Windows 10: How can I retrieve activation key from a different SSD drive

HiI recently changed my motherboard and installed a new copy of Windows 10 Home to my M.2 drive. Previously my Windows 10 Home was installed in one of the SSDs connected via SATA. I would like to know if there is a way I can retrieve the copy of the key to activate windows from one SSD to another. Is this possible? I have lost my Windows CD which had the key on it. Do I have to buy a new copy of windows? Please advise. Thank you

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BSOD - How do I retrieve Windows Key from an old SSD drive?

I was able to get what I think is the key using a program called ShowKeyPlus which found a OEM key and an 'installed' key. They are different. The asterisk says it requires a digital licence for activation. Does this mean I can install W11 - indicate I do NOT have a activation key - and then activate it by signing in to Windows? OR, must I install W10 and use the key to activate it and then obtain a digital license?

 

Windows Key retrieval after SSD death

Hi.

As the title suggests, my OS drive completely died on me yesterday. I bought a new one, put it in the same PC, made a boot USB to reinstall and did a fresh install.

I'm pretty sure I've logged into the same MS account that I initially used on this PC (god I hope I'm not wrong about that), but I'm being asked for my Windows Activation Key and all I've got is the serial number for the Windows 11 Home purchase off an invoice. If I fail here I'll try giving the PC's retailer a call to see if they have a record of the key on their system, but is there an easier way to retrieve my Windows Activation Key? I haven't changed any hardware besides the SSD, but this is the first time I've done this without outright buying a new copy--so, no idea what to do here.

Thanks

 

BSOD - How do I retrieve Windows Key from an old SSD drive?

Hi Phil,

I am Dave, I will help you with this.

There is a method posted on the link below to retrieve the product key from that hard drive, if it is a full retail licence purchased separately to the old PC:

https://superuser.com/questions/636568/how-do-i...

If you can successfully retrieve the product key, I would suggest it is best to install and Activate Windows 10 on your new build, then upgrade to Windows 11, that will give Windows 11 the best possible chance of activating successfully.

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