Thank you for being a valued part of the CNET community. As of December 1, 2020, the forums are in read-only format. In early 2021, CNET Forums will no longer be available. We are grateful for the participation and advice you have provided to one another over the years.

Thanks,

CNET Support

Resolved Question

I have lost my windows ten product key and need so help

Aug 4, 2017 7:32AM PDT

the title says most of it but I will explain.

so I was building a new custom pc build and decided to transfer my digital key I got on my other old computer that I upgraded from windows 7 from to my new one, therefore not needing top buy windows again. so I thought I had the product key written in my phone notes and typed into cmd slmgr/upk and now I don't know what my key is.

if someone could help me out or just give me the definite news that it;'s gone forever that would be great, thanks!!

Discussion is locked

SuperDurp22 has chosen the best answer to their question. View answer

Best Answer

- Collapse -
Re: Windows 10 key
Aug 4, 2017 7:49AM PDT

Login to your Microsoft account and see what is registered there, and if you can transfer it.
That's possible if the original Windows 7 on your old PC was a retail version, not an OEM version. Since you didn't tell the version, we can't tell. But it won't harm to login and see.

Post was last edited on August 4, 2017 7:53 AM PDT

- Collapse -
Thanks!!!
Aug 4, 2017 9:09PM PDT

I logged in to Microsoft and it told me I was on a different computer but there's an option to make your current computer the old one through "recent hardware changes" option and it activated my new computer. Thank you guys for the quick answers!!

- Collapse -
Thank You
Sep 25, 2017 1:46PM PDT

Even I was looking for a solution to this issue and your answer was very informative. Thank You

- Collapse -
Answer
Even if you had the key
Aug 4, 2017 7:42AM PDT

The new system is different and non-transferable. It's a lot to read about the new Digital Entitlement system but if you took the free upgrade from 7 to 10 then the license is now the new DE and won't be useful.

This has upset a few that didn't know this.

Also, only Microsoft can fix key and license problems. Don't fall for any scam support sites. Do not deal with anyone but Microsoft for the key.

- Collapse -
PS. I use the old fashioned method.
Aug 4, 2017 10:33AM PDT

That key be correct for the old PC but as Kees noted you have to know your licenses.

Try installing W7 and using its key. Also, I never use a cmd slmgr/upk method. I use the old fashion, Settings, Update & Security then Activation for W10 method.

- Collapse -
Answer
therefore not needing to buy windows again.
Aug 4, 2017 10:14AM PDT
".... therefore not needing to buy windows again. "

Or you could install a Linux distro for free instead. No "keys" needed. No activation. No spyware. REAL Privacy.

Post was last edited on August 4, 2017 11:41 AM PDT

- Collapse -
Answer
you cannot transfer key
Aug 4, 2017 9:16PM PDT

you cannot transfer key from an old computer if it came with the old computer. It would violate microsofts license. That is why you are getting that message from microsoft. You WILL have to purchase a new key.

- Collapse -
It's complicated.
Aug 5, 2017 7:32AM PDT

See what they did to resolve this. The license is complicated.

- Collapse -
saw what they did
Aug 5, 2017 2:58PM PDT

there is always a chance the computer will eventually be declared non genuine. Over the years, I have seen many computers get activated then months or even years later declared non genuine during some update because it finally caught the license violation.

- Collapse -
Answer
window 10 product key
Aug 17, 2017 3:29AM PDT

If you purchased genuine windows ten from the Microsoft or authorized dealers then you can contact to Microsoft and they will definitely take care of their genuine and valuable customer. In the second scenario if you purchased a pirated version then you should contact you can search out google and you will find various websites that provide free product keys according to the system requirement like if you have window 10 32-bit or 64-bit version then you have to download the product keys according to your bit version.