The Windows 10 product key is a dedicated 25-digit, letter, or number code which acts as a product key or code to unlock a software license and install the Windows operating system on your PC. The software can only be unlocked, installed, and used after it is unlocked.
To start using it, simply extract the files to any folder you like, and run the executable file. Once it runs, it will display all the product keys it can find on the computer. It can magically. For information about KMS activation involving operating systems older than those listed here, see Step 1: Review and Select Activation Methods. KMS uses a client-server model to active clients. KMS clients connect to a KMS server, called the KMS host, for activation. The KMS host must reside on your local network.
A product key is usually subdivided into multiple parts comprised of a combination of various letters and numbers. Each licensing key is unique and can only be used with a single version of a purchased software. Through a special procedure, the licensing key is tested for its authenticity. The first ever licensing key was used as part of the Windows 95 operating system and was displayed on the installation disc cover. Windows justified the issue of a licensing code by saying that it was trying to avoid illegal usage of its licensed software.
Nowadays, you’ll either need a 25-digit code or a digital license to install Windows. Users without a digital license will need to retrieve their Windows 10 product key.
- Get your Windows 10 product key: step by step
When do you have to retrieve your Windows key?
With the launch of Windows 10, product keys have become less important because Microsoft launched digital licenses in 2016. Digital licenses allow for the simple installation of an operating system without requiring a bootable device. The operating system can be activated via your Microsoft account. Even when you’re reinstalling Windows 10, the system detects the license automatically.
You’ll get a digital license if:
- You purchased a new PC with a Windows operating system
- You upgrade Windows 7 or 8 to Windows 10
- You purchase an operating system via the Microsoft Store
If you’ve purchased a digital license, you may be able to view the Windows 10 license and get a product key afterwards.
In the following situations it may be necessary to retrieve the Windows 10 product key:
- You’ve purchased the disc-based Windows 10 version
- You’ve got a digital version of the operating system from an authorized dealer
- You have a volume licensing contract or MSDN subscription
In addition, to deinstall or reinstall another Windows version you might need a Windows 7 product key or Windows 8 product key. However, the steps to retrieve product keys for older Windows versions may differ.
Get your Windows 10 product key: step by step
If you need to find the product key for your Windows 10 installation, you’ve got a few options. The key can be retrieved via the BIOS i.e. the bootloader of your system or the command window. You can also use external software to retrieve your Windows 10 key.
Find Windows 10 product key using third-party solutions
The easiest way to retrieve a Windows 10 product key is to use a special program. Because Microsoft doesn’t currently offer its own solutions, users will have to default to third-party providers such as Belarc which has developed a relevant tool. For example, the Belarc Advisor can be used to read the licensing code from the Registry or BIOS. To find your licensing code, follow these steps:
- Download the third-party software from the website by filling in your email details
- Install the Belarc Advisor
- Start the tool by running it
- Once installed, the software will automatically generate the product key
Windows 10 key retrieval using CMD
The command line or CMD can be used to gain information about a Windows installation key. However, you may only be able to view the last five digits of a Windows 10 code this way. Here’s how to do it:
Open the command line by searching for “CMD” or “command line.” Select the correct search result. Alternatively, launch a Run window and enter “cmd” to launch it.
Type the command “slmgr/dli“ and hit “Enter.”
After a short while, the last five digits of the product key will be displayed in a pop-up window:
Get your Windows 10 product key from BIOS
If your Windows key is stored in the BIOS – the boot software of your Windows PC – you can retrieve it quickly by using the PowerShell program.
Launch the Windows PowerShell by searching for “PowerShell” in the search bar. Select the program and open it. The Windows configuration framework will be launched:
Add the following commands to the PowerShell command line and confirm by hitting “Enter.”
If your Windows key is in the BIOS, you can now view it:
Applies to: Windows Server 2022, Windows Server 2019, Windows Server Semi-Annual Channel, Windows Server 2016, Windows 10
Computers that are running volume licensed editions of Windows Server, Windows 10, Windows 8.1, Windows Server 2012 R2, Windows 8, Windows Server 2012, Windows 7, Windows Server 2008 R2, Windows Vista, and Windows Server 2008 are, by default, KMS clients with no additional configuration needed.
Note
In the tables that follow, 'LTSC' stands for 'Long-Term Servicing Channel,' while 'LTSB' refers to the 'Long-Term Servicing Branch.'
To use the keys listed here (which are GVLKs), you must first have a KMS hostrunning in your deployment. If you haven't already configured a KMS host, seeDeploy KMS Activation for steps to set one up.
If you are converting a computer from a KMS host, MAK, or retail edition ofWindows to a KMS client, install the applicable setup key (GVLK) from thefollowing tables. To install a client setup key, open an administrative commandprompt on the client, type slmgr /ipk <setup key> and then press Enter.
| If you want to… | …use these resources |
|---|---|
| Activate Windows outside of a volume-activation scenario (that is, you're trying to activate a retail version of Windows), these keys will not work. | Use these links for retail versions of Windows: |
| Fix this error that you get when you try to activate a Windows 8.1, Windows Server 2012 R2 or newer system: “Error: 0xC004F050 The Software Licensing Service reported that the product key is invalid”… | Install this update on the KMS host if it is running Windows 8.1, Windows Server 2012 R2, Windows 8, or Windows Server 2012. |
If you are running Windows Server 2008 R2 or Windows 7, be on the lookoutfor an update to support using those as KMS hosts for Windows 10 clients.
Windows Server Semi-Annual Channel versions
Windows Server, version 1909, version 1903, and version 1809
| Operating system edition | KMS Client Setup Key |
|---|---|
| Windows Server Datacenter | 6NMRW-2C8FM-D24W7-TQWMY-CWH2D |
| Windows Server Standard | N2KJX-J94YW-TQVFB-DG9YT-724CC |
Windows Server LTSC/LTSB versions
Windows Server 2022
| Operating system edition | KMS Client Setup Key |
|---|---|
| Windows Server 2022 Datacenter | WX4NM-KYWYW-QJJR4-XV3QB-6VM33 |
| Windows Server 2022 Standard | VDYBN-27WPP-V4HQT-9VMD4-VMK7H |
Windows Server 2019
| Operating system edition | KMS Client Setup Key |
|---|---|
| Windows Server 2019 Datacenter | WMDGN-G9PQG-XVVXX-R3X43-63DFG |
| Windows Server 2019 Standard | N69G4-B89J2-4G8F4-WWYCC-J464C |
| Windows Server 2019 Essentials | WVDHN-86M7X-466P6-VHXV7-YY726 |
Windows Server 2016
| Operating system edition | KMS Client Setup Key |
|---|---|
| Windows Server 2016 Datacenter | CB7KF-BWN84-R7R2Y-793K2-8XDDG |
| Windows Server 2016 Standard | WC2BQ-8NRM3-FDDYY-2BFGV-KHKQY |
| Windows Server 2016 Essentials | JCKRF-N37P4-C2D82-9YXRT-4M63B |
Windows 10, all supported Semi-Annual Channel versions
How To Find Product Key For Windows Server 2008 R2 Using Powershell Download
See the Windows lifecycle fact sheet for information about supported versions and end of service dates.
| Operating system edition | KMS Client Setup Key |
|---|---|
| Windows 10 Pro | W269N-WFGWX-YVC9B-4J6C9-T83GX |
| Windows 10 Pro N | MH37W-N47XK-V7XM9-C7227-GCQG9 |
| Windows 10 Pro for Workstations | NRG8B-VKK3Q-CXVCJ-9G2XF-6Q84J |
| Windows 10 Pro for Workstations N | 9FNHH-K3HBT-3W4TD-6383H-6XYWF |
| Windows 10 Pro Education | 6TP4R-GNPTD-KYYHQ-7B7DP-J447Y |
| Windows 10 Pro Education N | YVWGF-BXNMC-HTQYQ-CPQ99-66QFC |
| Windows 10 Education | NW6C2-QMPVW-D7KKK-3GKT6-VCFB2 |
| Windows 10 Education N | 2WH4N-8QGBV-H22JP-CT43Q-MDWWJ |
| Windows 10 Enterprise | NPPR9-FWDCX-D2C8J-H872K-2YT43 |
| Windows 10 Enterprise N | DPH2V-TTNVB-4X9Q3-TJR4H-KHJW4 |
| Windows 10 Enterprise G | YYVX9-NTFWV-6MDM3-9PT4T-4M68B |
| Windows 10 Enterprise G N | 44RPN-FTY23-9VTTB-MP9BX-T84FV |
Windows 10 LTSC/LTSB versions
Windows 10 LTSC 2019
| Operating system edition | KMS Client Setup Key |
|---|---|
| Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC 2019 | M7XTQ-FN8P6-TTKYV-9D4CC-J462D |
| Windows 10 Enterprise N LTSC 2019 | 92NFX-8DJQP-P6BBQ-THF9C-7CG2H |
Windows 10 LTSB 2016
| Operating system edition | KMS Client Setup Key |
|---|---|
| Windows 10 Enterprise LTSB 2016 | DCPHK-NFMTC-H88MJ-PFHPY-QJ4BJ |
| Windows 10 Enterprise N LTSB 2016 | QFFDN-GRT3P-VKWWX-X7T3R-8B639 |
Windows 10 LTSB 2015
| Operating system edition | KMS Client Setup Key |
|---|---|
| Windows 10 Enterprise 2015 LTSB | WNMTR-4C88C-JK8YV-HQ7T2-76DF9 |
| Windows 10 Enterprise 2015 LTSB N | 2F77B-TNFGY-69QQF-B8YKP-D69TJ |
Earlier versions of Windows Server
How To Find Product Key For Windows Server 2008 R2 Using Powershell Command
Windows Server, version 1803
| Operating system edition | KMS Client Setup Key |
|---|---|
| Windows Server Datacenter | 2HXDN-KRXHB-GPYC7-YCKFJ-7FVDG |
| Windows Server Standard | PTXN8-JFHJM-4WC78-MPCBR-9W4KR |
Windows Server, version 1709
| Operating system edition | KMS Client Setup Key |
|---|---|
| Windows Server Datacenter | 6Y6KB-N82V8-D8CQV-23MJW-BWTG6 |
| Windows Server Standard | DPCNP-XQFKJ-BJF7R-FRC8D-GF6G4 |
Windows Server 2012 R2
| Operating system edition | KMS Client Setup Key |
|---|---|
| Windows Server 2012 R2 Server Standard | D2N9P-3P6X9-2R39C-7RTCD-MDVJX |
| Windows Server 2012 R2 Datacenter | W3GGN-FT8W3-Y4M27-J84CP-Q3VJ9 |
| Windows Server 2012 R2 Essentials | KNC87-3J2TX-XB4WP-VCPJV-M4FWM |
Windows Server 2012
| Operating system edition | KMS Client Setup Key |
|---|---|
| Windows Server 2012 | BN3D2-R7TKB-3YPBD-8DRP2-27GG4 |
| Windows Server 2012 N | 8N2M2-HWPGY-7PGT9-HGDD8-GVGGY |
| Windows Server 2012 Single Language | 2WN2H-YGCQR-KFX6K-CD6TF-84YXQ |
| Windows Server 2012 Country Specific | 4K36P-JN4VD-GDC6V-KDT89-DYFKP |
| Windows Server 2012 Server Standard | XC9B7-NBPP2-83J2H-RHMBY-92BT4 |
| Windows Server 2012 MultiPoint Standard | HM7DN-YVMH3-46JC3-XYTG7-CYQJJ |
| Windows Server 2012 MultiPoint Premium | XNH6W-2V9GX-RGJ4K-Y8X6F-QGJ2G |
| Windows Server 2012 Datacenter | 48HP8-DN98B-MYWDG-T2DCC-8W83P |
Windows Server 2008 R2
| Operating system edition | KMS Client Setup Key |
|---|---|
| Windows Server 2008 R2 Web | 6TPJF-RBVHG-WBW2R-86QPH-6RTM4 |
| Windows Server 2008 R2 HPC edition | TT8MH-CG224-D3D7Q-498W2-9QCTX |
| Windows Server 2008 R2 Standard | YC6KT-GKW9T-YTKYR-T4X34-R7VHC |
| Windows Server 2008 R2 Enterprise | 489J6-VHDMP-X63PK-3K798-CPX3Y |
| Windows Server 2008 R2 Datacenter | 74YFP-3QFB3-KQT8W-PMXWJ-7M648 |
| Windows Server 2008 R2 for Itanium-based Systems | GT63C-RJFQ3-4GMB6-BRFB9-CB83V |
Windows Server 2008
| Operating system edition | KMS Client Setup Key |
|---|---|
| Windows Web Server 2008 | WYR28-R7TFJ-3X2YQ-YCY4H-M249D |
| Windows Server 2008 Standard | TM24T-X9RMF-VWXK6-X8JC9-BFGM2 |
| Windows Server 2008 Standard without Hyper-V | W7VD6-7JFBR-RX26B-YKQ3Y-6FFFJ |
| Windows Server 2008 Enterprise | YQGMW-MPWTJ-34KDK-48M3W-X4Q6V |
| Windows Server 2008 Enterprise without Hyper-V | 39BXF-X8Q23-P2WWT-38T2F-G3FPG |
| Windows Server 2008 HPC | RCTX3-KWVHP-BR6TB-RB6DM-6X7HP |
| Windows Server 2008 Datacenter | 7M67G-PC374-GR742-YH8V4-TCBY3 |
| Windows Server 2008 Datacenter without Hyper-V | 22XQ2-VRXRG-P8D42-K34TD-G3QQC |
| Windows Server 2008 for Itanium-Based Systems | 4DWFP-JF3DJ-B7DTH-78FJB-PDRHK |
Earlier versions of Windows
Windows 8.1
| Operating system edition | KMS Client Setup Key |
|---|---|
| Windows 8.1 Pro | GCRJD-8NW9H-F2CDX-CCM8D-9D6T9 |
| Windows 8.1 Pro N | HMCNV-VVBFX-7HMBH-CTY9B-B4FXY |
| Windows 8.1 Enterprise | MHF9N-XY6XB-WVXMC-BTDCT-MKKG7 |
| Windows 8.1 Enterprise N | TT4HM-HN7YT-62K67-RGRQJ-JFFXW |
Windows 8
| Operating system edition | KMS Client Setup Key |
|---|---|
| Windows 8 Pro | NG4HW-VH26C-733KW-K6F98-J8CK4 |
| Windows 8 Pro N | XCVCF-2NXM9-723PB-MHCB7-2RYQQ |
| Windows 8 Enterprise | 32JNW-9KQ84-P47T8-D8GGY-CWCK7 |
| Windows 8 Enterprise N | JMNMF-RHW7P-DMY6X-RF3DR-X2BQT |
Windows 7
How To Find Product Key For Windows Server 2008 R2 Using Powershell Tutorial
| Operating system edition | KMS Client Setup Key |
|---|---|
| Windows 7 Professional | FJ82H-XT6CR-J8D7P-XQJJ2-GPDD4 |
| Windows 7 Professional N | MRPKT-YTG23-K7D7T-X2JMM-QY7MG |
| Windows 7 Professional E | W82YF-2Q76Y-63HXB-FGJG9-GF7QX |
| Windows 7 Enterprise | 33PXH-7Y6KF-2VJC9-XBBR8-HVTHH |
| Windows 7 Enterprise N | YDRBP-3D83W-TY26F-D46B2-XCKRJ |
| Windows 7 Enterprise E | C29WB-22CC8-VJ326-GHFJW-H9DH4 |
See also
How To Find Product Key For Windows Server 2008 R2 Using Powershell Download
• Plan for Volume Activation