Recover Windows 10 key after installing Windows 7


  1. PabloViGar
    Posts : 2
    Windows 10
       New #1

    Recover Windows 10 key after installing Windows 7


    Hello everyone,

    I updated to W10 from W7 last year, when you could do it for free, and, as far as I know, my official W10 key got stored in my motherboard.
    Today, I wanted to format my PC but accidentally installed W7 instead of W10.
    I want to upgrade to W10 so I am creating an image and so. My question is: is there any way so I can get my W10 official key back?
    I have tried using key recovery software but it only gets the W7 key.

    Thank you.
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  3. Caledon Ken
    Posts : 30,171
    Windows 11 Pro x64 Version 23H2
       New #2

    Hi PabloViGar. Welcome to the TenForums @PabloViGar

    Your entitlement was actually stored on the MS servers not you MB.

    Just do a clean install on 10, same version, skip over entering key and MS will activate your software.

    If you made significant changes then some additional steps are required.

    Ken
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  4. PabloViGar
    Posts : 2
    Windows 10
    Thread Starter
       New #3

    That's right, the problem is solved. Thank you.
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  6. Caledon Ken
    Posts : 30,171
    Windows 11 Pro x64 Version 23H2
       New #4

    Excellent. Glad the forum could help.

    Ken
      My Computer
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  7. alphanumeric
    Posts : 15,037
    Windows 10 IoT
       New #5

    Just to clarify, The only Windows 10 keys stored in the BIOS are those put there by OEM's like Dell, Acer, ASUS etc. It's not added by upgrading to Windows 10. As you found out, you get a Digital License, and that is stored on the Microsoft Activation Server. The key you originally got was a generic key all PC's that do the free upgrade get it. There is a Home key and a Pro key etc. Those keys are easy to find with a Google search. You could enter them during setup, no need to though. They will only work (activate) if that PC already has a Digital license stored on the activation server. No pre existing DL and no activation. Run showkey now and you'll see what your 10 key is. ShowKeyPlus
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