If you have lost the physically available copy of your product key, or the sticker is now too old and invisible, there is a way to retrieve your previous product key that you used before upgrading or installing a new operating system.

If you bought your version of windows from a retail store, then the product key should be on a sticker inside or on top of your product cover.Ĭlean installing a new version of Windows will need you to re-enter your product key in order to activate Windows. In the cases of Windows 8 and 10 OEMs, the original product key is embedded into the computer’s BIOS. If you buy a Windows 8.1 or Windows 10 pre-installed computer, you will no longer see a sticker on the back or top of the machine with a product key printed on it. For Windows 8 and 10, the product keys and OEM license model has changed. If your Windows 7 (or earlier) computer came with a preinstalled OEM (original equipment manufacturer) version of windows, then your product key should be available on a sticker at the back of your PC, or on the inside where you plug your battery.

A Windows product key is a 25 character key unique to your PC or your off the shelf windows product. Without activation, you will not be able to get remote Windows support services and updates despite your system working. In order to register and activate your copy of Windows operating system you need your product key.

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