What should I do if I lost the product key for Windows activation?

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What do I do if I lost my product key and need to activate Windows?

So, you've just upgraded your Windows or got a new laptop and installed Windows on it. Everything was going fine until you realized that the Windows product key is missing. The product key is necessary for activating the new Windows. Otherwise, you might have to purchase the product key again, which can cost you a fortune.

So, if someone asks, “What do I do if I've lost my product key and need to activate Windows?” we can provide an answer.

What should I do if I lost my Windows 10 product key?

If you've lost your product key and are currently using an unactivated version of Windows, you're missing out on some great features. An unactivated version of Windows 10 doesn't include any of the premium features you paid for when you purchased your product key (even though you've lost it).

Another major drawback of using an unactivated Windows is the lack of security updates. The absence of these updates means your data and computer could be at risk, making it an easy target for cybercriminals. Additionally, users cannot customize the settings of an unactivated Windows.

You'll need a copy of Windows with a black background and no screensaver, as the “Activate Windows” watermark will be visible on-screen at all times. This watermark is annoying, and it looks terrible in screenshots.

It would be embarrassing to give a presentation on the big screen in the office with that ugly little watermark still in the bottom right-hand corner.

Here are some common methods you can use to find your product key:

Find your product key through purchase details

If you bought a digital copy of Windows 10 online, or saved it to a removable drive, the license key might be stored on the company's website. Many online retailers claim to offer online licenses. However, Microsoft and Amazon seem to be the only officially recognized distributors of Windows 10 licenses. In many cases, keys obtained from various sources may not work as intended.

If you bought it through Microsoft, check your email for the purchase receipt. The product key will be displayed here. Log into your Microsoft account, go to “Purchases and bills,” and on the next page, select “Digital purchases.” This will only show purchases from the last 3 months. To view older purchases, set the filter to “All available.”

Look for the product key on the packaging

If you have a physical copy of Windows 10, the product key is usually printed on the back of the box. Sometimes it will be on a sticker inside the box as well. Of course, if you've thrown the packaging away, then you won't have access to this information.

If you buy a new laptop with Windows 10 pre-installed, the license key may be stored within the computer, or included in the paperwork that came with it.

These are the simplest but unreliable methods to retrieve Windows 10 product keys. Let's look at some of the most reliable methods to recover license keys:

Option 1: Recover your Windows Product Key using a Key Finder tool

The easiest way to retrieve your Windows key without following any complex or technical steps is by using a utility such as the Key Finder tool. This professional key finder allows you to instantly retrieve your Windows license key with a single click.

Step 1: Click the “Windows” key under the Registry Key.

Step 2. Look for the Windows product key on the right. Click "Copy" to paste it, or choose one of the other two options:

"Save" - Saves as a local PDF file.

"Print" - Click to print critical documents.

Here are some of the main advantages of using a Key Finder tool:

• Save Time: Other key recovery methods might be free, but they can be time-consuming and expensive in terms of effort. With the Tool Key Finder, you can locate your product keys in the blink of an eye.
• User-Friendly: Those license key issues might be a piece of cake for tech-savvy individuals. To simplify the hassle and make it easy for anyone to find their product keys without complex tech knowledge, Tool Key Finder is the solution.
• Cost-Effective: Rebuying product keys can be quite costly. Tool Key Finder offers an all-in-one solution at an affordable price, sparing you the heavy burden of purchasing a new Windows product key.
• Wide Application: As the best product key finder, Tool Key Finder helps users locate not only Wi-Fi passwords but also lost product keys for software like Microsoft Office and Adobe.
• Technical Support: The Tool Key Finder's technical support team is available around the clock to assist in case of any software issues.
• Free Trial: Putting customers first, Tool Key Finder lets you download a trial version to view your complete Windows license key.

Option 2: Retrieve the Product Key via Command Prompt

The Command Prompt is another easy option to recover your lost Windows product key. Just follow these steps:

Step 1: Press Win+R on your keyboard to launch the Run dialog box.

Step 2: Type CMD in the Run program and press Enter.

Step 3: Copy and paste the following command into the Command Prompt, then press Enter.

This command is used to retrieve the original product key of the operating system via WMIC (Windows Management Instrumentation Command-line). In Chinese, it can be translated as: "Query the OA3xOriginalProductKey attribute of the SoftwareLicensingService through WMIC."

On the next screen, the Command Prompt will display your Windows product key.

How to Find Windows 10 Product Key Using Command Prompt

Want to learn how to find your Windows 10 product key using Command Prompt? In this guide, discover the easiest ways to locate your Windows 10 product key. Start reading now.

Option 3: Find the product key using the Registry Editor

The Registry Editor is a vast and complex database that Windows uses to store all of its settings. The Windows license key is stored here, and you can access it by following these steps:

Step 1: Press Win+R to open the Run dialog.

Step 2: Type Regedit and press Enter.

Step 3: Click the “HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE” folder on the left.

Step 4: Click on Software\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion in the next screen.

Step 5: Inside this folder, you'll find a file named DigitalProductID. Open it to find your product key.

Conclusions

It is always safest and best to use an activated window. If you continue to use an unactivated version of Windows, it can pose risks and compromises to your computer's performance.

So, it's better to use a Key Finder tool to find your Windows product key than to take any risks.