Re-install OEM Windows - Dell XPS 8700

[Ahodson39]

Hey Tom's Community,

I am looking for help re-installing Windows 10 on my Dell XPS 8700 computer. I purchased the complete PC in late 2013, and it came with all the usual software on it including Windows 7. At some point last year the system auto-updated to Windows 10, which is great.

I don't have any of the media/discs that came with the computer, and it has been transferred into a new case - so I don't have access to my physical key printed on the original case. FWIW, I checked and couldn't find any important barcodes when I threw the old case away.

I want to do a clean re-install of Windows to clear out the gunk that has built up over the years, I will be using the same mobo and HD that came in the original computer. Is my OEM Windows key stored anywhere in the system that I can find it? I know I can create fresh recovery media on a USB drive, but I don't have my key anymore and I know it will ask me for that at some point if I re-install.

If I'm leaving out any info let me know and I'll get that ASAP. Thanks for any help you can provide.

 

[Dark Lord of Tech]

If you had that PC linked to Microsoft Account you should be able to reinstall 10 and it should activate.

 

[psoohoo]

if it was upgraded to windows 10 from 7 on that machine and successfully activated it, you can simply reinstall the same version of Windows 10 (pro or home) without a product key and it will check online afterwards for a previously activated digital license.