Where to find your Windows 10 license key on your computer

Your Windows 10 license key is stored on your computer, but Windows does not show it to you in an obvious place. The key is embedded in your system firmware (called the BIOS or UEFI) if you bought a new computer with Windows pre-installed, or it was recorded when you first activated Windows if you installed it yourself. You can retrieve it using built-in Windows tools or free third-party programs.

The fastest method is using PowerShell, which is a command-line tool built into Windows. This takes about two minutes and requires no downloads. If you prefer a visual interface, you can also use the Settings app or a free utility program that displays the key in a window.

Key Takeaways

  • Your license key is stored in your computer's firmware or Windows activation records, not printed anywhere you can see it without running a tool.
  • PowerShell is the fastest built-in method and works on any Windows 10 computer without downloading anything.
  • The Settings app shows your activation status but not the actual key itself.
  • Third-party programs like Nirsoft's ProduKey or Belarc Advisor display your key in a readable format if you prefer not to use PowerShell.
  • If you cannot find your key, contact the retailer or manufacturer who sold you Windows or your computer.

Retrieve your key using PowerShell

Open PowerShell as an administrator. Click the Windows Start button, type powershell, right-click "Windows PowerShell" in the results, and select "Run as administrator." A dark window will open.

Copy this entire command and paste it into the PowerShell window, then press Enter:

powershell "(Get-WmiObject -query 'select * from SoftwareLicensingService').OA3xOriginalProductKey"

Your license key will appear as a 25-character code with hyphens (for example: XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX). Write it down or take a screenshot. This is your actual Windows 10 product key. If nothing appears, your computer may be using a digital license tied to your Microsoft account instead of a traditional key.

Check your activation status in Settings

Open the Settings app by pressing the Windows key and typing settings, then press Enter. Click "Update & Security" on the left side, then click "Activation."

This screen shows whether Windows is activated and which type of license you have. You will see either "Windows is activated with a digital license" or "Windows is activated with a product key." A digital license is tied to your Microsoft account and your computer's hardware; a product key is a 25-character code you can use on different computers. The Settings app does not display the actual key itself — use PowerShell for that.

Use a third-party program to view your key

If you do not want to use PowerShell, download a free utility program that displays your license key in a window. Nirsoft's ProduKey and Belarc Advisor are both free and do not require installation.

To use ProduKey: Go to nirsoft.net, search for "ProduKey," download the executable file, and run it. Your Windows key will appear in the list under "Windows" or "Office." To use Belarc Advisor: Go to belarc.com, download the program, run it, and your Windows key will appear in the "Software" section of the report that opens in your browser. Both programs scan your computer and display license keys for Windows and other software in one place.

What to do if you have a digital license instead of a product key

If the PowerShell command returns nothing or your Settings screen says "digital license," your Windows 10 is tied to your Microsoft account rather than a traditional product key. This is common on newer computers and is just as valid as a product key. You do not need to find a key — your license is stored in Microsoft's servers and linked to your hardware.

If you need to reinstall Windows on this computer, sign in with the same Microsoft account you used when you first set up Windows, and it will reactivate automatically. If you want to move Windows to a different computer, contact Microsoft Support, as digital licenses are tied to your specific hardware.

Locate your key if you installed Windows yourself

If you purchased Windows 10 as a standalone product and installed it yourself, your license key should be in your email confirmation from the retailer (Microsoft Store, Amazon, Best Buy, or another vendor). Search your email for "product key" or "license key" and the retailer's name.

If you bought a physical copy, the key is printed on a card or sticker inside the box. Check any documentation that came with your Windows installation media. If you cannot find it, contact the retailer with your order number — they can resend the key to your email address.

What to do if you cannot find your key

If PowerShell returns nothing, the Settings app shows an error, and you have no email confirmation or physical documentation, your best option is to contact the person or company who sold you Windows. If you bought a new computer with Windows pre-installed, contact the manufacturer (Dell, HP, Lenovo, etc.) with your computer's serial number. If you bought Windows directly, contact Microsoft Support through their website.

Have your computer's serial number and proof of purchase ready when you contact them. They can verify that Windows is registered to you and provide the key or help you reactivate. If Windows is not activated and you cannot recover the key, you may need to purchase a new license.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does PowerShell show nothing when I run the command?

This usually means your computer is using a digital license tied to your Microsoft account instead of a traditional product key. Check your Settings app under Update & Security > Activation to confirm. Digital licenses are valid and do not require a key to reinstall Windows — just sign in with your Microsoft account during reinstallation.

Can I use the same license key on multiple computers?

No. A Windows 10 license key is tied to one computer at a time. If you move the key to a different computer, it will deactivate on the first one. If you need Windows on multiple computers, you need separate licenses for each.

Is it safe to share my license key with someone else?

No. Your license key is personal to you and your computer. Sharing it violates Microsoft's terms of service and can result in your copy of Windows being deactivated. Keep your key private.

What if I lost my product key and cannot find it anywhere?

Contact the retailer or manufacturer who sold you Windows with your proof of purchase and computer serial number. They can verify your license and provide a replacement key. If you cannot locate proof of purchase, you may need to purchase a new Windows license.

Do I need my license key to reinstall Windows 10?

Not always. If you have a digital license, Windows will reactivate automatically when you sign in with your Microsoft account. If you have a product key, you will need to enter it during reinstallation. Either way, you can download Windows 10 installation media for free from Microsoft's website.