Get windows product key

But if your computer is relatively new and came with Windows preinstalled, you might be wondering how to find your key — there's likely no sticker on the machine, and the computer manufacturer probably didn't include one in the box. Whether you installed and activated Windows yourself, or it came preinstalled, your product key is stored in the BIOS.

This makes it really easy if you ever want to reinstall or upgrade Windows — there's no sticker on the machine that could get damaged, and no small label to lose. Still, there are times when you might need your product key, like if you want to transfer a Windows Home or Pro license to another machine.

If you want to get your product key from Windows, the easiest way is to do that is through the Windows Command Prompt. In this case, or if you prefer a GUI, give the next method a try. Then open the KeyFinder program to see your product key:. Once you've copied your product key somewhere safe, feel free to uninstall Magical Jelly Bean KeyFinder.

Did any of these methods or programs work for you? Did you find another way to get your product key? For more Windows 11 download info, see Download Windows For more Windows 10 download info, see Download Windows If you need installation media to install or reinstall Windows, see Create installation media for Windows to learn how to create your own installation media using either a USB flash drive or a DVD.

If you need more help with activation, see Activate Windows. If you're getting an activation error, see Get help with Windows activation errors.

See Activation in Windows for more info. If you're reinstalling Windows 10 or Windows 11 due to a motherboard problem or some other hardware issue, see Reactivating Windows after a hardware change. If you're looking for product keys for Office, apps, games, and more, see Find your Microsoft downloads and product keys. Windows 11 Windows 10 Windows 8. A copy of Windows 10 or Windows 11 from an authorized retailer.

A digital copy of Windows 10 or Windows 11 from an authorized retailer. Need more help? Join the discussion. A subscription to make the most of your time. Try 1 month free. Was this information helpful? Yes No. Thank you!

It is a character code you can enter into a product key window within Windows Product keys are bound to specific Windows 10 versions, such as Windows 10 Pro, but not to images or discs. Product keys come preinstalled with new PCs Windows 10 is preinstalled on.

Product keys for disc or digital Windows 10 copies will be on packaged cards or labels, on the software boxes, or within email notifications. You can still utilize an unactivated Windows 10 without entering a product key for it. The unactivated version has a few relatively minor restrictions and will prompt you to activate it with some regularity, but you can continue utilizing it without a product key.

Furthermore, most users will no doubt prefer to remove the restrictions from unactivated Windows However, users sometimes need to reinstall Windows 10 for troubleshooting purposes. Reinstalling the platform can often fix a lot of issues. Users with preinstalled Windows 10 will also need to find out what their product keys are before reinstalling the platform.