Windows 10 Product Key: How to track it down when one needs it
Some friends (non-techie type) were having some trouble recently, thanks to Microsoft's fourth patch Tuesday of 2021. To help them, I put together some notes. Formalizing the content a bit, I decided to publish this two-minute read if someone else is having trouble with the current Patch update from Microsoft.
In theory, Microsoft has made it easy to find Windows 10 license. However, when the product activation key is not working, it may be necessary to track it down. A product key is an essential asset if transferring a license to a new computer or possibly doing a new install. One should store Product Keys in an encrypted file with a Cloud provider that offers redundant storage.
Locate a Windows 10 Product Key
First, let us start with a purchased Windows product key or license as it is officially known. One can purchase Windows 10 as a digital download or a full packaged product at a retailer. When buying a new license, take a picture of the product key and related information. Please put it in One Drive, Google Photos, or another easily accessible cloud storage. Do not be afraid of the Cloud. It is just someone else's computer.
Look for the key and see if it is Activated
First, click on the Search Icon (next to the Windows Checker Board Icon) and type in Settings. Click on the Settings Icon. In the settings app on the sider, click Activation. Hopefully, you see a Product ID and an indication it is activated. The following are some other options.
On a New Computer: Find the Windows 10 Product Key
Windows 10 has the product key on a new computer is found in the firmware. One can retrieve it by following the three steps listed:
1. Press Windows key + X
2. Click Command Prompt (Admin)
3. command prompt, type:
wmic path SoftwareLicensingService get OA3xOriginalProductKey
The key should display.
Using third-party solutions to find a Windows 10 product key
Another option to find a Win 10 product key (along with building a complete software and hardware profile) is using third-party software. Belarc Advisor can do nicely here. The application can be downloaded for free: https://www.belarc.com/products_belarc_advisor.
Once installed, just click and run. Belarc will provide a decent profile of the current state of the subject machine.
Use Chat or Live Person Microsoft on Windows 10 Activation
You might have trouble reactivating the software after reinstalling Windows 10 or doing a license transfer. Several options are available for contacting Microsoft for assistance: First Msft Chat https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/home/expcontact?AppVer=smcexp1&ContactUsExperienceEntryPointAssetId=Google * Type 80 characters or less and click the "Get Help" button.
1. Press Windows key + R
2. Type: slui.exe 4 then hit Enter
3. Select the current country from the list-menu
4. choose the option phone activation the wait for an agent to assist.
Transferring Windows 10 Pro Pack Key to a New Computer
1. Open Settings > Update & security > Activation > Troubleshooter.
2. Sign in with the Microsoft Account used to purchase the Pro Pack license.
3. After troubleshooting, Windows 10 will indicate a digital license for Windows 10 Pro.
4. Now click Activate Windows and follow the steps listed.
Use Chat or Live Person Microsoft on Windows 10 Activation
Also, one may prefer speaking to a live person:
1. Press Windows key + R
2. Type: slui.exe 4 then hit Enter
3. Select country from the list-menu
4. choose the option phone activation, then wait for an agent to assist.
Summary
Doing a clean install or transferring a license and user accounts to a device is not what most people would consider fun times or living the Dream; unless you are a real tech geek (I'll claim that one ) who does Windows (and Linux) Builds for fun.
Fortunately, only once in a great while will you need to access or use your Windows 10 Product Key; but knowing some way to access it can reduce those stressful times the issue arises.