How to find your Key?

[gity69]

Hi I upgraded two PC's to windows 10 a couple months ago. I was running legit versions of 7 and 8.1. I have had some issues with both of them and want to do a fresh install. I have created to USB bootable media for the installation, however when I went into the system panel it shows my product key as 20 digits. At the install screen it asks for 25 this was the case with both of them. Where can I find my actual keys?

 

[USAFRet]

The Product key is completely different than the License key (25 characters).
And with the Win 10 Upgrade, the license key is of little matter. That info is actually held at the mothership. A hash of your old WIn 7/8 license key, and your motherboard info.
So...it sees that particular device as having been Upgraded successfully from a qualifying OS.

For Win 10 reinstall on a previously Upgraded device, you do not need the license key.
Install, and when it asks for the license key, Skip. It asks twice.

 

[viometrix]

well you could have used magic jellybean key finder before you formatted, but now it wont work....unless you can still boot into windows 10. if you install the same editions of windows 10 it should not require a key as it tied itself to your motherboard. hope this helps

 

[gity69]

Ah ok so I'm migrating the SSD from one to another and putting a new one into the first one. I can find the keys using the software still as I havent formatted the original SSD yet. What happens if I need to replace my motherboard down the road, will the key still work?

 

[USAFRet]

Ah ok so I'm migrating the SSD from one to another and putting a new one into the first one. I can find the keys using the software still as I havent formatted the original SSD yet. What happens if I need to replace my motherboard down the road, will the key still work?

Migrating drives within the same PC...no problem.
Changing motherboards, previous to yesterday might have been a pain REinstall your old Win 7 OS, then upgrade again to Win 10.
As of yesterday, this might be relevant: https://www.thurrott.com/windows/windows-10/6815/microsoft-will-now-let-windows-10-upgraders-use-windows-7-8-or-8-1-product-key-to-activate

Obviously, since this info is only 24 hours old, I've never tried this.
But....

 

[gity69]

Wow that is excellent news! I will test ASAP.

 

[gity69]

Ok so when I skipped all of the key entry steps and booted up with a fresh install its telling me they are both already activated, I didn't have to do anything it just knew I guess. Thanks for all your help.