If you ever need to find your Windows 10 product key, whether for reinstallation, troubleshooting, or to transfer your license, it’s important to know where to look. The product key is a unique 25-character code used to activate Windows. Fortunately, there are several methods to retrieve it.
Methods to Find Your Windows 10 Product Key
1. Use Command Prompt
One of the simplest ways to find your Windows 10 product key is through the Command Prompt.
- Press
Windows + Xto open the Quick Access menu. - Select “Command Prompt (Admin)” or “Windows PowerShell (Admin)”.
- In the Command Prompt window, type the following command and hit Enter:
wmic path softwarelicensingservice get OA3xOriginalProductKey
- If your key is stored in your BIOS or UEFI firmware, it will be displayed. This method works primarily for OEM copies of Windows.
2. Use PowerShell
If you prefer using PowerShell, it can also uncover your product key with a similar command.
- Right-click the Start button and select “Windows PowerShell (Admin)”.
- Enter the following command:
powershell
(Get-WmiObject -query 'SELECT * FROM SoftwareLicensingService').OA3xOriginalProductKey
- Press Enter, and your product key will be displayed if stored in the system.
3. Use Third-Party Software
There are several third-party applications designed to recover product keys for installed software, including Windows 10. Programs like ProduKey or Belarc Advisor can scan your system and reveal the product key without much hassle.
- ProduKey: Download the software from the official NirSoft website. Open the tool after installation, and it will display the product keys of Microsoft products, including Windows 10.
- Belarc Advisor: This utility builds a detailed profile of your installed software and hardware, including product keys. Download it and follow the setup instructions.
4. Check Retail Packaging or Microsoft Account
If you bought Windows 10 in physical form, your product key should be on a sticker or card inside the package.
- Look for a label or card that includes the 25-character code.
If you purchased Windows 10 digitally, your product key may be listed in your Microsoft account under the “Services & Subscriptions” section.
5. Check Your Email
If you bought a digital copy of Windows 10, you might find your product key in the confirmation email you received. Search your inbox for keywords like “Windows 10” or “product key” for quick access.
Conclusion
Retrieving your Windows 10 product key can be done easily through various methods. Whether you opt for built-in tools like Command Prompt or PowerShell or choose a third-party application, it’s important to keep your product key secure for future use. Always remember to store a copy of your key in a safe place to avoid complications down the line.