For many people, Windows 10 is upgraded or already preinstalled on a new system. But what if you want to perform a clean installation of Windows 10? Then you obviously need the product key. Here you can read where you can find the product key for Windows 10.
For many people, Windows 10 is an upgrade or it is pre-installed on a new computer. Activation happens automatically. But what if you want to perform a clean installation of Windows 10? Where can you find your product?
If you want to perform a clean installation of Windows you usually need the operating system product code, so Microsoft can verify that it is a legal version.
Digital signature
Windows 10, however, can be activated without such a code if Microsoft already has a digital signature from your computer. Such a signature is created and stored during the activation of the upgrade. In that case, you can perform a clean installation without a product key because Microsoft just recognizes your computer.
But if the hardware has been changed on your computer, or if you have a new PC or laptop, you’ll still need a product key because the device is not recognized by Microsoft.
You can find this code, when Windows 10 came with your device, on the back or bottom of your PC or laptop. If you have purchased Windows 10 as a digital download, you will receive a Microsoft e-mail containing the product key. If you have Windows 10 bought in the store, the product key is on a sticker in the box.
Contact Microsoft
You can also contact Microsoft if your device can not be activated. The support service can activate the operating system for you if it is clear to them that you really have a legal copy in your possession.
Do not use software that claims to be able to identify the product, because such programs often provide a generic activation code for Windows 10 which is useless.