How to Get The Windows 10 Product Key from Bios

Have you ever lost your Windows 10 product key and were unable to activate Windows after a clean install? It’s a frustrating experience. While there are several methods to retrieve your product key, one of the easiest ways to retrieve it is from your computer’s BIOS. In this blog post, we will guide you on how to retrieve your Windows 10 product key from BIOS and activate your operating system successfully.

Video Tutorial:

What’s Needed

You don’t need much to retrieve your Windows 10 product key from BIOS. The following are the requirements:

  1. A functional computer running Windows 10.
  2. You must be logged in as an administrator.
  3. Internet connectivity

What Requires Your Focus?

Before beginning, it is important to follow all the steps carefully to avoid any mishaps. In addition, enclose the commands with quotation marks if they require it.

Different Methods to Get The Windows 10 Product Key from BIOS

Method 1: Using a Command Prompt

This method involves running a command prompt to retrieve your product key from BIOS.

  1. Press the "Windows" key and "R" key simultaneously to open the "Run" dialog box.
  2. Type "CMD" and click "OK".
  3. Enter the following command and press "Enter": wmic path SoftwareLicensingService get OA3xOriginalProductKey
  4. Wait for a few seconds and your Windows 10 product key will appear on your screen.

Pros:

  • Easy and simple to execute
  • Fast and efficient

Cons:

  • The product key might not be available in some cases
  • Requires you to be logged in as an administrator.
  • Command line interface may not be easy for some users

Method 2: Using PowerShell

PowerShell is a more advanced version of Command Prompt and may require a bit more knowledge to execute the command.

  1. Press the "Windows" key and type "PowerShell".
  2. Right-click on the "Windows PowerShell" result and select "Run as administrator."
  3. Type the following command and press "Enter": Get-WmiObject -query 'select * from SoftwareLicensingService'
  4. Look for the "OA3xOriginalProductKey" entry. This is your Windows 10 product key.

Pros:

  • Simple to follow instructions
  • Fast and efficient
  • Provides additional details about licensing and activation status

Cons:

  • Requires some knowledge of PowerShell
  • May not display the product key in some cases

Method 3: Using a Third-Party Application

If you aren’t comfortable using a command prompt or PowerShell, you can use third-party software to retrieve your Windows 10 product key from BIOS.

  1. Download and install any available third party software that can retrieve Windows product keys.
  2. Follow the software’s instructions to retrieve your Windows 10 product key from BIOS.

Pros:

  • Does not require any knowledge of command prompt or PowerShell
  • User-friendly interface
  • Some applications can provide additional information about your system’s hardware and software

Cons:

  • The safety of third-party software is at risk
  • Requires a download and installation process
  • Some applications may be paid

Why Can’t I Retrieve My Windows 10 Product Key from BIOS?

There are several reasons why you may not be able to retrieve your Windows 10 product key from BIOS, including:

  1. Your computer does not support the "OA3xOriginalProductKey" property in BIOS
  2. Your product key is embedded within the operating system and BIOS does not have its own copy
  3. Your Windows 10 installation is not running the official or authentic version

Here are the solutions to these reasons:

  1. If "OA3xOriginalProductKey" is not available in your BIOS, you can use other methods to retrieve your product key.
  2. Check if your product key is embedded within the operating system or not; if it’s embedded, you can use an external tool to retrieve it.
  3. If your Windows 10 installation is not authentic, you may need to purchase an official copy of Windows 10.

Implications and Recommendations

Retrieving your Windows 10 product key from BIOS can prevent frustration when attempting to activate your operating system after a clean install. It is recommended to store your product key in a safe place after retrieving it using the methods provided.

5 FAQs about Retrieving Windows 10 Product Key from BIOS

Q1: What if the product key retrieved using Command Prompt isn’t working?

A: If the product key retrieved using Command Prompt isn’t working, try using PowerShell or third-party software to retrieve your product key. If the problem persists, contact Microsoft support.

Q2: Can I retrieve the Windows 10 product key from BIOS on any computer?

A: No, not all computers support the "OA3xOriginalProductKey" property in BIOS.

Q3: Is it safe to use third-party software to retrieve my Windows 10 product key?

A: It is safe to use third-party software to retrieve your Windows 10 product key if you download it from a legitimate website. Be sure to do research before downloading any software to protect your computer from malware and viruses.

Q4: Can I use the retrieved product key on multiple devices?

A: No, the product key retrieved from BIOS is only for the device it was retrieved from.

Q5: How do I know if I’m running an official or authentic version of Windows 10?

A: Go to "Settings," then "Update & Security," and then "Activation." If Windows is activated, your copy of Windows 10 is valid. If not, you will need to purchase an official copy of Windows 10.

Final Words

Retrieving your Windows 10 product key from BIOS can be a lifesaver when you need to activate your operating system after a clean install. Using Command Prompt, PowerShell, or third-party software is an easy and efficient way to retrieve your product key. Make sure to follow the instructions carefully and execute the commands correctly to avoid any complications.