Find Product Key On Unbootable Drive

jimlau · 25 Jun 2017

I have to do a clean install, and I don't know where my activation key is. My unbootable drive is viewable when using another drive to boot. Is there some place in file Explorer that I can find my key is so I have it for a fresh install?

Bree · 25 Jun 2017

Yes, if you can see the windows folder on the unbootable drive you should be able to retrieve its key with ShowKeyPlus.

Should you have a backup which includes a Windows folder, the key from that installation (as well as the
previously installed key, if that installation was an upgrade), can be retrieved using the Retrieve key from backup link.

ShowKeyPlus

Samuria · 25 Jun 2017

Why do you want a key if you sign in with a Ms account when you do a clean install skip the key and it will activate via Ms server

alphanumeric · 25 Jun 2017

Samuria said:

Why do you want a key if you sign in with a Ms account when you do a clean install skip the key and it will activate via Ms server

Assuming he is running Windows 10, and activated with a Digital License. He has Windows 7 Pro listed as his OS though?

NavyLCDR · 25 Jun 2017

Samuria said:

Why do you want a key if you sign in with a Ms account when you do a clean install skip the key and it will activate via Ms server

A Microsoft Account has nothing to do with the digital license stored on Microsoft Activation servers. Digital licenses stored on Microsoft Activation servers are by the unique hardware ID of the computer, not a Microsoft Account.

alphanumeric · 27 Jun 2017

NavyLCDR said:

A Microsoft Account has nothing to do with the digital license stored on Microsoft Activation servers. Digital licenses stored on Microsoft Activation servers are by the unique hardware ID of the computer, not a Microsoft Account.

You can activate with a local account if you wish. Different user account too. Activation is based on the hardware hash, and does it match what is stored with the Digital Licence.