Each licensed copy operating system Windows 10 has a unique key that indicates activation installed version. The key consists of 25 characters, including English letters and numbers. Without this code and adding it to the system, your OS will be available within 30 days from the date of installation. After that, the computer will remind you of the need for activation, and after a while it will stop loading altogether. Below you can read about how to find out the Windows 10 product key, what types of keys are and what they are for.
There are two types of operating system serial numbers:
- OEM key - "sewn" into memory motherboard by default, since the OS was installed by the manufacturer;
- product key. This key refers to the installed digital version of the product.
Due to the difference between the two types of serial numbers, confusion sometimes arises. For example, if you remove a pre-installed copy of the OS and then install your own version, then the OEM and Product keys will not match.
Why is a key needed?
Prior to the release of the “dozens”, developers from Microsoft used an easier way to determine a unique code. The serial number for the pre-installed version of the operating system was always on a sticker on the back of the laptop or PC case. FROM advent of Windows 10 and the distribution of digital versions of this idea, it was decided to abandon.
Now the owners of the "dozens" have to use non-trivial solutions to determine the serial key. You will need the number if you decide to reinstall a licensed copy of the OS on your computer. Using pirated version this operation is not required, since activation is carried out using special program. You can also purchase a license for Windows 10 through the official Microsoft website.
How to check if Windows 10 is activated?
Before looking for a key in the system, check if your copy is activated. It is very easy to do this. To solve the problem, follow these steps:
- Click right click mouse by label "This computer" on the desktop and context menu select .
- In the window that opens, you will see information about your system (technical data, performance rating, etc.). In subsection "ActivationWindows» there should be an inscription: "ActivationWindows done" as shown in the screenshot:
You can open the same window using the keyboard shortcut Win + Pause / Break
Now you know how to check if the installed copy OS. Now you can start searching for a license key for your Windows 10.
Where can I find the Windows 10 key?
You can find the activation key standard means OS and third party programs. Let's consider all the methods in more detail:
- VBS script;
- extended command line (PowerShell);
- ProduKey program;
- ShowKey Plus;
- extraction from UEFI;
- applications for collecting data about the system.
Finding the key through scripts
AT this method considers finding a license key using Visual Basic Script. It differs from the usual command line in that the result of the script is displayed in a separate window. You can download the script from . If there are any difficulties with the download, then do not worry - you can create such a script yourself.
First you need to create a document in Notepad with the following Then save the file to any location on your computer with .vbs resolution and any name on English language. To change the extension, you must first save Text Document, and then change the resolution through the rename function. Next, you need to run the file by simply clicking on it. The system should show the OEM key on the desktop in a separate window, as shown in the screenshot. Click OK, then you will see more detailed information about the installed version of the operating system:
The method works for 32-bit and 64-bit systems, as well as for all versions of Windows 10, including Home, and Pro.
PowerShell
The second way to get the key using the built-in functionality is to use the PowerShell command line, which is only available on Windows 10 (x64). With its help, you will receive information about the Product Key, that is, the number of the current OS version.
- Launch Notepad and copy the text from the . After that, save the file to any folder with the .ps extension. Now you need to run PowerShell as an administrator. To do this, go to the search and enter the name in English (1). Now right-click on the icon and select from the menu "Run as Administrator" (3).
- In the command prompt window, enter the command Set-ExecutionPolicyRemoteSigned and press Enter on your keyboard. Next, you need to specify the path to the file with the .ps1 extension. If you saved it directly to your desktop, then the command would look like this:
The Installed Key line will contain a 25-digit code for your operating system. You can save it as a separate text file. Now let's figure out where to check serial number to the OEM version of the OS.
We get the key from UEFI
This method will find the OEM Key.
- To start, let's open command line on behalf of the administrator:
At the command prompt, type the combination and press Enter.
The same action can be performed via PowerShell. Open PowerShell again as described earlier and enter the command in the window ( Get-WmiObject -query "select * from SoftwareLicensingService").
Now you know how to check the license using the built-in tools of the operating system. Let's move on to third-party tools.
ProduKey
To install the program, go
Other applications
If you want to receive information not only about the OS license, but also about the entire PC, then you can use one of the following programs:
- AIDA 64;
- Everest;
- SIW and the like.
The software of this category allows you to learn everything about software and the hardware installed on your computer. Among the information there is also data on serial numbers. Finding them isn't that hard.
Let's take the program as an example. On the main screen, press the button OperatingSystem(one). On the right side of the program you will see Serialnumber(2). In a similar way, you can find the serial number through the other programs listed above.
conclusions
There are many ways to find the Product Key or OEM Key of the installed operating system. The article describes everything so that the user can use it by choosing a method on their own. If any method does not work for you or you do not understand the procedure for its implementation - just move on to another! The easiest way is to use automated software such as ProduKey and others. More experienced users will easily cope with scripts and command line (PowerShell).
Video instruction
It is not necessary to know the license code that was used to activate the operating system in Windows 10. OS activation, in most cases, is done automatically. Despite this, for some reason, many users want to figure out how to find out the Windows 10 product key. An urgent task is for users who are lucky enough to purchase a new device based on the "tens".
The proposed article is a guide that provides information collected from the vastness of the global network, which will help you find out the license key used to activate Windows 10.
The instructions consider all options for achieving the goal: both by means of tools integrated into the operating system (extended command line - PowerShell, a ready-made VBScrit script created to decrypt registry files in order to extract the key with which Windows 10 was activated), and with the help of utilities from third party developers(ProduKey utility, developed by the creator of dozens of tiny information applications). There will also be mention of such things as:
- the reason why seemingly similar applications display different data;
- a way to visualize the OEM key in UEFI (applicable only to the originally installed Windows 10).
Users who have acquired Windows 10 by upgrading from a licensed "seven" or "eight" do not need to know the licensed operating system - it is activated on its own at the first start, if there is an Internet connection, or immediately after a connection to the global information network. In the case of a clean installation of the OS from bootable media, at the stage of entering the license code, you should click "I do not have a product key", which Microsoft writes about in the text block.
Activation is automatically and irrevocably tied to the user's computer based on a unique identifier based on the hardware configuration of the equipment and linked to account Microsoft. The mandatory password entry form is only for people who decide to purchase the Retail edition of the operating system. Owners of licensed versions of the "seven" and "eight" should refer to the key that was used to activate these editions of Windows.
We look at the key through PowerShell
Let's start with a solution to the problem without resorting to downloading third-party software. It consists in using a tool integrated into Windows environment 10, called PowerShell. There is no special command to extract the activation code from the registry files in encrypted form, but one of the enthusiasts wrote a script that runs in the Vbasic environment to solve this problem.
1. Download the finished script.
2. Using the search string, call PowerShell with administrator privileges.
In the text field of the extended command line, execute "Set-ExecutionPolicy RemoteSigned".
We confirm the launch of the command by clicking on the "Y" and "Enter" buttons.
Import the downloaded file by executing the line "Import-Module prodect_key.ps1".
prodect_key.ps1 - here before the file name we write the full path to it.
Call the "Get-WindowsKey" command to export the key with its subsequent visualization, if you are not prompted to save the key in a text file.
The required information will appear in the last line of the command line.
Viewing keys in the ShowKeyPlus application window
The utility is remarkable in that it displays the key of the operating system currently used on the PC, separately shows the UEFI key and is able to extract information about the license of any previous Windows versions, even if its files are in the Windows.old folder. The program functions without installation into the system, it is downloaded from the resource at: github.com/Superfly-Inc/ShowKeyPlus/releases.
Using ShowKeyPlus is a pleasure: launch executable file and get all the information you need.
- Installed Key - license key for running Windows 10.
- OEM Key - shows the key installed Windows, if it was, or a message that the OEM key is not present.
This information can be exported to one of the supported text formats for the purpose of archiving data. This is done using the Save button.
Here lies the secret of what various programs display different information about the Windows 10 key: some read it from the registry (the key of the currently functioning operating system, while others export it from UEFI.
ProduKey app
Producekey is a program similar to the previous one, whose sole task is to export and display the Product Key of the current Windows. You can download it at www.nirsoft.net/utils/product_cd_key_viewer.html. The utility works without installation, you can run it directly from the archive. After launch, the window shows the product ID, its key and name. The program is applicable not only to operating systems from Microsoft, but also to office suites and others. software products the same corporation.
Extract the OEM code from UEFI
Regardless of which OS currently controls the operation of your computer, if Windows 10 was installed on the device at the time of purchase, the OEM key for it was embedded in Notebook UEFI or motherboard. To extract it, you need to call the command line and run the line: "wmic path softwarelicensingservice get OA3xOriginalProductKey".
In the case when such a code is not present in UEFI, an empty string will appear on the screen, and if it is present, the OEM character sequence may differ from the activation key used in the current Windows 10. The OEM key can also be used to return the originally installed version of the operating system.
To solve the problem, there are several more common (for example, Speccy) and no fewer specialized programs, but the considered methods are enough for any user.
Auto parts KORTEX - high-quality analogues at low prices!
For Japanese cars and Lexus: select by brand or name Press
For Korean cars: select by brand or name Press
__________________________________________________________________
In this article, using the example of the autocatalog available on our website, I will explain how to find out the OEM number of a part. But first I want to say that if there is an old part, then in most cases the article (aka number) is written on it. If the spare part is not original, then type its number into the search bar on our website and you will see a wide variety of substitutes, the part you are looking for, as well as the part itself. The original number will also be on this list. Opposite it, in the "Company" column, the name of the manufacturer of your car will be written.
You can also use the search in the Maintenance Catalog available on the site. This catalog contains the part numbers most requested by motorists. Searching for it is simple and consists of only a few steps.
How to find the OEM part number
In order to find out the number of the required spare part, you need to perform several actions, namely:
1. Go to the autocatalog selection page. The auto directory is located. Or go to the Maintenance Catalog
2. Select the brand of your car. For example BMW
3. If there is a catalog for your brand on the site, then click on its name. If not, you can continue searching in the "TO Catalog", or in any other third-party catalog. How to do it is described
4. Being in the catalog, in the Search by VIN line, enter the VIN number of your car (the number can be found in the documents for the car), or select the model and modification of your car. See the pictures below for an example. If some information is unknown to you, you can leave it blank, but then the search may not be accurate. The most accurate model is determined by VIN.
5. Select the node you need, in which the desired auto part is located, for example "Cooling system"
6. The node that opens can be divided into subgroups for the convenience of searching, so click on the desired subgroup
7. On the image that opens, find the desired auto part. Click on the number next to the part - indicated in the picture with a red circle (this is the part number in the catalog and is not original part number) and look at the table on the right. We see that one of the lines is highlighted. The number in the "Part Code" column in the highlighted line is OEM number. Marked with a red arrow. Click on this number.
8. After all the above actions, price offers for the desired part will open in a separate tab, as well as a list of all substitutes (analogues) of this spare part available for purchase. You will see all the offers that are AVAILABLE in our warehouses in Barnaul, as well as those available for order from other cities. All parts are grouped by manufacturer by default. But you can also change the sorting to "Through" - all products will be built in a single list. Sorting is possible by any of the columns. All prices are for Barnaul.
THROUGH SORT
We also draw your attention to the fact that electronic catalogs belong to third-party organizations and persons who are not related to the site site.
If for any reason you cannot find the number you are interested in, fill out the SEARCH FORM and our managers will do it for you, select the option according to reasonable price and contact you.
A special product license key is used to activate the Windows operating system. The Windows product key used to activate the system differs depending on the operating system version (Windows 10, Windows 8, Windows 7, etc.), OS edition (Home, Pro, etc.), distribution method (OEM, Retail etc).
To activate the Windows operating system, a product key is used, consisting of 25 characters in the form of numbers and uppercase (uppercase) English letters, divided into 5 groups of 5 characters each: "XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX".
Laptops used to often have a Windows activation key glued on. AT this moment, laptop manufacturers with pre-installed operating systems sew a product key into the BIOS to automatically activate Windows.
In the event of a system reinstall, or for some other reason (for example, activation failed after a hardware failure), the user may need a Windows product key. How to find the Windows activation key?
You can find out the license key of the installed Windows by executing a special VBS script, as well as with the help of five programs: ProduKey, ShowKeyPlus, Free PC Audit, Speccy, AIDA64, SIW. All the listed programs are free, except for AIDA64 and SIW.
The script with the ".vbs" extension and portable free programs (ProduKey, ShowKeyPlus, Free PC Audit) can be downloaded from here. Download the rest of the programs to your computer from the official websites of manufacturers.
Using these methods, you can find out Windows key 7, Windows 8, Windows 8.1, Windows 10. After you have learned the Windows product key, the received data for subsequent use, in case of reinstalling the operating system, to activate the operating system.
How to find out the Windows key in ProduKey
The free ProduKey program from the well-known manufacturer NirSoft does not require installation on a computer. The application shows the keys to Windows OS, browser Internet Explorer, Microsoft Office.
Unzip the archive with the program, and then run the "Application" file from the folder. After launch, the ProduKey utility window will display the key to the installed operating system.
Select the entry with the key for Windows 10, or another operating system, and then select "Copy Product Key" from the context menu to copy the activation key to the clipboard.
We look at the license key in ShowKeyPlus
The free program ShowKeyPlus does not require installation on a computer. After launch, in the application window you will see information:
- Product Name - The operating system currently installed on the computer.
- Product ID (Product code) - product code.
- Installed Key - the key of the operating system currently installed on the computer.
- OEM Key - a key embedded in the BIOS of the laptop of the initially installed operating system.
To save the data, click on the "Save" button, and then the received information in a text file.
How to view the Windows key in Free PC Audit
The free program Free PC Audit will help you find out the key of the installed Windows. This program does not require installation on a computer. Run the utility file, after that a window will open Free programs PC Audit, which will start scanning the system.
After the scan is completed, in the "System" tab, opposite the "Windows product key" item, you will see the product key of the installed Windows operating system.
To copy the key, select the line with the license key, and then use the "Copy" context menu item, or use the "Ctrl" + "C" keys to copy the Windows product key from the utility window.
How to find out Windows 8 key using VBSCrit
Activation keys for the Windows operating system are stored on the hard drive in encrypted form. Executing the VBSCrit script will allow you to get the product key of the installed operating system in decrypted form. This script was developed for Windows 8 operating system, but this code also works fine in Windows 10, Windows 8.1, Windows 7 operating systems.
To perform the operation, double-click on the “WindowsKey.vbs” file. In the window that opens, you will see the Windows activation code. Next, click on the "OK" button.
The next window will display information about the operating system version, product ID, and product key number. Ignore the name of the entry "Windows 8 Key". The name of this OS will be displayed on any version of the Windows operating system.
Getting the Windows key in Speccy
The free Speccy program from the well-known company Piriform, the manufacturer of CCleaner and other software. From the official site you can download a portable (portable) version of Speccy. There is a paid version of the program with advanced features.
The program provides the user detailed information about hardware computer, you can also use the application to find out the license key of the installed Windows.
Run the Speccy program, in the "Operating system" section, the version of the installed operating system, its serial number (activation key) will be displayed.
Find out the product key in AIDA64
AIDA64 is a powerful program for getting all sorts of information about computer software and hardware.
After launching the AIDA64 program, in the "Menu" tab, in the "Operating system" section, license information will be displayed, including the Windows product key.
Select the product key, select "Copy" in the context menu, then paste the key into Notepad, or another similar program to save.
Read detailed overview programs .
Key information in SIW
SIW (System Information of Windows) is a program for obtaining information about the hardware state and software of a computer.
After launching SIW, enter the "Programs", "Licenses" section. This will display information about the product key that is used in the Windows operating system installed on the computer.
Incorrect (incomprehensible) product key
When checking the keys in the ways listed above, the Windows product key may appear as follows: "BBBBB-BBBBB-BBBBB-BBBBB-BBBBB".
This means that your computer is activated with a corporate MAK or VLK key. Operating Windows does not save such keys, so programs do not see them.
Windows 10 uses new method system authentication (not for all cases in Windows 10). The activation record is stored on the servers and is not displayed on the computer. After reinstallation, Windows will automatically activate for some time.
The retention of the license is subject to changes in the hardware configuration of the computer. In the event of a motherboard replacement, Microsoft activation servers will revoke the license for this computer. Windows OS will offer to purchase new key product.
Article Conclusions
If necessary, the user will be required to enter a valid product key to activate the Windows operating system. The user can find out the license code of the Windows operating system by running a VBS script, or using specialized programs: ProduKey, ShowKeyPlus, Free PC Audit, Speccy, AIDA64, SIW.
Good afternoon friends! Recently, I increasingly began to receive messages asking for help to activate the system. It so happened that a lot of users who previously used a licensed seven or eight received an unactivated Windows 10 after the update. And in order to return everything to its place, you just had to find the key indicated on the sticker and re-enter it in the activation window and thus fully legalize their system. But, how do you find out the Windows product key?
This is where some users are confused. In general, sticker with the key can be either on a disk or pasted on a laptop. Usually in these places everyone is looking for keys, but those who bought a laptop already preinstalled Windows system 8, did not receive such a sticker, because desired code was embedded in the BIOS. Thus, after the next one, the computer was automatically activated using the key that was pre-installed in the BIOS.
Basically, Windows installation 10 is a simple update, after which the keys should be saved, but unfortunately, some users are faced with such a situation that after the update process is completed, the system is not automatically activated. This had to be done manually by re-entering your license code, although most owners of laptops with a pre-installed eight did not even know how to find out their Windows product key.
It is precisely because of these troubles, new questions began to appear, such as: how to find key windows 8 or how to find out the license OEM product key for Windows 7 and 8.1. You can view your key using third party program Well, that's exactly how I answered my question. But, another question immediately arose, which utility would be best suited for this, and in general, how to find out this Windows product license key using the utility.
Therefore, in order not to describe to everyone step by step in the comments how and what to click, I decided to prepare for you, here is such a small, but very useful guide on how to find out the Windows 10, 7 and 8.1 product key.
How to find out the product license key of the installed Windows using the RWEverything utility
So, in order to find out the OEM license key that is embedded in the BIOS, we will have to use one convenient, and most importantly free program, which shows all the hardware information of the computer, and of course, directly, everything about the installed BIOS, in which the desired key is stored.
Thus, you will recognize the OEM product key of Windows 10 or any other operating system. Now, copy your license key onto a piece of paper and enter it into the activation form, which will allow you to return your licensed Windows back.
The fastest way to find out the Windows 8 OEM license key