Where do i find my windows license?

Hi! _PG_

I'm James, An Independent Advisor, and I will help you with this issue

If Windows 10 came preinstalled with your computer, it's called an OEM license.

For the OEM licenses, these dies as soon as the Motherboard dies, so essentially it is non-transferable.

If that is a Retail License, make sure that you are logged into that PC with your Microsoft Account, follow the steps below:

To find your Windows 10 Product Key

1. Open the Start Menu and search for Command Prompt (Run as Administrator)
2. Type in the command prompt and press Enter:

wmic path SoftwareLicensingService get OA3xOriginalProductKey.

This will reveal the product key of your Windows.

You can try this quick way to remove everything from your PC and start fresh.

1. Open the Start menu.
2. Press the Shift key while selecting the Power button > Click Restart.
3. On the Choose an option screen, select Troubleshoot > Reset this PC.
4. Select Delete all.

If you have an OEM license Windows will stay activated.

If you need more help with this issue, just let me know and I will help you.

The difference from a local account to a Microsoft account is that you use an email address instead of a username to log into the operating system.

Also, with the Microsoft Account you can sync your settings and use the Microsoft programs.

You can learn in this article about "Switch from a local account to a Microsoft account".

https://support.microsoft.com/article/395203bf-...

I will be here to help you, have a great day!

To associate your Windows 10 license to a Microsoft account, follow the steps below:

1. Click on Accounts.
2. Click on You info.
3. Click the Sign in with your Microsoft account instead link.
4. Follow the steps on screen.

When you log-in with your Microsoft account, verify that your digital license is linked, follow the steps below:

1. Open Settings.
2. Click on Update & security.
3. Click on Activation.

The Activation page should now read "Windows is activated with a digital license linked to your Microsoft account".

Notes:

1. Digital license key can only be link to one Microsoft account.
2. Logging out your Microsoft account will unlink your digital license key.

I will be here to help you, have a great day!

If you have a local account, this does not affect the license, at least you have licenses linked to your account, to be sure what kind of license you have, follow the steps below:

1. Open a command prompt or PowerShell
2. Write:

Slmgr –dli

3. Wait a few seconds and Windows Script Manager will tell you what kind of license you have.

Linking licenses to Microsoft accounts is a safe way to keep them without losing them.

I will be here to help you, have a great day!

Ok so i had success.. a few more questions:

I'm pretty sure this is an OEM license as youve described... i entered the command and found the key.  However, I was not logged into a Microsoft Account as indicated for checking retail license but it seemed to work fine.  Does this mean that command should be expected work regardless if this is OEM or retail license... and regardless if I'm logged into a Microsoft Account or not? 

Regarding Microsoft Accounts... I have a handful of these computers to manage and want to keep the licenses accessible; Is it advised to save the licenses to a Microsoft Account that I create specifically for this computers in this small business?  The one i'm writing this post from is my personal account... so i'm not sure the recommended method to go about saving the licenses somewhere secure. 

Thanks James!!