Your Windows 10 product key is stored on your device or in your Microsoft account, and the method to find it depends on how you installed Windows

If you built your PC yourself or need to reinstall Windows, you will need your product key — a 25-character code that proves you own a license. Windows 10 stores this key in one of three places: embedded in your motherboard's firmware (if Windows came pre-installed), saved to your Microsoft account (if you bought it online), or on a physical sticker (if you bought a boxed copy). The location depends entirely on how you got Windows in the first place.

The fastest way to check is to look at your device first, then your account, then your purchase records. Most people find their key within minutes once they know where to look.

Key Takeaways

  • Pre-installed Windows on a new PC stores the product key in your motherboard firmware, and you can view it using a built-in Windows tool or third-party software.
  • If you purchased Windows 10 through the Microsoft Store or as a digital download, the key is tied to your Microsoft account and you can find it by signing in online.
  • Boxed copies of Windows come with a physical product key on a sticker inside the package, which you should keep in a safe place.
  • You can retrieve your key using the built-in Settings app, PowerShell commands, or free tools like Belarc Advisor without needing administrator permission.
  • If you cannot find your key anywhere, you may still be able to reinstall Windows using your Microsoft account credentials instead.

Check your Microsoft account for a digital purchase

If you bought Windows 10 directly from Microsoft online or through the Microsoft Store, your product key is linked to your Microsoft account. This is the easiest place to look first because you can check from any device with internet access.

Go to account.microsoft.com and sign in with the email address you used to buy Windows. Click on "Devices" or "Your devices" in the left menu. You should see a list of devices associated with your account. Find the device where you installed Windows 10 and click on it. The product key should appear on that device's details page, sometimes labeled as "Product key" or "License." If you see a key there, write it down or take a screenshot.

If you do not see a key on the device page, check your email inbox for a receipt from Microsoft. Search for emails from "Microsoft Store" or "Microsoft Account" sent around the time you purchased Windows. The receipt email often contains the product key or a link to view it.

Find the key embedded in your PC's firmware

Most computers sold with Windows 10 pre-installed have the product key stored in the motherboard's firmware rather than on a sticker. Windows can read this key directly, and you can view it using the Settings app or PowerShell.

Using Settings (the easiest method): Open the Settings app by pressing the Windows key and typing "Settings," then press Enter. Go to "System" in the left menu, then click "About" at the bottom. Scroll down and look for "Windows specifications." You should see "Product ID" listed there. This is not the product key itself, but it confirms Windows is activated. To see the actual 25-character key, you will need to use PowerShell instead.

Using PowerShell: Right-click the Start button and select "Windows PowerShell (Admin)" or "Terminal (Admin)." Paste this command and press Enter: powershell "(Get-WmiObject -query 'select * from SoftwareLicensingService').OA3xOriginalProductKey" The 25-character product key will appear on the next line. Copy it and save it somewhere safe.

If PowerShell returns nothing or shows an error, your key may not be stored in firmware — check your purchase records or look for a physical sticker instead.

Look for a physical product key sticker

If you purchased a boxed copy of Windows 10 or received it on a disc, the product key is printed on a sticker inside the package. Check the original box, the manual, or any documentation that came with your PC.

The sticker is usually white or silver and contains a 25-character code in the format XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX. Write this down or photograph it. Keep the sticker or the documentation in a safe place — you will need this key if you ever reinstall Windows on this device.

If you bought a used PC and it came with Windows 10, ask the previous owner for the product key or any documentation. If they do not have it, you may need to purchase a new license or use your Microsoft account to reinstall Windows instead.

Use Belarc Advisor to scan your system

Belarc Advisor is a free tool that scans your PC and displays your Windows product key along with other system information. It works on most versions of Windows and does not require installation.

Go to belarc.com and download Belarc Advisor. Run the installer and follow the prompts. The program will scan your system and open a web page showing your hardware and software details. Look for "Windows Product Key" on the page — it will be the 25-character code. Copy it and save it in a safe place.

Belarc Advisor is safe and widely used by IT professionals. It does not modify your system or require administrator rights to show your key. If you prefer not to download software, the PowerShell method above will give you the same information without installing anything.

Check your purchase history and email receipts

If you cannot find your key using the methods above, look through your purchase records. Check your email for receipts from Microsoft, Amazon, Best Buy, or wherever you bought Windows.

Search your email for keywords like "Windows 10," "product key," "license," or "receipt." Microsoft Store emails often include the key in the body of the message or as an attachment. Amazon and other retailers usually include it in the order confirmation or a follow-up email.

If you bought Windows years ago, the email may be in an archive folder or an old email account. If you still cannot find it, you can contact Microsoft Support with proof of purchase (like a credit card statement or order number) and they may be able to help you recover it.

What to do if you cannot find your key

If you have searched everywhere and cannot locate your product key, you still have options. Windows 10 can be reinstalled and activated using your Microsoft account instead of a product key. When you reinstall Windows, the setup process will ask for either a product key or a Microsoft account. Choose the Microsoft account option and sign in with the email address associated with your Windows license.

Windows will verify your account and activate automatically if you have a valid license tied to that account. This works for most digital purchases and pre-installed copies. If this does not work, you may need to purchase a new Windows 10 license or contact Microsoft Support for help.

Keep your product key in a safe place once you find it — write it down, take a photo, or store it in a password manager. You will need it if you ever reinstall Windows or transfer your license to a new device.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use someone else's Windows 10 product key on my computer?

No. Each product key is licensed to one device at a time. Using someone else's key is a violation of the license agreement. If you need Windows on a new device, you must purchase your own license or transfer your existing license if you are no longer using it on another device.

What is the difference between a product key and a product ID?

A product key is the 25-character code you use to install or activate Windows. A product ID is a different number that Windows generates after installation and is unique to your device. You need the product key to install Windows; the product ID is just for reference.

Will I lose my product key if I reset Windows 10?

No. If your key is stored in your motherboard firmware or tied to your Microsoft account, it will remain there after a reset. If you have a physical sticker, it will not change. The key only changes if you purchase a new license.

Can I find my product key if Windows 10 is not currently installed?

If Windows is not installed, you cannot use PowerShell or Settings to find the key. Check your Microsoft account, look for a physical sticker on the device, or search your email for purchase receipts. If the device came with Windows pre-installed, the key is in the firmware but you will not be able to read it until Windows is running again.

Is it safe to share my product key online to get help with Windows?

No. Your product key is like a password — treat it as confidential. Never share it in forums, chat rooms, or with people you do not trust. Microsoft Support will never ask you to provide your product key in an email or chat.