How to Check Windows 10 Key Validity

I just bought a discounted Windows 10 Pro key via Guru3D as recommended by some here. This key is for future use so I want to check it is valid before installing Windows 10. I tried the commonly used utility MicrosoftPIDChecker but this reports - Error: The specified key does not work with the loaded PKeyConfig file. Other retail Windows 10 keys I have are correctly reported by this utility.

Is there another way of check the validity of the key since the MicrosoftPIDChecker report is unclear?

Steve C said:

I just bought a discounted Windows 10 Pro key via Guru3D as recommended by some here. This key is for future use so I want to check it is valid before installing Windows 10. I tried the commonly used utility MicrosoftPIDChecker but this reports - Error: The specified key does not work with the loaded PKeyConfig file. Other retail Windows 10 keys I have are correctly reported by this utility.

Is there another way of check the validity of the key since the MicrosoftPIDChecker report is unclear?

Did you try ShowKeyPlus? It has the option to check a key's edition.

Hello @Steve C,

Steve C said:

I just bought a discounted Windows 10 Pro key via Guru3D as recommended by some here. This key is for future use so I want to check it is valid before installing Windows 10. I tried the commonly used utility MicrosoftPIDChecker but this reports - Error: The specified key does not work with the loaded PKeyConfig file. Other retail Windows 10 keys I have are correctly reported by this utility.

Is there another way of check the validity of the key since the MicrosoftPIDChecker report is unclear?

As far as I know, you can NOT check if the key is Genuine or not unless it is Activated [ Entered ] on the computer.

Saying that, have a look at these . . .

> How to check if the Windows Key is Genuine or Legit
> How to Check if a Windows 10 Product Key Is Genuine

I suppose you could always contact Microsoft and ask.

I hope this helps.

Ghot said:

Did you try ShowKeyPlus? It has the option to check a key's edition.

Good tip - that shows a Windows 7 key! Looks like a duff key so don't use the Guru3D links.

I've asked MS to comment.

Steve C said:

Good tip - that shows a Windows 7 key! Looks like a duff key so don't use the Guru3D links.

I've asked MS to comment.

A windows 7 key... sort of is a windows 10 key.
It will still work for Windows 10.

Ghot said:

A windows 7 key...sort of is a windows 10 key.
It will still work for Windows 10.

Thanks. I now have more detail from another utility PID Key Checker:

Key Status : Valid
Product ID : XXXXX-OEM-9320142-07522
Extended PID : XXXXX-00186-201-407522-02-2057-9200.0000-2522021
SKU ID : da22eadd-46dc-4056-a287-f5041c852470
Description : Windows 7 Professional OEM:COA
Edition ID : Professional
Sub Type : [7]X15-37341
License Type : OEM:COA
Channel : OEM
Crypto ID : 186 (ba)

When I clean installed Win 10, I used my Win 7 Home (retail) key. It worked no problem.