How to Get Product Key from Windows 10: Simple Methods Explained

Have you ever needed to reinstall Windows 10 or activate it on another PC, only to realize you’ve misplaced your product key? Don’t worry—you’re not alone.

Your Windows 10 product key is essential for activation, verifying that your copy of Windows is genuine. Without it, you can’t activate Windows after a reinstall or major hardware change.

In this detailed, step-by-step guide, we’ll show you how to get your Windows 10 product key using several simple methods—whether it’s stored in your system, BIOS, or Microsoft account.

Let’s dive right in!

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💡 What Is a Windows 10 Product Key?

A Windows 10 product key is a 25-character alphanumeric code that looks something like this:

It’s a unique license identifier that confirms your copy of Windows is genuine.
You usually get it when:

• You purchase a physical copy of Windows.

• You buy a digital license from Microsoft.

• Windows 10 came pre-installed on your device.

This key links your operating system to your Microsoft account or hardware.

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🧭 Why You Might Need Your Product Key

There are several reasons why knowing your product key comes in handy:

So let’s look at the easiest ways to find your Windows 10 product key—whether stored in software, firmware, or your Microsoft account.

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⚙️ Method 1: Find Product Key Using Command Prompt

This is one of the quickest and most effective ways to find your Windows 10 product key.

🪄 Step-by-Step:

1. Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog.

2. Type:

   cmd


   and press Ctrl + Shift + Enter to run it as administrator.

3. In Command Prompt, type this command:

   wmic path softwarelicensingservice get OA3xOriginalProductKey


4. Press Enter.

If your key is stored in your system BIOS or UEFI, it will appear on screen.

💡 Tip: If no key is displayed, it means your PC might be using a digital license instead of a traditional product key.

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💻 Method 2: Find Product Key Using PowerShell

PowerShell offers another fast method.

🧩 Steps:

1. Right-click on the Start menu and select Windows PowerShell (Admin).

2. Type or paste this command:

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


3. Press Enter.

Your product key will be displayed right below the command.

This command works for both OEM and retail licenses, as long as the key is stored in your system firmware.

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🧾 Method 3: Check Product Key in Windows Registry (Advanced)

You can also retrieve your Windows 10 product key directly from the Registry Editor.

⚠️ Warning:

Be careful not to modify anything in the registry—you just need to view it.

Steps:

1. Press Windows + R, type regedit, and press Enter.

2. Navigate to this path:

   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\SoftwareProtectionPlatform


3. Look for BackupProductKeyDefault on the right panel.

If available, the value next to it is your product key.

📝 Note: Not all systems store the product key here—especially if they use a digital license.

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🧰 Method 4: Find Product Key via Windows Settings (for Linked Licenses)

If you purchased Windows 10 from the Microsoft Store or linked it to your Microsoft account, the product key is stored online as a digital license.

Here’s how to check:

1. Open Settings → Update & Security → Activation.

2. Under Activation, check the message:

   • If you see “Windows is activated with a digital license linked to your Microsoft account,”
     ➜ You don’t need a key; your license activates automatically when you sign in.

✅ This is the most common method for modern Windows 10 installations.

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📦 Method 5: Check Your Product Key on a Physical Sticker

If you bought a prebuilt PC or laptop, your product key might be printed on a sticker.

Where to Look:

• On the bottom of your laptop.

• Inside the battery compartment.

• On the back or side panel of a desktop tower.

• Inside the original Windows DVD case or COA (Certificate of Authenticity) sticker.

🔎 Example label:
Windows 10 Home OA
XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX

Keep this safe—it’s proof of ownership.

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🧾 Method 6: Retrieve Product Key from BIOS/UEFI (Embedded Key)

Most modern PCs (especially OEM systems like Dell, HP, or Lenovo) store the product key in their BIOS/UEFI firmware.

This means Windows 10 automatically detects and activates it after installation.

To check it:

Use the Command Prompt method from earlier:

If your key is stored in BIOS, it will show here.

Otherwise, you can use a third-party tool (see next method).

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🧮 Method 7: Use Third-Party Tools (Safe Options)

If you prefer a graphical interface, third-party tools can make finding your key even easier.

✅ Recommended Tools:

⚠️ Always download from the official websites to avoid fake or malicious versions.

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🧠 Method 8: Find Product Key in Your Microsoft Account (Digital License)

If you upgraded to Windows 10 from Windows 7 or 8, or purchased it digitally, your key may be linked to your Microsoft account.

Steps:

1. Visit account.microsoft.com.

2. Sign in with the same Microsoft account you use on your Windows 10 PC.

3. Click Devices → select your PC.

4. Check Windows activation status.

If it says “Windows is activated with a digital license linked to your Microsoft account”, you don’t need to re-enter a product key.

🧩 Your Microsoft account becomes your “license holder.”

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🧱 Method 9: Find Product Key from Original Purchase Confirmation (Digital Copy)

If you purchased Windows 10 online (e.g., from the Microsoft Store or Amazon), your key will appear in the purchase confirmation email or order history.

📧 Where to Find:

• Microsoft Store Email: Look for “Here’s your Windows 10 product key.”

• Microsoft Store Order History:

  1. Go to account.microsoft.com/billing/orders

  2. Sign in → Find your Windows 10 purchase → Select View product key.

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🧩 Understanding Different Types of Windows 10 Product Keys

Knowing your key type helps you understand whether you can reuse it after reinstalling or upgrading hardware.

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⚡ Bonus: Use a Simple VBScript to Find Product Key

If you like automation, you can create a quick VBScript to display your product key.

Steps:

1. Open Notepad.

2. Paste this script:

   Set WshShell = CreateObject("WScript.Shell")
   MsgBox ConvertToKey(WshShell.RegRead("HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\DigitalProductId"))

   Function ConvertToKey(Key)
Const KeyOffset = 52
i = 28
Chars = "BCDFGHJKMPQRTVWXY2346789"
Do
Cur = 0
x = 14
Do
Cur = Cur * 256
Cur = Key(x + KeyOffset) + Cur
Key(x + KeyOffset) = (Cur \ 24) And 255
Cur = Cur Mod 24
x = x - 1
Loop While x >= 0
i = i - 1
KeyOutput = Mid(Chars, Cur + 1, 1) & KeyOutput
If (((29 - i) Mod 6) = 0) And (i <> -1) Then
i = i - 1
KeyOutput = "-" & KeyOutput
End If
Loop While i >= 0
ConvertToKey = KeyOutput
End Function


3. Save the file as GetProductKey.vbs.

4. Double-click it to run — a popup will display your Windows 10 product key.

⚠️ Some digital licenses may not show here if they’re stored online.

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🧯 Troubleshooting: Why Can’t I Find My Product Key?

If none of the methods work, here are possible reasons:

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🧠 Expert Tip: Link Your Product Key to Microsoft Account

To avoid future activation issues, link your license to your Microsoft account.

Steps:

1. Open Settings → Update & Security → Activation.

2. If it says “Windows is activated with a digital license,” click Add an account.

3. Sign in with your Microsoft account.

Now, your license will automatically reactivate even after reinstalling Windows or changing hardware.

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🔐 Bonus: How to Check If Windows 10 Is Activated

To confirm your activation status:

1. Press Windows + I → Settings → Update & Security → Activation.

2. Look for one of the following:

   • ✅ Windows is activated with a digital license.

   • ✅ Windows is activated with a digital license linked to your Microsoft account.

   • ❌ Windows is not activated → You’ll need your product key.

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🧭 Key Takeaways

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✅ Conclusion

Finding your Windows 10 product key isn’t as difficult as it might seem. Whether it’s stored in your BIOS, linked to your Microsoft account, or printed on a sticker, you now know all the simple ways to locate it.

To recap:

• Use Command Prompt or PowerShell for quick retrieval.

• Check Windows Settings for digital licenses.

• Use third-party tools like ProduKey or ShowKeyPlus if needed.

• And don’t forget to link your license to your Microsoft account for seamless reactivation.

With your product key safe, you can reinstall or upgrade Windows 10 anytime without worrying about activation.

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💬 FAQs About Getting a Product Key from Windows 10

1. Can I find my Windows 10 product key without software?

Yes, use Command Prompt or PowerShell commands like:

This works if the key is stored in BIOS.

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2. What if my computer says I have a digital license?

You don’t need a product key — Windows 10 activates automatically when you sign in with your Microsoft account.

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3. Are third-party product key finders safe?

Yes, if downloaded from official websites (e.g., NirSoft, ShowKeyPlus). Avoid unofficial sites.

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4. Can I reuse my Windows 10 product key on another computer?

If it’s a Retail key, yes. OEM or Volume keys are tied to the original hardware.

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5. How do I back up my Windows 10 product key?

Save it in a text file, email it to yourself, or store it in your Microsoft account for easy access later.