Where to find out the key for your Windows 10. Incorrect product key
Manufacturers of modern laptops and computers are actively abandoning disk drives, since any program or game can be downloaded from the Internet, and the presence of a drive only makes the PC more expensive for the end buyer. At the same time, users who are accustomed to receiving a disk with Windows and a license key included with their computer find it difficult to reinstall operating system. While Windows itself can be installed from a flash drive, license key it will still be required of him. In this case, users have a question: how to find out the key Windows product, which was pre-installed on a laptop (desktop computer), or was installed later from a disk that is not available in this moment? This can be done quite easily, both using Windows tools and using third party programs.
When asking yourself the question of determining the license key of the operating system running on your computer, you should understand such concepts as Installed Key and OEM Key. Essentially, they are both Windows license keys, but there are some differences between them. The way they are determined also differs.
Installed Key is the installation key of the operating system running on the computer. It can be detected on those laptops and desktop computers on which Windows was installed by users themselves from a disk or as a digital copy purchased via the Internet and activated.
The OEM Key is the license key for the version of Windows that was originally installed on the computer. The OEM key information is hardwired into the laptop motherboard or desktop computer, and it cannot be changed.
Thus, if the operating system was installed on the computer at the time of purchase Windows system 8, which was later upgraded to Windows 10, the OEM and Installed key information will be different. At the same time, wanting to install on new computer Windows 8, you will need to enter the OEM key - only it will work with this version of the operating system. Installed Key is suitable if you want to install Windows 10.
Attention: You can use the existing OEM or Installed key only for the version of the operating system that is installed on the computer. You cannot enter the key for the Basic version of Windows 10 for the Professional build.
How to find out the Windows 10 key using the operating system?
On any computer, with administrator rights, you can find out the license without third-party programs and applications Windows key 10. In this case, the procedures are different in the case of determining OEM and Installed keys.
Finding out the license key of the operating system that is “hardwired” into the computer’s motherboard is very simple if you know the command that is specifically provided for this in Windows 10. To determine the OEM key, do the following:
The OEM-issued key can be used to reinstall the version of the operating system that was originally installed on the computer.
Using one command, it is not possible to determine the Installed Key, and it is hidden a little deeper in the Windows operating system. But if you wish, you can get information about the Windows license key without installing third-party applications on your computer. To do this you need to do the following:
- Run empty standard Windows notepad, which can be found in the following path: “Start” - “All applications” - “ Standard Windows" - "Notebook".
- IN open program text editor copy the following code:
Please note that the Installed Key is displayed in the “Product Key” item. Also, following the steps described above allows you to find out some details about the operating system used on the computer.
How to find out Windows keys using third-party programs?
From the instructions above you can see that finding out the OEM Key Windows is very simple, but “getting” to the Installed Key is much more difficult, and the procedure for detecting it using Windows tools takes a lot of time. If you don’t want to do it, you can install third party application, which will independently detect information about the OEM Key and Installed Key on the computer, and then give it to the PC administrator.
One of the simplest and convenient programs ShowKeyPlus is considered to determine the Windows key. It can be downloaded from the official website of the developers absolutely free. At the same time, the program not only shows information about the license keys of the version of Windows used, but also allows users to save the received information in a txt document. 
Each licensed copy of the Windows 10 operating system has a unique key that indicates activation installed version. The key consists of 25 characters, including English letters and numbers. Without this code and entering it into the system, your OS will be available within 30 days from the date of installation. After this, the computer will remind you of the need to activate, and after a while it will stop booting altogether. Below you can read about how to find out the Windows 10 product key, what types of keys there are and what they are needed for.
There are two types of operating system serial numbers:
- OEM key – “sewn” into memory motherboard by default, since the OS was installed by the manufacturer;
- Product Key. This key applies to the installed digital version of the product.
Due to the differences between the two types of serial numbers, confusion can sometimes arise. For example, if you uninstall the pre-installed copy of the OS and then install your own version, the OEM and Product keys will not match.
Why do you need a key?
Before the release of the “ten,” Microsoft developers used a simpler method to determine a unique code. The serial number for the pre-installed version of the operating system was always located on a sticker with reverse side laptop or PC case. WITH the advent of Windows 10 and the distribution of digital versions, it was decided to abandon this idea.
Now the owners of the “ten” have to use non-trivial solutions to determine serial key. You will need the number if you decide to reinstall a licensed copy of the OS on your computer. Using pirated version this operation is not required, since activation is carried out using special program. You can also purchase a Windows 10 license through the official Microsoft website.
How to check if Windows 10 is activated?
Before searching for the key in the system, check that your copy is activated. It's very easy to do. To resolve the issue, follow these steps:
- Right click on the shortcut "This computer" on the desktop and context menu select item.
- In the window that opens, you will see information about your system (technical data, performance rating, etc.). In the subsection "ActivationWindows" there should be an inscription: "ActivationWindows done", as shown in the screenshot:
You can open the same window using the keyboard shortcut Win + Pause/Break
Now you know how to check whether the installed copy of the OS is activated. Now you can start searching for a license key for your Windows 10.
Where can I find my Windows 10 key?
You can find the activation key standard means OS and third party programs. Let's look at all the methods in more detail:
- VBS script;
- extended command line (PowerShell);
- ProduKey program;
- ShowKeyPlus;
- extract from UEFI;
- applications for collecting system data.
Finding the key through scripts
This method considers finding a license key with using Visual Basic Script. It differs from the regular command line in that the result of the script is visualized in a separate window. You can download the script from . If you encounter any difficulties with the download, do not worry - you can create such a script yourself.
First you need to create a document in Notepad with the following. Then save the file to any location on your computer with .vbs resolution and any name on English language. To change the extension you must first save Text Document, and then change the resolution using the rename function. Next, you need to launch the file by simply clicking on it. The system should show the OEM key on the desktop in a separate window, as shown in the screenshot. Click OK and you will see more detailed information about the installed version of the operating system:
The method works for 32-bit and 64-bit systems, as well as for all versions of Windows 10, including Home and Pro.
PowerShell
The second way to obtain a key using the built-in functionality is to use the PowerShell command line, which is only available on Windows 10 (x64). With its help you will receive information about the Product Key, that is, the current OS version number.
- Launch Notepad and copy the text from . After that, save the file to any folder with the extension .ps. Now you need to run PowerShell as an administrator. To do this, go to the search and enter the name in English (1). Now right-click on the icon and select from the menu "Run as administrator" (3).
- In the command prompt window, enter the command Set-ExecutionPolicy RemoteSigned and press Enter on your keyboard. Next, you need to specify the path to the file with the extension .ps1. If you saved it directly to your desktop, the command will look like this:
The Installed Key line will indicate the 25-digit code of your operating system. You can save it in a separate text file. Now let's figure out where to check serial number to the OEM version of the OS.
We take out the key from UEFI
This method will allow you to find the OEM Key.
- First, open the command line as an administrator:
At the command prompt, enter the combination and press Enter.
The same action can be performed via PowerShell. Open PowerShell again using the method described earlier and enter the command ( Get-WmiObject -query "select * from SoftwareLicensingService").
Now you know how to check your license using the built-in operating system tools. Let's move on to third-party tools.
ProduKey
To install the program, go to
Other applications
If you want to receive information not only about the OS license, but also about the entire PC, you can use one of the following programs:
- AIDA 64;
- Everest;
- SIW and the like.
Software in this category allows you to find out everything about the software and hardware installed in your computer. The information also includes serial numbers. Finding them is not that difficult.
For example, let's take the program. On the main screen, tap the button OperatingSystem(1). On the right side of the program you will see SerialNumber(2). In a similar way, you can find the serial number through the other programs listed above.
conclusions
There are numerous ways to find the Product Key or OEM Key of an installed operating system. The article describes everything so that the user can use it by choosing the method independently. If a method doesn’t work for you or you don’t understand the procedure for performing it, just move on to another! The easiest way is to use automated software such as ProduKey and others. More experienced users can easily cope with scripts and command line(PowerShell).
Video instruction
Many users are interested in how to view the Windows 10 product license key. This feature is actually present directly in the operating system. To view the key you can use it as a third party software, and use the built-in tools. For beginners, it will actually be easier to download a small utility that allows you to find out the license keys.
This article contains best ways, allowing you to find out the Windows 10 license key. Current methods may show different license keys. And all because the license key is saved not only in the operating system, but also in the UEFI interface. The second option often refers to the pre-installed operating systems on modern laptops. And now it’s possible to link a license key to .
Method 1: View Windows 10 key using PowerShell
Let's try to find out the product key without using third-party programs. This method Suitable for Windows 8.1 and Windows 10 operating systems. Before doing this, we recommend. Since then you will need to change the built-in ones yourself, change the file extension.
Method 2. How to view the activation key in Windows 10 using a script
This one is simpler and more convenient compared to the previous one. Since it does not require executing many commands in the updated Windows shell PowerShell. The user simply needs to run a small script, which actually displays the key used.
- Copy the script text into notepad and change the file extension .txt on .vbs to get the W10Key.vbs file or download the archive with the finished script
2. If you saved the file, just run it; if you downloaded it, unzip it and run it, and you will see your Windows 10 product key.
Method 3. View the key using the ProduKey program
ProduKey shows not only the license key of the operating system, but also the keys of the installed software. You can easily find out your product keys office suite programs from Microsoft.
Method 4. Find out the Windows 10 activation key using the ShowKeyPlus program
- Download the ShowKeyPlus program from the official website of the developer.
- We launch the program, we will see a window where Installed Key is the key of the installed system.
conclusions
Despite the fact that there are many programs for viewing the product key, I tried to describe only current solutions. Thanks to this, the average user has the opportunity view Windows 10 license key. Write in the comments whether the article was useful for you, and share the article with your friends on social media. networks.
After Windows activation 10 installed on your PC, you can view all the data about this process: whether it was activated or not, whether you received a license key to activate the system, the id of the computer for which activation was performed. All this data can be found and checked using built-in Windows tools, as well as through third-party programs.
How to find out the license key of installed Windows 10
Windows status is information about whether the system is activated by entering a license key and confirming it, as well as the number of an individual activation key. You can find out this data in several ways: through system settings, running commands, computer settings, third-party programs and scripts. Remember that the license key consists of 25 numbers and letters, divided into 5 blocks of 5 numbers or letters.
Through command execution
In this way, you can only find out information about whether Windows is activated, but the product key will not be indicated:
How to check activation through computer settings
Through system settings
Through a third party program
Another way to find out the activation key is to use a third-party program:
Through scripts
The script that should be in the file:
Set WshShell = CreateObject("WScript.Shell")
regKey = "HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\"
DigitalProductId = WshShell.RegRead(regKey & "DigitalProductId")
Win8ProductName = "Windows Product Name: " & WshShell.RegRead(regKey & "ProductName") & vbNewLine
Win8ProductID = "Windows Product ID: " & WshShell.RegRead(regKey & "ProductID") & vbNewLine
Win8ProductKey = ConvertToKey(DigitalProductId)
strProductKey ="Windows Key: " &Win8ProductKey
Win8ProductID = Win8ProductName & Win8ProductID & strProductKey
MsgBox(Win8ProductKey)
MsgBox(Win8ProductID)
Function ConvertToKey(regKey)
Const KeyOffset = 52
isWin8 = (regKey(66) \ 6) And 1
regKey(66) = (regKey(66) And &HF7) Or ((isWin8 And 2) * 4)
Chars = "BCDFGHJKMPQRTVWXY2346789"
Cur = regKey(y + KeyOffset) + Cur
regKey(y + KeyOffset) = (Cur\24)
Cur = Cur Mod 24
Loop While y >= 0
winKeyOutput = Mid(Chars, Cur + 1, 1) & winKeyOutput
Loop While j >= 0
If (isWin8 = 1) Then
keypart1 = Mid(winKeyOutput, 2, Last)
winKeyOutput = Replace(winKeyOutput, keypart1, keypart1 & insert, 2, 1, 0)
If Last = 0 Then winKeyOutput = insert & winKeyOutput
a = Mid(winKeyOutput, 1, 5)
b = Mid(winKeyOutput, 6, 5)
c = Mid(winKeyOutput, 11, 5)
d = Mid(winKeyOutput, 16, 5)
e = Mid(winKeyOutput, 21, 5)
ConvertToKey = a & "-" & b & "-" & c & "-" & d & "-" & e
Video: checking operating system activation
How to check activation expiration dates for Windows 10
If you entered a license key, the activation period will be infinite, since Windows is activated once and for all. But if you installed on your computer trial version system issued to you for a certain number of days, you can view when the trial period ends by following these steps:
Video tutorial: how to find out the activation expiration date
How to find out your Windows 10 computer ID
Computer ID is the same as ID network card, installed in it, since with the help of this card the computer makes all connections to the Internet. You can view your computer’s unique code without third-party programs by following these steps:
- Right-click on the Start icon at the bottom left of the screen.
- Select Device Manager.
- Expand the Network Adapters tree.
- Right-click on your network card and open its properties. The name of the network card is different for everyone, so you shouldn’t use it as a guide.
- Go to the Details tab.
- Expand the “Properties” block and select the “ID or equipment ID” line.
- The “Values” block will contain all IDs related to your PC.
This completes the search for information about the state of Windows and the computer ID. You can always view the activation key through the computer settings if the old one has stopped working or was entered incorrectly. Remember that you only need to activate Windows 10, that is, pay for a license key once. So if your key is no longer accepted by the system, contact the official Microsoft support service.
The Windows operating system provides comprehensive information and contains the necessary parameters that allow the user to solve personal problems. But, with the advent new version a person has difficulty finding the required settings due to changes in the program interface. Difficulties arise from turning on the computer, consisting in the fact that the operating system runs for a certain period of time. Since the OS without an activation key is valid during the trial period, you have to look for and read instructions for using the program.
Types of keys
There are two types of activation keys:
OEM activation key
This group of keys is intended and used by assemblers of finished, assembled equipment. Designed for products with a pre-installed OS. They are characterized by a low price compared to Product Keys, as they are purchased at wholesale price. They have a limitation related to the installation of the program, due to the fact that the activation code and information about it are embedded in the motherboard.
The following inconveniences impose restrictions:
- The activation code is valid for specific device, so the key cannot be used on another OS or hardware.
- The seller of the device does not warn about the peculiarities of the code used.
- Confusion arises in the types of key usage, since the user is not required to know the nuances of the types of distributed software licenses provided by Microsoft.
Product Key
The key is proof of payment for the purchased software. Programs are provided free of charge at trial period actions for the purpose of familiarization. It does not have the disadvantage of an OEM key and can be used on any equipment.
What is the key for??
A legal activation key gives the right to use the OS on permanent basis. and also have the following advantages:
- Update. Microsoft provides its customers with downloadable free updates in which corrected the found system flaws. The software is downloaded from the official website, which eliminates theft of personal data. Threats of penetration into the PC hard drive have been eliminated, system performance and stability have been increased
- Technical support. Legitimate customers have the right to receive assistance from a representative of the company of the released product. The pirated version of the OS does not provide Call Center operator services.
Development of applications for client security. The manufacturer has developed and provided the following applications to ensure the safety of using the customer’s device:
- Microsoft Security Essentials. Is antivirus program, distributed free of charge to legal OS users. Developed by the company's programmers. Fights against malicious manifestations of programs, which protects the user from the actions of a potential attacker.
- Windows Firewall. Serves to ensure safety in local network and the Internet. This software monitors received packets and, if a threat occurs, stops data transmission, protecting the client from receiving malicious content.
- Threat of punishment by law enforcement agencies for illegal possession of the company's information property. Using a pirated product entails liability before the law. The user will be punished in accordance with the articles of the administrative and (or) criminal code. Electronics on which pirated software is installed are subject to seizure and confiscation.
Where to look for the key?
In those days when virtual space was not publicly available, the operating system activation key was indicated on the manufacturer's branded sticker. The information was located on the side of the device or on the back cover. 
If there was no sticker, information about the code was looked for:
- In the operating system
- Using BIOS
- Using software.
To find out the activation key on Windows 10, the user needs to follow these steps:
Difference between ID and product code
The ID code is generated after installing the OS. Designed to recognize the operating system by call center operators Microsoft. Serves to provide services and technical support user. The code is a unique combination of letters and numbers, consisting of 20 characters.
Code of product. Represented by a unique combination of numbers and letters entered when installing software from Microsoft. Designed for use of the product by the client. Consists of 25 characters.
Looking for the keywindows10 via scripts
To view product activation information, use language written in Visual programming Basic Script scripts. A script is a text file, the script of which, when executed, automates the user's task.
To view the key you need to:
- Write a script using Notepad or notepad. You are allowed to download the file from the Internet so as not to write it yourself.
- Make sure that the script is of type VBS.
- Run the script via the executable file.
Powershell
PowerShell is similar to the command line. Appeared in 2006. Works for Windows versions, from XP to Windows 10.
In order to find out PowerShell activation codes, you need to launch and then execute the script, as when working with the command line. In order to find out the activation code you need to:
The program takes license data from the UEFI BIOS, which replaced the Legacy BIOS
The fact is that previously information about the license, when working on a laptop, was taken through the BIOS. Information about the keys is in the section "Main".
The following key combinations are assigned to enter the BIOS:
- To enter the BIOS on an Asus laptop, you need to hold down the key F2
- On a Packard Bell laptop - F1
ShowKeyPlus
The program does not require installation on your computer. After launch, provides information:
- About the name of the operating system
- Software key number
- About the key that is currently in use
- The original OS key.
WhatsuchInstalled KeyAndOEM Key?
OS users confuse OEM and Installed key types.
The OEM key is described in the subheading “Types of keys.” Installed is the key used by Windows.
Other applications
In order to find out the activation key, there are programs:
FreePCAudit
The program is portable and provided free of charge. Information about the key is contained in paragraph "Windows Prpduct Key" tabs "System".
AIDA64
It is a tool for monitoring PC components.
This program has activation key information in the tab "Operating system", paragraph - "Product Key". Located in the section "License Information".
S.I.W. (SystemInformationWindows)
The utility stores information about licenses in the section "Licenses".
Incorrect product key
In a situation where the entered operating system activation code is not suitable, you must:
- Make sure you entered the key correctly.
- If problems arise, contact Microsoft technical support.
The activation code is a necessary thing. If you lose information about activation, you should not be afraid, as there are ways to find this information.
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