Finding a product key

[JimJams]

So I'm pretty sure my hard drive is damaged since i can't boot into windows
It just goes onto the blue screen and then launches start up repair
Before i purchase a new hard drive is there a way i can get the windows key so i can wipe this hard drive and reinstall windows to check

Thanks in advance

 

[Herc08]

Which version of Windows do you have? If it's 10, then it's tied into the motherboard, and you can wipe the hard drive and re-isntall windows. Also if you have a MS account, it is tied to your account, known as digital entitlement.

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/12440/windows-10-activation

 

[JimJams]

Which version of Windows do you have? If it's 10, then it's tied into the motherboard, and you can wipe the hard drive and re-isntall windows. Also if you have a MS account, it is tied to your account, known as digital entitlement.

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/12440/windows-10-activation

Its currently running windows 8.1

 

[Herc08]

Ah ok. If it came with Windows 8 then you there should be a Certificate of Authencity somewhere on your computer. If you bought it, it is probably on a box or in an email somwhere.

 

[JimJams]

Ah ok. If it came with Windows 8 then you there should be a Certificate of Authencity somewhere on your computer. If you bought it, it is probably on a box or in an email somwhere.

Ok I'll have a look around
Thanks

 

[Eximo]

On many computers the COA is placed inside the computer, under the memory or battery. That way it doesn't get rubbed off.

 

[bignastyid]

If it's a preinstalled OEM version of 8 or 8.1 there may not be a COA or product key as many OEMs embedded it into the bios.