Windows 10 is one of the advanced operating systems that offer smooth functioning and a good range of features. It is very crucial to activate Windows 10 with a product key or license key to enjoy all its features without any interruptions. Many users tend to lose their product key or forget where they saved it, leading to activation issues and limited access to the operating system’s features. If you are one of those users who have lost or misplaced the product key, you don’t need to worry as this article will guide you on how to find product key on Windows 10 using CMD.
Using only your Command Prompt, you will learn how to retrieve your product key with ease. It is always best to keep your product key in a safe and secure location, especially if you plan to reinstall Windows 10 or activate it on another device. Let’s get started!
Video Tutorial:
Why You Need to Find Product Key on Windows 10 Using CMD
There could be several instances where you need to retrieve the product key on Windows 10 using CMD, some of these are:
- You purchased a new PC or laptop that came with a pre-installed Windows 10 version, and you don’t have the product key.
- You recently reinstalled Windows 10, and you forgot where you saved the product key.
- You upgraded from a previous version of Windows, but your system is now asking for a product key.
- You need to activate your Windows 10 license on another device.
Whatever the reasons may be, by finding the lost product key using CMD, you can fulfill your requirement without waiting or calling Microsoft support. Here are three methods to find it out:
Method 1: Windows Registry Editor
One of the easiest ways to find the product key for Windows 10 using CMD is through the Windows Registry Editor. Following are the detailed steps:
- Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
- Type ‘regedit’ and hit Enter to open the Registry Editor.
- Once it opens, navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersion.
- Right-click on the ‘CurrentVersion’ folder and select ‘Export’ to save the registry file.
- Open the saved file using Notepad.
- Press ‘Ctrl + F’ to open the Find dialog box and search for ‘ProductKey’.
- Look for the ‘DigitalProductId’ key value. The 25-character product key will be shown in the right-hand column next to ‘Default’.
Pros:
- Can find the lost product key quickly.
- Registry editor is a built-in tool in Windows 10.
Cons:
- Involves a few complicated steps.
- The registry editor should be used with caution as any wrong changes made to it can harm your system.
Method 2: Command Prompt (CMD)
Another easy way to find the product key for Windows 10 is by using your Command Prompt. This process is also quite quick and straightforward. Here’s how to do it:
- Press the Windows key + X and select ‘Command Prompt (Admin).’
- Type the command ‘wmic path SoftwareLicensingService get OA3xOriginalProductKey’ to retrieve your product key instantly.
- The 25-character product key will be displayed in the CMD window.
Pros:
- CMD is a built-in tool in Windows 10.
- Quick and straightforward process.
Cons:
- May not work on rare occasions with some devices.
- Not the most secure way to find product keys as anyone may access your CMD window.
Method 3: Using a Third-Party Software
You can also use third-party software like ProduKey to find the product key for Windows 10. It is very user-friendly and free. Here are the detailed steps for finding the product key through this method:
- Download ProduKey from the official website.
- Extract the zip file that has been downloaded.
- Run the ProduKey.exe file and wait for the scanning process to complete.
- Once the process is over, all the installed software and their respective product keys will be displayed.
- Note down the Windows 10 product key and save it for future reference.
Pros:
- User-friendly and free of cost.
- Supports a variety of Windows versions.
Cons:
- Not a reliable option as the third-party software may be malicious.
What to Do If You Can’t Find Product Key on Windows 10 Using CMD
If you follow each method and are still unable to find the product key on Windows 10 using CMD, then don’t worry. You can always try some of these fixes:
- Check your email – If you have purchased a Windows 10 version online, you may have received the product key in your email.
- Check the product packaging – If you purchased a physical copy of Windows 10, then check the package and the labels on the box to find the product key.
- Use a key finder tool – If the above methods don’t work, you can always try a third-party key finder tool like NirSoft’s ProduKey or KeyFinder Pro.
Bonus Tip
It is always best to keep your Windows product key safe and secure. Here are a few ways to keep your product key safe:
- Use a password manager to store your product key safely.
- Take a screenshot of your product key and save it in a secure location.
- Write down your product key on a piece of paper and keep it somewhere safe.
5 FAQs about Finding Product Key on Windows 10 Using CMD
Q1: Is it legal to use third-party software to find my Windows 10 product key?
A: Yes, it is legal to use third-party software to find your Windows 10 product key as long as you use a trusted and reliable tool.
Q2: Can I reinstall Windows 10 without a product key?
A: Yes, you can reinstall Windows 10 without a product key. However, some features remain disabled until you activate your Windows 10 license.
Q3: How can I transfer my Windows 10 license to another computer?
A: You can transfer your Windows 10 license to another computer by deactivating your license on the old computer and then activating it on the new one.
Q4: Can I find my Windows 10 product key without using CMD?
A: Yes, you can find your Windows 10 product key by checking the email or product packaging, or by using third-party software like Belarc Advisor.
Q5: What should I do if my Windows 10 product key is not working?
A: Check if you are entering the correct product key and also ensure that you are using the correct activation method. If the problem persists, contact Microsoft support for further assistance.
Final Thoughts
It can be frustrating when you need to activate your Windows 10 license and find out that you can’t find your product key. However, by following the above methods and tips, you can retrieve your product key easily and activate your Windows 10 license promptly. We hope this article has been helpful to you.
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