Where's the Windows Product Key Stored?

Yudhbir Singh · Sep 12, 2015

Just wanted to know where the key is stored, like at the HDD or mobo because I might have to switch out a part for my build.

anonman · Sep 12, 2015

I'm fairly certain it's the motherboard

Though you can use the phone trick.

USAFRet · Sep 12, 2015

Assuming you are referring to Windows 7, use Belarc Advisor to retrieve the OS license key. And any other relevant key in your system.
Print it out or write it down.

Yudhbir Singh · Sep 12, 2015

USAFRet :

I'm looking to replace my HDD, would I have to use that program then? I know I'll have to reinstall Windows on my new HDD.

USAFRet · Sep 12, 2015

Yudhbir Singh :

Yes. This will show you your OS (and other) license key. When you reinstall on the new drive, you will need this.

William Henrickson · Sep 12, 2015

If you were to upgrade to Win10, and login with a MS account, it will store your key automatically online, and will apply it when you login the first time after an install on the same computer. For the future when you do go Win10.

Math Geek · Sep 12, 2015

the physical location for win 7 is in the registry. but the utilities that retireve them make it so much easier. the advisor above or magic jelly bean and others will get it for you along with many other keys such as for office, av software and others.

giantbucket · Sep 12, 2015

Yudhbir Singh :

you don't HAVE to reinstall windows. there's ways of simply migrating your entire OS from an old HDD to a new HDD/SSD. windows has a native "create system image" and "restore system image" function built-in, and there's apparently free tools to do that as well (Acronis is one that i can remember)

jsmithepa · Sep 12, 2015

Regardless whether you need it now, it's highly advisable to have that information readily available. Next time it will be a combination of failures and wo good access to the HD, and now your OS is rendered unless and another $100 bux.

Don't go asking if you are covered for flood insurance AFTER you had the flood.

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Where's the Windows Product Key Stored?

Yudhbir Singh

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Math Geek

anonman

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USAFRet

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Yudhbir Singh

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USAFRet

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William Henrickson

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Math Geek

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giantbucket

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jsmithepa

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