Any Windows computer should come with a license key for activation. However, that key isn't always readily available. Some refurbished computers have a sticker on the outside with it, but with most computers, the key is usually pre-loaded and stored digitally on the system.
This article will show you how to find your license key with Command Prompt. Keep in mind, that you would need a valid copy of an already activated Windows to see a key listed.
Here is how to do this:
1. Open the Start Menu and type cmd (to search for command prompt) in the search field.
2. Right-click on Command Prompt and then click Run as Administrator
3. Click on “Yes” when prompted.
4. From here, enter the following into Command Prompt and then press Enter on your keyboard:
wmic path softwarelicensingservice get OA3xOriginalProductKey
You should now see the product key listed in the format xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx.