How To Find Your Product Keys of The Windows 10
How To Find Your Product Keys Of Windows 10
If you’re running Windows 10 on your PC, whether you built it or you bought it, you’ll have a product key attached to it. Or rather, you will have assuming you’re running an already activated version of Windows 10.
In the old days, the product key was crucial for installation and reinstalling of Windows on your PC, but Windows 10 is a little easier to deal with. You won’t be stopped from doing a clean installation of Windows 10 without any product key, and in some cases, you might not have to enter it at all.
Why You Need a Windows 10 Product Key
These days, it’s no longer necessary to have a Windows 10 product key to install the operating system on a PC. You can add it during the installation process, but you can just as easily later do so.
A Windows 10 product key is necessary to activate your copy of Windows 10 and to gain unrestricted access to its features. It’s possible to continue making use of your PC with an unactivated copy but you will miss out on a number of different features and, crucially, important updates.
It’ll also nag you from time to time as a reminder that you’re using an unactivated copy of Windows 10.
Where To Find The Windows 10 Product Key For Copies You Purchased
If you need to purchase a copy of Windows 10, you’ll then be given a key either for you to enter manually or that will automatically be applied to your Microsoft Account. If you buy directly through the Microsoft Store on your PC, the latter will apply.
If you buy through an authorized reseller, either through digital or receiving a physical box, you will be provided a copy of the product key which you will need to enter manually. It’s a good idea to keep this safe in case you ever need it, but if it is misplaced, all is not lost.
How To Find The Product Key Of Your Windows 10 On Your PC
This isn’t a well-advertised feature, but it is still possible to locate the Windows 10 product key from your PC.
It will only take a few minutes and the only pre-requisite is you’re comfortable using the Command Prompt.
1. Check If Windows 10 is Activated
A. The first stage is to check if your copy of Windows 10 is activated. If it is, you’ll be able to find your product key. If it isn’t you’ll need to purchase one.
B. Open the ‘Settings’ app on your PC and then select the ‘Update & Security.’ Next, click ‘Activation’ in the sidebar.
C. You’ll now see a message telling you whether Windows 10 is activated and if it’s with a digital license or it is with a digital license linked to your Microsoft Account.
2. How To Find Your Product Key
A. The first step is to open the Command Prompt with administrator rights. In Windows search type 'Command Prompt' and when it appears, just right-click and select 'Run as Administrator'. Click ‘Yes’ at the message box that will pop up and the Command Prompt window will open.
B. Alternatively, you can use the Windows PowerShell. Open this by right-clicking on the Start Menu and choosing 'Windows Powershell (Administration)'.
C. Now you’ll have to enter the necessary command to see your Windows 10 product key. Note that it is case-sensitive, so you’ll have to copy it exactly as below:
"wmic path SoftwareLicensingService get OA3xOriginalProductKey"
D. Press ‘Enter’ and you’ll now see the product key display in front of you.
Summary
There are only a few times that you may ever need your Windows 10 product key, but it’s an important thing to have with you.
Fortunately, even if you have a key physically and you lose it, all hope is not lost you can always dive into your PC and see what it is.
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