Windows 10: Product key connected to microsoft account

I'm trying to format an old laptop, but i can't find the product key. It says its activated with a digital license, which is connected to an account I don't have.Gonna format with usb stick since no partition specificly for full reset availible.

:)

 

Linking Windows 11 Product Key to my Microsoft account

Hi



Thanks for your reply.

Given your situation, let's address how to find your full Windows 11 product key and the steps to manually add it to your Microsoft account, even though the latter is not a standard procedure for linking your digital license to your Microsoft account.

Unfortunately, Windows itself doesn't provide a straightforward way to view your complete installed product key through its interface. However, you can use the script to retrieve your product key. One commonly used method is via the Windows Command Prompt with a simple script:

1. Using Command Prompt:
   
   • Press Windows + X and select "Command Prompt (Admin)" or "Windows PowerShell (Admin)" from the menu.
     
   • Type the following command and press Enter:
     
     
   • This command should display your product key. If it doesn't, it's possible that your Windows installation doesn't store the key in a retrievable format (this can happen with digital licenses upgraded from Windows 10).
     

It's important to clarify that there isn't a manual process for adding a Windows product key directly to your Microsoft account through account settings. The linking process is automatic upon activation with a Microsoft account signed in on an activated Windows 11 system. The purpose of linking is primarily for ease of reactivation in case of significant hardware changes, not for key management or storage.

Since your Windows states "Windows is activated" without specifying it's linked to your Microsoft account and the 'Troubleshoot' option isn't available, it suggests your system is already activated, but the link to your Microsoft account isn't established due to some anomaly.

Given these circumstances and the steps you've already taken, your best course of action is to:

1. Contact Microsoft Support: Since the standard procedures haven't resolved your issue, reaching out to Microsoft Support directly is advisable. They can provide specific assistance for activation issues and may offer a solution to ensure your digital license is properly linked to your Microsoft account. Be prepared to provide details about your Windows 11 upgrade and your Microsoft account.
   
2. Keep a Record: Once you retrieve your full product key using one of the methods above, keep a record of it in a secure location. Although the product key itself may not need to be manually added to your Microsoft account, having it on hand can be useful for support purposes or future reference.
   

If your system is already activated (which seems to be the case), your primary concern should be ensuring you can reactivate Windows if needed, such as after significant hardware changes. Microsoft Support can guide you on ensuring your activation status remains intact and troubleshoot any issues with linking to your Microsoft account.

 

How to unlink a product key from the Microsoft account?

It is dead easy to remove the digital link from MS account. Simply change login to a local licence. Then use your product key on new pc. If Windows complains key has already been used, use telephone activation and at step where it asks about licence, state it will only be used on new pc.

 

Remove account

I suggest you backup your personalized files first before removing the account.
To delete an account, follow these steps:

1. Press WIN + X keys and click Command Prompt (Admin) from the menu.
2. Type the following command and press Enter. Replace test with the name of your sister's account. Code: