Can't find Original Product Key - Upgraded from 7/8 to 10

So basically I bought windows 7 or 8 (can't even remember) and I used my university email back then. Since then I graduated and I have no longer access to my old E-Mail account and the receipt from Microsoft.

Since then I upgraded to 10 and a few days ago I bought a new PC. I found my windows key on my "old" PC by using 3d party software and activated it on my new PC. After a day I got a message that I have to activate my windows... Apparently the key that I saw is not the "original" key from windows 7/8 because the old key morphs into a new one the moment I upgrade to 10.

Is there any way of finding the original code from an already installed windows or am I forced to buy a new copy of windows?

Thank you.

If you upgraded you cant use the same key again specialty if you have 10 on two PC's you may need to buy windows

Samuria said:

If you upgraded you cant use the same key again specialty if you have 10 on two PC's you may need to buy windows

I upgraded but I don't want to use it on two PC's, just one. I'm not gonna use my old PC, in fact I'm gonna format the drive and give it to my family members.

Is there any way of finding out what the original key is or do I have to buy a new copy of windows?

dalchina said:

Why would you want the old key? If you're staying with Win 10 you can clean install Win 10 on your existing PC as many times as you want- activation is only affected by major hardware changes e.g. mobo. Changing the disk is not significant for activation.

Other rules apply if considering whether you can transfer your activated Win 10 to a different PC (same as replacing the mobo). The Tutorial section includes some relevant tutorials.

I'm interested if I can use my old upgraded windows key that I purchased several years ago on my new PC or do I have to get a new copy of windows.

I read somewhere that OEM keys are linked to mobo but keys purchased direct from Microsoft, like mine, are not.

I think showkeyplus shows both the installed key and the original key. Hopefully that will pick it up.

ShowKeyPlus

ShowKeyPlus should work. Also try Belarc Advisor which also shows Windows and other keys. Always keep hard and soft copies of product keys in a safe place!