How to see license key windows 10

If you’re looking to find your Windows 10 license key, whether for reinstallation, troubleshooting, or simply for your records, you’re in the right place. Below are several methods to help you locate your Windows 10 license key easily.

Finding Your Windows 10 License Key

1. Using Command Prompt

One of the simplest ways to retrieve your Windows 10 license key is by using the Command Prompt. Here’s how you can do it:

Press Windows + X and select Command Prompt (Admin) or Windows PowerShell (Admin).
In the command line window, type the following command and press Enter:

shell wmic path softwarelicensingservice get OA3xOriginalProductKey

Your Windows 10 license key should be displayed on the screen.

2. Using Windows Settings

If you purchased Windows 10 digitally, your product key might be linked to your Microsoft Account. Here’s how you can check:

Open Settings by pressing Windows + I.
Click on Update & Security.
Select Activation from the left sidebar.
Your activation status will be shown here. If Windows is activated, it may provide a hint about your license type but won’t display the key directly.

3. Viewing the License Key From the Original Packaging

If you have a physical copy of Windows 10, the license key should be on a sticker inside the box or on the Certificate of Authenticity (COA). Look for a 25-character code, typically formatted as five groups of five characters separated by dashes.

4. Using Third-Party Software

Several third-party tools are designed to recover your Windows 10 license key. Here’s how to use one:

Download a tool such as “ProduKey” or “Belarc Advisor.”
Install and run the software.
The tool will scan your system and show you your Windows 10 license key along with other software keys.

5. Checking the Registry (Advanced)

If you’re comfortable working with the Windows Registry, you can also find your license key here:

Press Windows + R, type regedit, and hit Enter to open the Registry Editor.
Navigate to the following path:

shell HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREMicrosoftWindows NTCurrentVersion

Look for the entry labeled DigitalProductId. The value will not directly show your key; however, you can find detailed guides online on how to convert this to a readable license key.

Additional Considerations

Backup Your Key: Once you find your license key, consider backing it up in a secure location. This can help you in the event of system reinstalls or hardware changes.
Digital Licenses: Users who upgraded to Windows 10 from Windows 7 or 8 may have a digital license rather than a product key. This means you need to ensure you sign in with the same Microsoft Account for reactivating Windows 10.

In conclusion, knowing how to find your Windows 10 license key can be incredibly useful. Whether you’re upgrading your hardware or reinstalling your system, these methods will ensure that you have access to your license should you need it.