Reading a Windows key: here’s how

You’ve installed Windows 10 and would like to extract your Windows licence key in order to sell the program to VENDOSOFT, for example. We’ll show you how to display the Windows key.

Numerous users of Windows 7 or Windows 8 took advantage of Microsoft’s offer to upgrade to Windows 10 for free. No Windows licence key was required. Even with the paid purchase of Windows 10 via the Windows Store, the product key is not included as was otherwise standard.

The program is activated online by using the ID to recognise the PC. The product key for Windows 10 is generally only supplied in the classic form of a code if a full Windows 10 version is purchased on a retail storage medium. You will also find the product key as a sticker on the housing when you buy a new PC or laptop with a pre-installed operating system.

What’s the problem with extracting the Windows 10 licence?

The upgrade to Windows 10 based on a valid licence for previous Windows versions limits the use of Windows 10 to the PC on which the operating system has been activated. Yet, the product key is required at the latest when the free operating system is to be transferred to another PC, for example when it is sold. Although you could go round the houses and install the previous version to view the key, this method is less than satisfactory.

Many Windows users preferred to install Windows 10 directly from a data medium anyway, because in numerous cases the online upgrade didn’t work properly. Therefore Microsoft provided the option of a complete, separate download of the installation program. This enables the installation to be carried out directly using the existing licence of earlier Windows versions. A product key for Windows 10 is generated when the system is installed, but is not displayed to the user. Nevertheless, the Windows key can be displayed.

Extracting the Windows key is easy

You can find the Windows product key in certain hidden places in the PC registry. Experienced IT users can theoretically extract the Windows key without an additional utility. However, this requires numerous individual steps. We therefore recommend free programs such as LicenceCrawler, which are easy to use to extract the Windows licence key. The tool is a key finder that allows you to find and then save the Windows key in a few simple steps.

You need to bear this in mind after finding the product key

When extracting a Windows key, you should make sure that you save and archive the information that such tools display as completely as possible.

Do you have any questions or need help extracting the Windows key?

If you’re using a tool to extract the Windows key, just follow the program’s instructions. You can find suitable utilities on the websites of online magazines for PC users. If in doubt, Microsoft Support will also help you. If you’ve already activated Windows 10, you automatically also have a Microsoft account and are therefore entitled to all free services and assistance from Microsoft.
You’re also welcome to contact VENDOSOFT with your questions if you intend to sell us your Windows licence.
You can reach us on +49 (0) 8143-99694-0 or via our contact form.