The Windows 10 product key is a dedicated 25-digit, letter, or number code which acts as a product key or code to unlock a software license and install the Windows operating system on your PC. The software can only be unlocked, installed, and used after it is unlocked. Show Note A product key is usually subdivided into multiple parts comprised of a combination of various letters and numbers. Each licensing key is unique and can only be used with a single version of a purchased software. Through a special procedure, the licensing key is tested for its authenticity. The first ever licensing key was used as part of the Windows 95 operating system and was displayed on the installation disc cover. Windows justified the issue of a licensing code by saying that it was trying to avoid illegal usage of its licensed software. Nowadays, you’ll either need a 25-digit code or a digital license to install Windows. Users without a digital license will need to retrieve their Windows 10 product key. Contents
Hosting with IONOS — Fast, Flexible, Secure Discover fast and secure hosting for any project. When do you have to retrieve your Windows key?With the launch of Windows 10, product keys have become less important because Microsoft launched digital licenses in 2016. Digital licenses allow for the simple installation of an operating system without requiring a bootable device. The operating system can be activated via your Microsoft account. Even when you’re reinstalling Windows 10, the system detects the license automatically. You’ll get a digital license if:
If you’ve purchased a digital license, you may be able to view the Windows 10 license and get a product key afterwards. In the following situations it may be necessary to retrieve the Windows 10 product key:
In addition, to deinstall or reinstall another Windows version you might need a Windows 7 product key or Windows 8 product key. However, the steps to retrieve product keys for older Windows versions may differ. Get your Windows 10 product key: step by stepIf you need to find the product key for your Windows 10 installation, you’ve got a few options. The key can be retrieved via the BIOS i.e. the bootloader of your system or the command window. You can also use external software to retrieve your Windows 10 key. Find Windows 10 product key using third-party solutionsThe easiest way to retrieve a Windows 10 product key is to use a special program. Because Microsoft doesn’t currently offer its own solutions, users will have to default to third-party providers such as Belarc which has developed a relevant tool. For example, the Belarc Advisor can be used to read the licensing code from the Registry or BIOS. To find your licensing code, follow these steps:
Windows 10 key retrieval using CMDThe command line or CMD can be used to gain information about a Windows installation key. However, you may only be able to view the last five digits of a Windows 10 code this way. Here’s how to do it: Open the command line by searching for “CMD” or “command line.” Select the correct search result. Alternatively, launch a Run window and enter “cmd” to launch it. Windows 10 command lineType the command “slmgr/dli“ and hit “Enter.” After a short while, the last five digits of the product key will be displayed in a pop-up window: The command line displays the last five digits of a licensing key.Get your Windows 10 product key from BIOSIf your Windows key is stored in the BIOS – the boot software of your Windows PC – you can retrieve it quickly by using the PowerShell program. Launch the Windows PowerShell by searching for “PowerShell” in the search bar. Select the program and open it. The Windows configuration framework will be launched: Add the following commands to the PowerShell command line and confirm by hitting “Enter.”
If your Windows key is in the BIOS, you can now view it: Your Windows 10 product key is displayed in Windows PowerShell.Enabling and disabling Windows 10 dark mode Windows 10 dark mode improves readability considerably in dark lighting conditions. The alternative mode protects the eyes and promotes concentration, while reducing the energy consumption of the display significantly. We show you three ways to enable the Windows 10 dark theme – in the system settings, via the registry, and using free software. Enabling and disabling Windows 10 dark mode8 Tips to speed up Windows 10 Is your Windows PC working far slower than you are used to? It’s normal for your PC to lose performance over time. But you don’t need to wait to upgrade to the next model to make Windows 10 faster. There are several ways to speed up Windows 10 and significantly improve performance. We reveal the most promising options. 8 Tips to speed up Windows 10How to find your Windows 8 product key Missing your Windows 8 product key? Finding it sometimes sounds easier than it is, but if you know the right steps you’ll never miss it again. There are multiple options to find your Windows license product key – either by using an external utility program or a Windows tool. We’ll show you how to find it quickly. How to find your Windows 8 product keyDeleting print jobs - how to clear the print queue in Windows Do you need to delete a print job after having already selected a document or photo to print and started the printing process? To do so, all you need to know is where and how to delete the job from your print queue as quickly as possible. In our instructions, you will learn how to delete a print job in Windows 10. Deleting print jobs - how to clear the print queue in WindowsEnable administrator account in Windows 10 Windows 10 has a hidden administrator account that is disabled by default. As an administrator, you have additional system rights, can make changes to system files, and install and run programs without restriction. We will show you how to enable the Windows 10 administrator account. Enable administrator account in Windows 10How do I activate my Windows 10 without product key?If you have a digital license for your device, you can reinstall the same edition of Windows 10 on this device without entering a product key. Make sure that Windows 10 is activated before you try to reinstall it. To find out, select the Start button, and then select Settings > Update & Security > Activation .
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