Editor's note: Microsoft no longer sells Windows 10 and its support will end on October 14, 2025. However, you can still buy Windows 10 from some third-party retailers.
Finding the Windows 10 product key may seem like a scavenger hunt. It's often hidden in a hard-to-reach sticker on your computer hardware or hidden in the packaging of a physical copy, assuming you haven't already thrown away the box.
However, before you reach into a closet or behind your desk looking for a 25-digit alphanumeric code in small print on the back of your PC, there are less strenuous ways to track down your Windows 10 product key.
This tutorial shows you how to find your Windows 10 product key using the power of the operating system. We've also published tips on how to find your product key in Windows 11.
How to find your Windows 10 product key
The success of any of these methods depends largely on how your PC was activated. If you activated Windows 10 by upgrading from a valid installation of Windows 7 or 8 or with your recent computer purchase, you'll probably find the product key with most of these methods. However, if your PC was activated as part of an organization's licensing agreement, finding a product key may be more problematic.
1. Command Prompt
The most direct method to find your Windows 10 product key is from the command line.
- Guy
cmdin the Windows 10 desktop search box. - Then right click on the command line output.
- Select run as administrator from the context menu.
- Type this command when prompted:
wmic path softwareLicensingService get OA3xOriginalProductKey
As shown in the image below, the command will display your current Windows 10 product key.
2.PowerShell
If you are using Windows 10 PowerShell, the process is similar:
- Right click on the Start Menu button.
- Select Windows PowerShell (Administrator) from the context menu.
- Type this command when prompted to reveal the product key.
powershell "(Get-WmiObject -query 'select * from SoftwareLicensingService').OA3xOriginalProductKey"
3. Log File
The product key is stored in the Windows 10 registry file, so it's possible to find the code there if you know the correct key. To do it:
- Guy
regeditin the Windows 10 desktop search and select the appropriate item in the results. - Navigate to this key:
ComputerHKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREMicrosoftWindows NTCurrentVersionSoftwareProtectionPlatform
As you can see below, the BackupProductKeyDefault key will reveal a valid Windows 10 product key.
Note: In my case, the Windows 10 product key displayed in both the Command Prompt and PowerShell methods is the same; In the registration example, the product key is different. The best explanation I can suggest is that because I upgraded from Home to Pro on the example PC, the product key shown is for the upgrade to Pro or vice versa. If you have a better solution, please let us know.
SEE: Windows 10 and 11 in S mode: What is it and should you use it?
Other ways to find your Windows 10 product key
Third-party vendors offer apps that can also locate and display your Windows 10 product key. These apps essentially do the same thing we did here, but introduce someone else's programming and potential security issues.
Additionally, if you purchased Windows 10 from the Microsoft Store, your product key information is available in your account order history.
Is the Windows 10 product key linked to my hardware?
If you purchased a device with an OEM key, such as a Dell or Lenovo laptop, the Windows 10 product key may be linked to your hardware. However, if you purchased a digital copy of Windows, you can transfer the license to another computer.
What should I do if I lose my product key after purchasing Windows 10?
According to Microsoft, if none of the methods listed here work, you may be able to contact your device manufacturer to find the product key. However, this is likely only possible if your device is still under warranty. You may need to purchase a new retail license if all else fails.
Can I transfer my Windows 10 license to another computer?
Yes. Just keep in mind that Windows 10 licenses are designed to be used on one computer at a time.
