A Windows product key is a 25-character code used to activate Windows. It looks like this:
PRODUCT KEY: XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX
Windows 8/8.1 After a fresh install, the system does not auto activate and when one tries to enter the correct OEM Product Key (extracted from BIOS), it is refused. The trick is to first remove the current Product Key with slmgr /upk, then the OEM key can be entered and activation works flawlessly. If your computer is running Windows 7 or 8 and you want to upgrade to Windows 8.1, you don't need to use a product key. However, if your PC is running an older version of Windows, you'll have to provide a Windows 8.1 product key.
Locate your product key for Windows 10
Depending on how you got your copy of Windows 10, you'll need either a 25-character product key or a digital license to activate it. A digital license (called a digital entitlement in Windows 10, Version 1511) is a method of activation in Windows 10 that doesn't require you to enter a product key. Without one of these, you won't be able to activate your device.
Where to find your product key depends on how you got your copy of Windows.
Select any of the following to see more information:
A new PC running Windows
The product key is preinstalled on your PC, included with the packaging the PC came in, or included on the Certificate of Authenticity (COA) attached to the PC. For more info, contact your hardware manufacturer, and for pictures of authentic product keys and COA labels, see How to tell your hardware is genuine.
A copy of Windows 10 from an authorized retailer
A new PC running Windows
The product key is preinstalled on your PC, included with the packaging the PC came in, or included on the Certificate of Authenticity (COA) attached to the PC. For more info, contact your hardware manufacturer, and for pictures of authentic product keys and COA labels, see How to tell your hardware is genuine.
A copy of Windows 10 from an authorized retailer
The product key is on a label or card inside the box that Windows came in. For more info, contact the retailer that sold you Windows 10. How to tell your software is genuine.
A digital copy of Windows 10 from an authorized retailer
Find your product key in the confirmation email you received after buying Windows 10 or in a digital locker accessible through the retailer's website.
A digital copy from a Microsoft website
The product key is in the confirmation email you received after buying your digital copy of Windows. Microsoft only keeps a record of product keys if you purchased from the Microsoft online store. You can find out if you purchased from Microsoft in your Microsoft account Order history.
Free upgrade to Windows 10
If you upgraded to Windows 10 for free from Windows 7 or Windows 8.1, you should have a digital license instead of a product key.
Windows 10 Store App
If you bought Windows 10 Home, Professional, or Upgrade to Pro in the Windows 10 Store app, you'll receive a digital license instead of a product key. You can use the digital license for activation.
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If your product key is scratched, blurred, or otherwise unusable, contact the retailer who sold you the product. If you aren't able to get help from your retailer or have already tried and couldn't get a working key, call Microsoft Support.
For more information about digital licenses and product keys in Windows 10, see the 'Methods of Activation' section in Activate Windows 10.
Locate your product key for Windows 7 or Windows 8.1
A product key is usually required when uninstalling or reinstalling Windows 7 or Windows 8.1. Generally, if you bought a physical copy of Windows, the product key should be on a label or card inside the box that Windows came in. If Windows came preinstalled on your PC, the product key should appear on a sticker on your device. If you've lost or can't find the product key, contact the manufacturer. To ensure your product key is genuine, see How to tell your software is genuine and How to tell your hardware is genuine.
Related links
Windows authenticity
Windows 8 Confirmation Id Keygen Free
Borderlands 2 cheat engine table. For info about how to tell if your copy of Windows is genuine Microsoft software, see the How to tell page.
Windows download and installation
For more Windows 10 download info, see Download Windows 10.
If you need installation media to install or reinstall Windows, see Create installation media for Windows to learn how to create your own installation media using either a USB flash drive or a DVD.
Windows activation
If you need more help with activation, see Activate Windows 10.
If you're getting an activation error, seeGet help with Windows activation errors.
If you're reinstalling Windows 10, you might not need a Windows product key. See Activation in Windows 10 for more info.
If you're reinstalling Windows 10 due to a motherboard problem or some other hardware issue, see Reactivating Windows 10 after a hardware change.
Other product keys
Windows 8.1 Keygen Download
If you're looking for product keys for Office, apps, games, and more, see Find your Microsoft downloads and product keys
