How to read windows licence key from a laptop?

motorguy

I've a laptop here with Win 10 on it that i want to replace the drive on with a new one.

Is there an easy and free way to get the windows licence key from the device before i start?

Thanks in advance

molerat

https://www.majorgeeks.com/files/details/showkeyplus.html


Also shows the old windows version and key if you upgraded. You may not need it as the system should remember the machine if you activated digitally. You can run it from a usb stick so is 100% portable and save as a text file.

Neil_Jones

For Windows 10 that's activated don't bother saving the key because the licences are digital. It'll recognise the unit on reactivation later providing you install the same version (Home or Pro) as it has now.

If you upgraded to 10 from Windows 7 or 8 all those upgrades used the same product key, Home used a key ending in 8HVX7 and Pro used one ending 3V66T.

DoaM

As per above, you don't need the key. I recently replaced my HDD with an SSD, installed a fresh copy of Windows 10 (using a USB pendrive to boot from and install Windows), and it all activated OK.

PS - my Windows 10 was an upgrade from a previous Windows 7 installation; the fresh install of Windows 10 all went fine.

libra10

You could also take a photo of the key, then you always have a copy.

J_B

I have used

https://www.magicaljellybean.com/keyfinder/
in the past, but as others have said, it isn't always necessary.


The above program also gives the 'key' for other programs, e.g. MS Office

motorguy

molerat wrote: »

https://www.majorgeeks.com/files/details/showkeyplus.html


Also shows the old windows version and key if you upgraded. You may not need it as the system should remember the machine if you activated digitally. You can run it from a usb stick so is 100% portable and save as a text file.

Thanks, that has worked a treat, but as you and others have said i might not need it.

Although - better to be looking at the licence key than looking for it. :beer:

motorguy

libra10 wrote: »

You could also take a photo of the key, then you always have a copy.

Thats a really good idea and i've done that now, cheers.