Your Guide to How To Check License Key In Windows 10
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How to Check Your License Key in Windows 10
Windows 10 ties your license to your device in ways that aren't always obvious — and finding that key when you need it requires knowing where to look and which method actually applies to your situation.
What Is a Windows 10 License Key?
A Windows 10 license key (also called a product key) is a 25-character alphanumeric code in the format XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX. It serves as proof of purchase and authorizes Windows to activate on your device.
However, how that key is stored — and whether you can retrieve it at all — depends heavily on how your copy of Windows was licensed.
The Three Main License Types 🔑
Understanding your license type is the first step, because it determines which retrieval method will work.
| License Type | How It's Stored | Retrievable? |
|---|---|---|
| Retail | Tied to your Microsoft account or physical card | Usually yes |
| OEM | Embedded in the device's UEFI/BIOS firmware | Yes, via tools |
| Volume/Enterprise | Managed by an organization's KMS server | Often not user-accessible |
Retail licenses are purchased directly from Microsoft or a retailer. They can be transferred between devices and are often linked to a Microsoft account.
OEM licenses come pre-installed on devices from manufacturers like Dell, HP, or Lenovo. The key is embedded in the motherboard firmware — which means you won't find it on a sticker anymore (on most modern machines) and it won't show up the same way in all tools.
Volume licenses are used in business or educational environments. If your PC was set up by an IT department, your key may be managed centrally and won't be accessible through standard consumer methods.
Method 1: Command Prompt (Built-In, No Downloads Required)
This is the fastest method for most users.
- Press Windows + S, type cmd, and open Command Prompt
- Type the following command and press Enter:
This queries the UEFI firmware directly. If your device uses an OEM license embedded in the motherboard, this is where it lives.
What you might see:
- The full 25-character key — success
- A blank result — the key isn't stored there, or your license type doesn't use this method
- An error — permissions or Windows edition restrictions
An alternative command that works slightly differently:
This opens a dialog showing your license status, edition, and partial product key — useful for confirming activation status even if it doesn't reveal the full key.
Method 2: PowerShell
PowerShell can also decode the product key from the registry. Open PowerShell as Administrator and run: