Computers & Tablets

[figueroa4]

I saw that someone was looking on how to get their key.  This is how I got mine when swapping out my hdd with a ssd. I was a little weary of not having it just in case, so did some research and found this.

 Retrieve the product key in PowerShell

1. Right-click on Start and click on Windows PowerShell (Admin).
2. In the PowerShell window, type or paste the following:   powershell "(Get-WmiObject -query 'select * from SoftwareLicensingService').OA3xOriginalProductKey"   
3. Hit Enter.
4. Your Windows product key will shortly appear.

[Austin-BBY Social Media Specialist]

Hey there, figueroa4,

Thanks for dropping by and sharing this tip! 

We did want to clarify a couple of things.

1. This is only for our more comfortable users. If you are not comfortable using the command prompt, please stop by your local Best Buy store for assistance. 

2. These steps should only need to be taken by digital only users. If you purchased Windows online or in your local Best Buy store, the key should be present in the email you received or on the packaging. Additionally, you should be able to obtain your key by going into Settings -- Update & Security -- Activation. 

[nckhammond]

Plus if the unit came with windows 8 or 10 preinstalled. Windows will pull the key from the bios anyway. (Note sometimes windows 8 keys it doesnt pull until after windows is installed)

[bobberuchi]

Wasn't it that way back in the late 90's or early 2000's where the code was embedded. 

I don't know if its true but I had read that at one time before game clients that you would have to register your games and software online and when you did so it recorded a unique code from your CPU or BIOS and if someone tried to register it again to play it would deny.