Hi, I recently wanted to reinstall the system on my old laptop (Dell, Windows 10), but I encountered a big problem, that is, I can't find Windows 10 product key! The packaging box and the paper key card have long been lost, and the computer settings only show "Windows is activated" without a specific key.
I saw online that I can use the command prompt to check, such as wmic path softwarelicensingservice get OA3xOriginalProductKey, but after trying it, nothing is displayed at all. I guess the digital license is directly bound to the hardware, but I still want to confirm whether there is a way to retrieve the key.
Does anyone know How do I find Windows 10 product key without cmd? It would be best if it is simpler and does not require the command line! Thank you all for your suggestions!
Check out the Microsoft account and see if the product key is synced with it. Otherwise, use a dedicated app to scan the registry and list the hidden product key for you. Here is one good example:
Check out the Microsoft account and see if the product key is synced with it. Otherwise, use a dedicated app to scan the registry and list the hidden product key for you. Here is one good example:
Hey, thanks for the reminder! I tried this command before, but it didn't show anything, probably because my system is the kind that has a digital license bound to hardware. But I have a question, besides this command, is there any other more reliable way to find Windows 10 product key directly? For example, some hidden options in system settings? I really don't want to toss the command line anymore !
the product key is also available via the registry.
Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\SoftwareProtectionPlatform
As it is a OEM computer (Dell) it has the license key on BIOS
If you boot from the Win 10 installation USB drive and begin the installation, it won't even ask for the version (Home or Pro) or a key as it will read it on BIOS.
Also, any not OEM computer that has Win 10 activated, it has a so called digital license. The computer specs are stored on MS servers.
You DON'T need any key to reinstall Win 10 (skip the license when asked) and when connected to the internet it will activate.
Before you do a Windows 10 Clean Install, I suggest you make a backup of all your drivers as it may have some specific hardware from Dell.
(1) -1 SM951 – 128GB M.2 AHCI PCIe SSD drive for Win 11
(2) -1 WD SATA 3 - 1T for Data
(3) -1 WD SATA 3 - 1T for backup
(4) -1 BX500 SSD - 128G for Windows 7 and Lubuntu
PSU
Thermaltake 450W TR2 gold
Keyboard
Old and good Chicony mechanical keyboard
Mouse
Logitech mX performance - 9 buttons (had to disable some)
Internet Speed
500 Mb/s
Browser
Firefox 64
Operating System
Windows 7 Pro
Computer type
Laptop
Manufacturer/Model
Asus Q550LF
CPU
i7-4500U 800- 3000MHz
Motherboard
Asus Q550LF
Memory
(4+4)G DDR3 1600
Graphics card(s)
IG intel 4400 + NVIDIA GeForce GT 745M
Sound Card
Realtek
Monitor(s) Displays
LG Display LP156WF4-SPH1
Screen Resolution
1920 x 1080
Hard Drives
BX500 120G SSD for Windows and programs
& 1T HDD for data
(1) -1 SM951 – 128GB M.2 AHCI PCIe SSD drive for Win 11
(2) -1 WD SATA 3 - 1T for Data
(3) -1 WD SATA 3 - 1T for backup
(4) -1 BX500 SSD - 128G for Windows 7 and Lubuntu
PSU
Thermaltake 450W TR2 gold
Keyboard
Old and good Chicony mechanical keyboard
Mouse
Logitech mX performance - 9 buttons (had to disable some)
Internet Speed
500 Mb/s
Browser
Firefox 64
Operating System
Windows 7 Pro
Computer type
Laptop
Manufacturer/Model
Asus Q550LF
CPU
i7-4500U 800- 3000MHz
Motherboard
Asus Q550LF
Memory
(4+4)G DDR3 1600
Graphics card(s)
IG intel 4400 + NVIDIA GeForce GT 745M
Sound Card
Realtek
Monitor(s) Displays
LG Display LP156WF4-SPH1
Screen Resolution
1920 x 1080
Hard Drives
BX500 120G SSD for Windows and programs
& 1T HDD for data
!
