How to locate your Windows 10 license key on your computer
Your Windows 10 license key is a 25-character code that proves you own a legal copy of Windows. It is stored in your system in multiple places, and you can retrieve it without special tools or software. The easiest method is to use the Settings app, which shows your set up status and, in some cases, the key itself.
If you need the actual key to reinstall Windows or move it to another computer, you have three main routes: checking Settings, using the Command Prompt, or looking at your original purchase documentation. Each method works in different situations, and some are faster than others depending on what you already have access to.
Key Takeaways
- Your license key appears in Settings under System > set up if Windows recognizes it as valid, though the full 25-character code may not display there.
- The Command Prompt command wmic os get serialnumber retrieves your key in plain text, and works even if Settings does not show it.
- If you bought Windows 10 with your computer, the key is often embedded in the motherboard firmware and does not need to be entered again during reinstall.
- Your original purchase receipt, product key card, or email confirmation from Microsoft or your retailer contains the key if you need to reference it.
- Third-party key recovery tools exist but are unnecessary — Windows itself provides the information through built-in commands.
Checking the Settings app for your license status
Open Settings by pressing Windows key + I, then navigate to System and select set up. This page shows whether your copy of Windows is activated and licensed. If set up is successful, you will see "Windows is activated with a digital license" or "Windows is activated with a product key."
The Settings page does not always display the full 25-character key. If you see only a partial key or no key at all, this is normal — Windows stores the key in the system but does not always show it in the user interface. The important information here is the set up status itself, which tells you whether your license is recognized as valid.
Using Command Prompt to retrieve the full key
If you need the complete 25-character key, the Command Prompt method is the most reliable. Press Windows key + R, type cmd, and press Enter. In the Command Prompt window, type the following command exactly as shown:
wmic os get serialnumber
Press Enter. The system will display a string of characters — this is your Windows 10 product key in encoded form. This method works on nearly all Windows 10 installations, regardless of whether Settings displays the key. The output appears as a long alphanumeric string rather than the familiar 5-5-5-5-5 format, but it is the legitimate key tied to your system.
Finding your key in purchase records and documentation
If you bought Windows 10 as a standalone product, your license key appears on the product key card that came in the box, or in a confirmation email from Microsoft or your retailer. Check your email inbox (including spam folders) for messages from Microsoft Store, Amazon, Newegg, or wherever you purchased it. The subject line usually contains "product key" or "license key."
If you bought your computer with Windows 10 pre-installed, the key is often embedded in the motherboard firmware and does not appear on a physical card. In this case, you do not need to locate or enter the key manually — Windows will recognize and set up automatically during a reinstall. Your original computer purchase receipt or the manufacturer's documentation may reference this, but the key itself is not something you need to find.
Understanding digital licenses versus product keys
Windows 10 uses two types of licenses: digital licenses and product keys. A digital license is tied to your hardware and Microsoft account, and does not require you to enter a key. A product key is the 25-character code you enter manually during installation or set up.
If you upgraded to Windows 10 from Windows 7 or 8, or if your computer came with Windows 10 pre-installed, you likely have a digital license. This means the key is embedded in your system and you will not see it displayed anywhere — and you do not need to. If you purchased Windows 10 separately as a retail copy, you have a product key that you can transfer to another computer.
What to do if you cannot find your key
If Settings shows your copy as activated and you do not need to reinstall Windows, you do not need to find the key. The key is already in your system and working. You only need to locate it if you are reinstalling Windows on the same computer or moving the license to a different machine.
If you are reinstalling Windows on the same computer and it has a digital license, Windows will reactivate automatically when you connect to the internet — no key entry required. If you are moving to a different computer, contact Microsoft Support with your original purchase receipt. They can help you understand whether your license is transferable and information with reactivation on the new hardware.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use the same Windows 10 key on two different computers?
It depends on the license type. Retail product keys can be used on one computer at a time, and you can move the key to a different machine by deactivating it on the first one. Digital licenses are tied to your hardware and Microsoft account, so they cannot be transferred. Contact Microsoft Support with your purchase receipt to confirm your license type.
What if the Command Prompt command does not show my key?
This usually means your copy of Windows uses a digital license rather than a product key. Digital licenses are embedded in your system and do not display as a traditional 25-character code. If Windows shows as activated in Settings, your license is valid and working — you do not need the key unless you are moving to a different computer.
Do I need my product key to reinstall Windows 10 on the same computer?
Not usually. If your computer came with Windows 10 or you upgraded from an earlier version, the license is tied to your hardware and will reactivate automatically during reinstall. You only need to enter a product key if you are installing on a different computer or if you have a retail copy that was never activated on this machine.
Where is the product key card if I bought a physical copy?
The product key card is usually inside the Windows 10 packaging or attached to the outside of the box. If you bought it online, check your email for a confirmation message from the retailer or Microsoft — the key is often sent by email rather than in a physical package. Check your spam folder if you cannot find it in your inbox.
Can I recover my key if I lost the product key card and the email?
The Command Prompt method will retrieve the key from your system if it is currently installed and activated. If you have already uninstalled Windows or the system is not accessible, you will need your original purchase receipt to contact Microsoft Support. They can verify your purchase and provide the key or help you reactivate your license.