Windows 10: Where is my Product Key if I want to re-install?

I have an activated version of Windows 10 (obtained through the Insider program last year).

My machine is beginning to get a bit slow, so would like to do a re-install.

Now, since I don't have a traditional DVD box with the product key, how would I go about re-intalling Windows? Obviously I can burn the latest ISO build onto a DVD, but what about my product key? How would I activate it?

Thanks.

:)

 

I Need my Product Key to Restore Device - Where is it stored?

Hi,

I'm having trouble restoring my HP Stream PC. The restore function has an error so I need to restore from a new ISO, unfortunately, I don't have my Product Key that I got with the device ( 8.1 ) then I had the Free upgrade to Win 10 But I can't seem to get
the code from my Microsoft A/c... does anyone have a solution? Thanks. Mike

 

I Need my Product Key to Restore Device - Where is it stored?

Hey MrMike3,

Your computer device acquired a Windows 10 digital license when it was upgraded from 8.1 to 10. That is a permanent license for your device's entire life that is stored on Windows Activation Servers.

If and when you ISO install Windows 10 again for any reason, you simply
skip any inquiries for a product code during installation by answering (checking box) in the following manner.

1. I don't have a product code

2. Skip this step until later

After the Windows 10 installation completes on your device, it will self activate the digital license that is stored on Windows activation servers.
You don't have to do anything...it is an automatic digital license reestablishment. That's the way it works. Makes for a very easy reinstall of Windows 10.

For a more comprehensive explanation please see the following previously cited article by Andre Da Costa.

How to troubleshoot Product Activation in Windows 10

Regards

 

If you do have an activated Windows 10, then you have the digital entitlement.
You are entitled to reinstall the Same Windows 10 version in the Same computer as often as you want, whenever you want.
With digital entitlement, you do NOT need product key when you reinstall Windows 10.
Activation is automatic.

 

Like davidhk said. But if you really want to see your windows key, I would suggest Belarc advisor. It will give you some useful information about your system, product keys of your software is among them (not only Microsoft, you will have listed most of your keys).

 

Thanks. But how does MS know it's the same system? What if I upgrade my machine, e.g. my motherboard / cpu ?

 

Cheers, will check it out.

 

New motherboard = new computer.
You no longer have the digital entitlement. You won't get activated automatically. You might be able to call Microsoft Support and talk them into activating your system.

I posted this question not too long ago.
Please read the answer given by Brink, out forum Admin.
I would like to have a definitive Answer, please.

 

Might be? You mean the license belongs to the computer, not to me?

 

That is correct. If you read the terms of the free upgrade promotional offer, Microsoft only offered to upgrade DEVICES running Windows 7/8/8.1 for free.

Windows 10

How to Upgrade to Windows 10 - Microsoft

If the previous operating system was an OEM version pre-installed on the computer, then the license has always belonged to that computer only. If the previous operating system was a retail version purchased separately, then you can move that version of Windows to another computer, as long as you remove Windows from the first computer.

 

Do the same rules apply since the OP was talking about an "insider version"

 

Yes the same applies. There was nothing in the insider program that promised the person would obtain a free, transferrable license for Windows 10 for participating in the program.

 

Yes that is true, but what I got from the OP original post was that he was trying to repair his insider "activated" version. There was no mention of a regular W10 licensed activated version. Would be great if he could clarify some more.

 

Thanks for the clarification peeps.

 

Not repair, but just re-install. I am clear on this issue now.

Basically, if I want to re-install Win10 (I have an activated insider license), I can do, and it will re-install fine. I just can't transfer the license to a different computer.

If however, I change some key components, such as a motherboard, MS treats this as a new computer. If I phone them informing that I've upgraded my PC, they might sort me out, at their discretion, although they don't have to.

Fair enough.