Your product key is a 25-character code that proves you own Windows 10, and Windows stores it in a few places depending on how you installed it

If you bought Windows 10 as a standalone product, the key came on a card or in an email. If your computer came with Windows 10 pre-installed, the key is embedded in your hardware and linked to your device. Either way, you can retrieve it from your system without calling Microsoft or paying for recovery software.

The method depends on whether your key is stored in Windows itself or in your BIOS (the firmware that runs before Windows starts). Most people will find it in Windows using built-in tools. A smaller number — usually those with pre-installed copies — will need to check the BIOS instead.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows 10 stores your product key in the system registry, and you can view it using PowerShell or third-party tools without needing administrator permission.
  • If you bought Windows 10 as a physical product, your key is also printed on the packaging or card it came in.
  • Pre-installed copies of Windows 10 store the key in your computer's BIOS or firmware, not in Windows itself, and require a different retrieval method.
  • Microsoft's Settings app shows whether your copy is activated but does not display the actual product key.

Check the Settings app first — it tells you if your key is embedded in hardware

Open Settings by pressing Windows key + I. Go to System, then About. Look for the line that says "Windows activation". If it shows "Windows is activated with a digital license linked to your Microsoft account" or "linked to your device hardware", your key is embedded in your BIOS and you do not need to find it — Windows will reactivate automatically if you reinstall.

If it shows "Windows is activated with a product key", the key is stored in your registry and you can retrieve it using the methods below. If it shows "Windows is not activated", you either need to enter a key or contact the person or company you bought it from.

Use PowerShell to view your product key from the registry

Right-click the Start menu and select Windows PowerShell (Admin) or Terminal (Admin) depending on your Windows version. Paste this command and press Enter:

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

A 25-character code will appear. This is your product key. Write it down or take a screenshot. If nothing appears or you see an error, your key is embedded in hardware and stored in your BIOS — move to the next section.

This method works on any Windows 10 installation and does not require you to know your administrator password, though you do need to run PowerShell as admin.

Retrieve a hardware-embedded key from your BIOS or firmware

If the PowerShell command returned nothing, or if your Settings app showed a digital license, your key is in your BIOS. You cannot view it the way you view a registry key, but you do not need to — Windows will recognize it automatically when you reinstall.

If you absolutely need the key in text form for documentation or licensing purposes, contact the manufacturer of your computer (Dell, HP, Lenovo, etc.) with your serial number. They can sometimes provide it, though policies vary. Your serial number is printed on the bottom or back of your computer, or you can find it in Settings under System > About > Device name info > System.

Check your original purchase receipt or email

If you bought Windows 10 as a standalone product between 2015 and 2021, the key came either printed on a card in the box or sent to your email address. Check your email for messages from Microsoft or the retailer you bought from. Search for "Windows 10" or "product key".

If you have the physical packaging, the key is printed on a card inside or on the back of the box. The format is always five groups of five characters separated by hyphens, like XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX.

Use a third-party tool if you prefer a graphical interface

If you find PowerShell difficult, tools like Belarc Advisor or Speccy can display your product key in a window. Download Belarc Advisor from belarc.com, run the installer, and open the program. Your product key appears under "Software Licenses" in the report that opens in your browser.

These tools read the same registry location that PowerShell accesses, so they will show the same result. They are not necessary — PowerShell is built into Windows and does the same job — but some people find them easier to use. Do not pay for a product key recovery tool; the free versions work just as well.

What to do if you cannot find your key

If you bought Windows 10 and cannot locate the key anywhere, contact the retailer or reseller you bought it from. If you bought it directly from Microsoft, sign into your Microsoft account at account.microsoft.com and look for "Services & subscriptions" or "Digital content". Your Windows 10 key should be listed there if it was tied to your account.

If you inherited the computer or bought it used, the original owner may have the key. If the computer came with Windows 10 pre-installed and you have lost the documentation, you do not need the key — your hardware-embedded license will work as long as you are using the same computer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use the same product key on two computers?

No. Each Windows 10 product key is licensed for one device only. If you try to activate a second computer with the same key, the first one will show as not activated. If you need Windows on multiple computers, you need multiple keys or a volume licensing agreement.

What if I see a key but it does not work when I try to activate Windows?

The key may have already been used on another device, or it may be a volume license key that is not valid for retail activation. Try activating through Settings > System > About > Troubleshoot. If that fails, contact the person or company you bought it from with proof of purchase.

Do I need my product key if I reinstall Windows 10 on the same computer?

If your copy is a digital license linked to your hardware or Microsoft account, no — Windows will reactivate automatically during reinstall. If you have a product key stored in the registry, Windows will usually find it automatically, but having it written down is helpful in case something goes wrong.

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

No. Your product key is like a password for your Windows license. Sharing it lets someone else activate Windows on their device using your license, which violates the terms of service and may cause both copies to show as not activated.