows 10 product key along with other software keys installed on your machine.
Check Your Microsoft Account
If you upgraded to Windows 10 from a previous version using a digital license or purchased the software online, your product key may be linked to your Microsoft account.
Sign In: Go to the Microsoft account login page and sign in with your credentials.
Check Your Purchase History: Look for any records of your Windows 10 purchase in the “Services & subscriptions” section. Your product key may be listed there.
Conclusion
Recovering your Windows 10 product key doesn’t have to be a daunting task. Whether you choose to utilize built-in tools, settings, third-party applications, or your Microsoft account, you have multiple options at your disposal. Make sure to store your product key in a safe place for future reference to avoid any hassles during reinstallation or upgrades.