Did you buy a computer with Windows 10 preinstalled and don't know the product key? Microsoft used to list the Windows key on a sticker on the bottom (laptops) or the back of desktop computers, but abandoned the practice after Windows 7.
The product key, if it's an OEM key, is automatically detected during Windows 10 installation. If you want the key now for more security, usually a third-party application like ProduKey can find it for you.
Below we will see how you can find your Windows 10 product key from the command line.
As mentioned above, if your computer is working, you can find your Windows key with Nirsoft's ProduKey. Save it to a text file.
(Destroy) Scenario: If you don't have the key and you're performing a fresh installation of Windows 10, normally the installer should find it. However, if it doesn't find the key and you can't start your computer, you can find your Windows 10 OEM product key from the command line.
To open the command prompt in case you don't have Windows 10 installed, connect with the installation DVD/USB and use the repair/troubleshoot options and you will find the command prompt.
Once you open the command prompt, run the following command. It will display your product key. Write it down and continue with the Windows 10 installation. When prompted, add the key and the installation will proceed normally.
wmic path softwarelicensingservice get OA3xOriginalProductKey
After installation, it is a good idea to link your OEM key to your Microsoft account. It is a much easier way to activate Windows 10 after a clean install. After linking the key to your account, you will be able to activate Windows 10 by signing in to Microsoft.
Regarding retail keys: you cannot use the above command to recover them. Yes the command only works for OEM.
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