lost windows key

[vaynard]

im currently running windows 10 it was originally windows 8 updated to 10 using the free upgrade
i lost my windows cd and box which had the product key is there a way for me to recover my windows product key. im planning to install my os on a ssd as an upgrade .

 

[captaincharisma]

if you did the free upgrade to windows 10 you do not need the key anymore. once you reinstall windows it will reactivate once you connect to the internet. but all this can be avoided by doing the recovery withing windows 10. go to settings - update and security - recovery -reset this pc

 

[geofelt]

If you buy a Samsung ssd, you can use their free ssd migration app to move your C drive to the new ssd without reinstalling.

If you want to see the key, run a free app called "magical jellybean keyfinder"

 

[vaynard]

if you did the free upgrade to windows 10 you do not need the key anymore. once you reinstall windows it will reactivate once you connect to the internet. but all this can be avoided by doing the recovery withing windows 10. go to settings - update and security - recovery -reset this pc

if i want to reformat windows 10 and transfer to a new ssd i wont need a product key? also will i need a windows cd for reinstallation?

 

[USAFRet]

if you did the free upgrade to windows 10 you do not need the key anymore. once you reinstall windows it will reactivate once you connect to the internet. but all this can be avoided by doing the recovery withing windows 10. go to settings - update and security - recovery -reset this pc

if i want to reformat windows 10 and transfer to a new ssd i wont need a product key? also will i need a windows cd for reinstallation?

If you are just changing the drive, you do not need the license key. You have what MS is calling a Digital Entitlement.
Changing the drive with a reinstall doesn't not affect that.
When you install, and it asks for the license key...there will be a link at the bottom "I don't have one" Click that.

You create your own Win 10 install DVD or USB, with this: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows10/