Windows license from Windows folder

Question

I have an old desktop (which I built myself) with Windows 10 Pro which died recently. I don't plan to fix it anymore. The problem is that I haven't checked which license of Windows 10 it has (Retail or OEM) before it died.

It has an SSD boot drive with other files on it. I just want to use this SSD on another computer as another storage device.

Before I wipe it out my question now is: Is there a way for me to check from the Windows folder the license version that I have? I'm asking because if it's retail, I will still be able to use it again on another computer if in case I want to build another one.

Thanks in advance.

Wes

Answer 1

Hello, I’m Virginia, I have 20 years of expertise in fixing my own & friends’ PC problems.

Sorry to hear you’re experiencing problems.

The key would be in the BIOS of the broken pc so it would not be possible to recover it via the SSD.

However modern pcs do not have a key in the BIOS but are registered on the Microsoft account it is connected with. If a retail key & you install the same version of Windows (Home, Pro etc) then it should automatically activate when you sign in.

If not the either the license was OEM or the same version isn’t installed.

Answer 2

Thanks for your reply but I don't have a new computer to start the SSD on. I have a few computers here but they all are running computers with Windows installed on them.

I tried to hook the SSD to a working laptop and I can see that it has a Windows folder on it apart from other files. I just want to know if there's a way to check the license version of the Windows that's on the SSD.

But again, thanks for your reply.

Answer 3

Hello, how are you?

My name is Paloma B., I am very happy to be able to try to help you in the best possible way.

This is an open community, whenever you need you can share the problem so that possible repairs are suggested.

I believe that in this case, the only option is for you to try to start that SSD on the new computer.

As this is a self-built computer, it must be a retail license, as OEM licenses are available and only bind by manufacturers on your computers.

After starting the SSD on the new computer, use the ShowKeyPlus program to verify the key.

The command below should also show the license type of this installation.

1. Press Windows+R, type cmd and click OK;
2. Type the command below and press Enter(This will tell you the type of key you have):

slmgr -dli

3. Review the license information screen to confirm it is a retail license.