Have you recently upgraded your computer and want to transfer your Windows 10 license to the new PC? Or maybe you want to reinstall Windows 10 on your current computer, but you don’t have the product key? In this tutorial, we will guide you through the steps to retrieve your Windows 10 key from your old PC.
Step 1: Press the Windows key + R on your keyboard to open the Run dialog box.
Step 2: Type "cmd" and press Enter to open the Command Prompt.
Step 3: In the Command Prompt, enter the following command and press Enter: wmic path softwarelicensingservice get OA3xOriginalProductKey
Step 4: Wait for a few seconds, and your Windows 10 product key will be displayed on the screen.
Step 5: Copy the product key and save it in a safe place. You can take a screenshot, write it down, or save it in a text document.
Step 6: Once you have retrieved the product key, you can use it to activate Windows 10 on your new PC or during reinstallation.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 1. Allows you to retrieve your Windows 10 key without any additional tools or software. | 1. You need access to your old PC to retrieve the product key. |
| 2. Provides a straightforward and simple method to obtain the product key. | 2. Command Prompt may be intimidating for some users. |
| 3. Helps you save money by reusing your valid Windows 10 license key. | 3. The product key may not work if it has already been used on another device. |
Retrieving your Windows 10 key from your old PC can be a useful solution when you want to transfer your license to a new computer or reinstall the operating system. By following the steps outlined in this tutorial, you can easily obtain your Windows 10 product key and ensure a smooth activation process.
Remember to always store your product key in a secure place, as it is essential for Windows activation and may be required in the future for any reinstallation or troubleshooting needs.
Video Tutorial:Can I transfer Windows key from old computer?
How to reinstall Windows 10 without losing license key?
Reinstalling Windows 10 without losing the license key is possible by following a few steps. Here’s a professional guide on how to do it:
1. Backup your important data: Before reinstalling Windows 10, it’s crucial to back up all your important files and data to an external storage device or cloud service. This ensures that you don’t lose any valuable information during the reinstallation process.
2. Create a bootable USB or DVD: Visit the official Microsoft website and download the Windows 10 installation media creation tool. Use this tool to create a bootable USB drive or DVD containing the Windows 10 setup files.
3. Start the reinstallation process: Insert the bootable USB or DVD into your computer and restart it. During the boot process, you may need to change the boot order in the BIOS settings to prioritize the USB or DVD drive. Once the installation media loads, follow the on-screen instructions to proceed with the installation.
4. Choose the Custom installation option: During the installation process, you’ll be prompted to choose between an upgrade or custom installation. Select the custom installation option to perform a clean installation of Windows 10, which helps prevent any conflicts or issues from a previous installation.
5. Format the existing partition: After selecting the custom installation option, you’ll see a list of available disk partitions. Choose the partition where Windows 10 is currently installed and click on the Format option. This will erase the existing installation, but your license key will remain intact.
6. Complete the installation: Once the formatting is complete, select the newly created partition (usually labeled as "unallocated space" after formatting) as the installation location. Proceed with the installation, and Windows 10 will be installed on your system.
7. Activate Windows 10: After the installation is complete, connect your computer to the internet and Windows 10 will automatically activate using the previously associated digital license. If there are any activation issues, you can manually enter your license key during the activation process.
Reinstalling Windows 10 without losing your license key is a straightforward process as long as you follow these steps carefully. Remember to back up your data before proceeding with the reinstallation to avoid any data loss.
Can I transfer my Windows 10 license to a new computer?
Yes, you can transfer your Windows 10 license to a new computer. Here are the steps to do so:
1. Check the license type: First, make sure you have a retail license of Windows 10. OEM licenses, which are typically pre-installed on computers when purchased, are tied to the original hardware and cannot be transferred.
2. Deactivate the license on the old computer: Before transferring the license, you need to deactivate it on the old computer. This involves removing the license key from that device. You can do this by going to Settings > Update & Security > Activation on the old computer and selecting the "Troubleshoot" option. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the deactivation process.
3. Prepare for the transfer: Ensure that you have a valid product key or digital license for Windows 10. You will need this during the activation process on the new computer.
4. Install Windows 10 on the new computer: Install Windows 10 on the new computer using either a USB installation media or through a downloaded ISO file. Make sure to install the same edition of Windows 10 as the one you had on the old computer.
5. Activate Windows on the new computer: Once Windows 10 is installed, go to Settings > Update & Security > Activation and select "Change product key". Enter the product key or sign-in with your Microsoft account if you have a digital license. Follow the prompts to activate Windows 10 on the new computer.
By following these steps, you can successfully transfer your Windows 10 license to a new computer. It’s important to note that each license should be used on only one computer at a time, so make sure to deactivate the license on the old computer before activating it on the new one.
How do I recover my Windows 10 key from an old hard drive?
Recovering a Windows 10 key from an old hard drive can be a useful process, especially if you’ve upgraded your computer’s hardware or are reinstalling Windows on a new device. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how you can retrieve your Windows 10 key from an old hard drive:
Step 1: Prepare the necessary tools
– Make sure you have a working computer with internet access and a USB flash drive.
– Download a tool called "ProduKey" from the NirSoft website. This tool allows you to extract product keys from Windows installations.
Step 2: Create a bootable USB drive
– Insert the USB flash drive into your working computer.
– Using Microsoft’s Media Creation Tool, create a bootable USB drive with the latest version of Windows 10. This will allow you to boot from it and access the old hard drive.
Step 3: Connect the old hard drive
– Shut down the working computer and disconnect all power sources.
– Open the computer case and locate the old hard drive.
– Disconnect any power cables and data cables connected to the old hard drive.
– Connect the old hard drive to an available SATA port on your computer’s motherboard (if available) or use an external USB dock to connect it to your working computer.
Step 4: Boot from the USB drive
– Restart your computer and enter the BIOS settings by pressing a specific key (usually Del, F2, or F12) during startup.
– Configure the boot order to prioritize the USB drive so that your computer boots from it.
Step 5: Access the old hard drive
– After successfully booting from the USB drive, you’ll be presented with the Windows 10 installation screen.
– Proceed with the installation until you reach the "Where do you want to install Windows?" screen.
– Select the old hard drive from the list of available drives and click "Next".
– Windows will scan the old hard drive for existing installations and prompt you to choose an operating system. Select the Windows 10 installation.
Step 6: Extract the product key
– Once you’re in the Windows 10 environment on the old hard drive, launch a web browser and download ProduKey from the NirSoft website using the provided link.
– Run the ProduKey tool and it should automatically scan and display the product keys associated with the installed Windows installation.
Step 7: Note down the Windows 10 key
– Note down the Windows 10 product key displayed by ProduKey.
– You can use this key for activation when reinstalling Windows 10 on a new device or after upgrading your hardware.
Step 8: Safely disconnect the old hard drive
– Shut down the computer and disconnect the old hard drive.
– Reconnect all necessary cables to your working computer.
– Restart your computer and boot into your regular Windows installation.
Remember, the process mentioned above assumes you have legitimate access and ownership of the old hard drive. It’s vital to respect copyright laws and use any obtained product keys strictly within the terms set by Microsoft.
What happens if two computers have the same Windows key?
Having two computers with the same Windows key can lead to certain consequences. Here’s an explanation of what can happen:
1. Activation Issues: When you install and activate Windows on a computer, it generates a unique product key that ties it to that specific hardware configuration. If the same Windows key is used on two different computers, it will likely result in activation issues. Since Windows will detect that the key is already in use, one of the computers may not be able to activate Windows successfully. This can lead to limitations or restrictions on the system’s functionality, such as limitations on personalization options or disabling some features.
2. Software Conflicts: Using the same Windows key on multiple computers can potentially lead to software conflicts. Certain software applications, especially those tied to the operating system, may encounter issues when multiple machines are trying to use the same key simultaneously. It could result in software instability, unexpected crashes, or compatibility problems with certain programs or drivers.
3. Licensing Violation: Using the same Windows key on multiple computers is generally considered a violation of Microsoft’s license terms. Each Windows license is intended for use on a single device, and copying or sharing the product key across multiple machines is not allowed. Engaging in such activities may lead to legal consequences or penalties.
4. Genuine Advantage Notifications: If Microsoft detects that multiple computers are using the same Windows key, it may trigger Genuine Advantage Notifications. These notifications are designed to periodically validate the authenticity of the operating system. If the key is determined to be in use on multiple machines, the notifications may appear, warning about potential counterfeiting or unauthorized usage. This can prompt further restrictions on certain Windows features or even lead to the system being marked as non-genuine.
To avoid these issues, it is always recommended to use a legitimate Windows license for each computer. Each device should have its own unique product key, ensuring compliance with licensing terms and providing a smooth and trouble-free user experience.
How do I activate Windows 10 on a new computer?
Activating Windows 10 on a new computer is a crucial step to ensure that you have a genuine and fully licensed version of the operating system. Here is how you can activate Windows 10 on a new computer:
1. Make sure you have a valid product key: To activate Windows 10, you will need a valid product key. This key is typically provided when you purchase a new computer with Windows 10 pre-installed or when you purchase a retail copy of the operating system. Ensure that you have the product key handy before proceeding.
2. Connect to the internet: Before activating Windows 10, ensure that your new computer is connected to the internet. The activation process requires an active internet connection to communicate with Microsoft’s activation servers.
3. Open the Activation settings: Click on the Start menu, then go to Settings and click on "Update & Security." From the left-hand side panel, select "Activation."
4. Enter the product key: In the Activation settings, you will see an option to "Change product key." Click on it. Enter the product key you have into the provided field and click "Next." If the key is valid, Windows will start the activation process.
5. Wait for activation: After entering the product key, Windows will connect to Microsoft’s activation servers to validate the key. This process usually takes a few moments. If the key is valid, your computer will be activated, and you will see a confirmation message.
6. Troubleshoot if necessary: If you encounter any issues during the activation process, you can use the built-in troubleshooter. In the Activation settings, click on the "Troubleshoot" link. It will guide you through a series of steps to resolve any activation issues.
Remember that activating Windows 10 on a new computer will link the operating system to that specific hardware configuration. In case you make significant hardware changes to your computer, you may need to reactivate Windows 10.
Can you reuse Windows 10 key on same computer?
Yes, you can reuse a Windows 10 key on the same computer under certain conditions. Here’s all you need to know:
1. Hardware Compatibility: Ensure that the hardware configuration of your computer remains the same. If any significant changes occur, such as replacing the motherboard or CPU, it may invalidate the existing Windows 10 license key.
2. Digital Entitlement: If you had previously upgraded to Windows 10 from a genuine copy of Windows 7 or Windows 8.1, your license may be digitally linked to your Microsoft account. In this case, you can reactivate Windows 10 on the same computer using the linked Microsoft account, even after hardware changes.
3. Retail License: If you purchased a retail copy of Windows 10, it is transferable to a new computer or can be reused on the same computer after a hardware change. However, you may need to contact Microsoft support to reactivate the license in case of significant hardware modifications.
4. OEM License: If your Windows 10 copy came pre-installed on a computer from a manufacturer (OEM license), it is typically tied to that specific hardware and cannot be transferred to another device. However, you can typically reinstall Windows 10 and activate it again on the same computer with the original OEM license key.
To reuse a Windows 10 key on the same computer:
a. If no significant hardware changes occurred, you may need to reactivate Windows 10 by going to Settings > Update & Security > Activation and clicking on "Troubleshoot" under the "Activate Windows" section. Follow the instructions to reactivate your installation.
b. If hardware changes have been made, contact Microsoft support for assistance in activating Windows 10 with your existing key.
Remember, it’s always a good practice to review and understand the Microsoft Software License Terms to ensure compliance with the licensing agreement when reusing a Windows 10 key.