Are you reinstalling Microsoft Windows 10 or transferring and activating the Windows license to your new PC or laptop but forgetting the product key? No worries, here we will guide you on how to find Windows 10 product key using CMD and five other quick methods.
To get data about the installation key of your Windows operating system, you can use the command prompt or cmd, PowerShell, or registry editor on your system and check the product packaging. However, these methods show the original Windows product key that your PC came with, which is also known as an OEM key (Original Equipment Manufacturer key).
But if you have installed Windows on your PC with a digital license key that you have purchased from an MS Store or retailing shop, it means you are using a different product key. So, to find that Windows product key, you have to use third-party software and check your emails.
How to Find Windows 10 Product Key Using CMD?
- Type CMD in the windows search bar, right click on the command prompt option.
- Now select the run as administrator option, and then a pop-up window will appear; click on the yes button. Alternatively, press the Windows key and R key at the same time > type CMD in the search bar > tap enter to open the command prompt.
- After that, copy and paste this command into the CMD without bracket: (wmic path softwareLicensingService get OA3xOriginalProductKey)
- Once you enter this command, then the Windows 10 product key will be shown in 5-character sets.
Pro Tip: Following the mentioned above steps, you can also find your Windows 7 product key.
5 Other Methods to Find Windows 10 Product Key
Besides using the CMD method, you can also find the Windows 10 product key using the five other quicks methods that are mentioned below.
1. PowerShell
- Click Windows PowerShell (Admin) from the start menu.
- Now click on the yes button from the pop-up window to allow access.
- Copy and paste this command line into PowerShell without bracket: (PowerShell “(Get-WmiObject -query ‘select * from SoftwareLicensingService’).OA3xOriginalProductKey”).
- Once you enter this command, your system will show a 25-digit product key.
2. Windows Registry Editor
- Navigate to the registry editor from the start menu.
- In the registry editor, type Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\SoftwareProtectionPlatform in the search bar.
- You will see the key next to the BackupProductKeyDefault item.
NOTE: Keep in mind that the product key you will get from the command prompt and PowerShell are the same. But the key you will get in the Windows registry method might be different. It is because you might change the Windows version from Home to Pro or vice versa and also update Windows.
3. How to Find Windows 10 Product Key Using Third-party Software
Third-party software is the best solution for finding the product key that you have purchased from a Microsoft store or another retailer to use on your Windows operating system. Most of the third-party software displays both the OEM key and the retail or installation key. Here is a list of Windows 10 product key finder software.
- Magical Jellybean Keyfinder
- ShowKeyPlus
- BelarcAdvisor
- Product key Finder
- Winkinfinder
Follow these steps to find the Windows 10 product key on your PC or laptop.
- Install the software on your system.
- Once the software is installed, open it to find the Windows 10 product key.
4. Check the Packaging
Suppose you buy a PC or a laptop with the pre-installed Windows 10 product key. In that case, the key is probably listed on a certificate of authenticity in the paperwork, underneath the device, or behind or inside the original box. So, if you are wondering how to find the Windows 10 product key, locate it in the paperwork, underneath your laptop or PC, or behind or inside the original box.
5. Check your Mails
Suppose you have bought the Windows 10 product key via the online Microsoft Store. In that case, you can find it in the order history of your Microsoft account or in the confirmation email from Windows that you receive after you have purchased it. However, if you have purchased the key from the retailer, you will find the key in your email inbox.
FAQs
Q: Why do you need a Windows product key?
Reinstall and upgrade to a newer version of Windows and reinstall software like MS Office; you may require the Windows product key that you already used on your PC. Without it, you can’t reinstall or upgrade to a newer version of Windows and reinstall MS Office on your system.
Q: What is the difference between a digital license and a product key?
Windows Digital license or digital entitlement is an activation method that does not need you to enter a product key. You will get a digital license when you buy a Windows disc or retail copy. However, a product key is 5 sets of character codes that are used for Windows activation. The purpose of the digital license and product key are the same.
Q: Is a product key the same as a product ID?
No. The product ID is used to know the level of service you are entitled to. Meanwhile, the product key is used to pair the license with your system and confirm its validity.
Conclusion
Hope this guide helps you to know how to find Windows 10 product key using CMD, PowerShell, registry editor, third-party software, and emails. Let us know in the comment section if you have any difficulty locating the product key on your system. Also, stay up-to-date with the HitechWork to know more about Microsoft Windows and its product keys.
