Upgrade to computer and cannot access my original windows key

Question

Hi there

I have had to have an complete upgrade to my PC system and have lost my original windows 10 key that came with the computer. I may have also had a different email address prior as well which would have been ******@hotmail.com

My current email is ******@gmail.com, can you help please?

Kind regards

Helen Poulos

Answer 1

What kind of upgrade did you do? Did you change motherboard?

Answer 2

can i find the key is the bios

Answer 3

Since the original Windows 10 key and the old email address are no longer available, the supported options are:

1. Check how Windows 10 was originally provided
   • If the PC came with Windows 10 preinstalled (OEM):
     • The product key is usually preinstalled in the firmware (BIOS/UEFI) or printed on a Certificate of Authenticity (COA) label on the device or in the packaging. If the device still exists, check the case, documentation, or COA label.
     • If the COA or documentation is missing, contact the PC manufacturer for assistance.
   • If Windows 10 was purchased as a separate copy from an authorized retailer:
     • The key is on a label or card inside the original Windows box. If that packaging is lost, contact the retailer.
   • If Windows 10 was bought as a digital copy:
     • From a retailer: the key is in the confirmation email or in the retailer’s digital locker.
     • From a Microsoft website: the key is in the confirmation email, and the purchase appears in the Microsoft account Order history for the account used at purchase.
2. Check for a digital license instead of a product key
   • Many Windows 10 devices use a digital license rather than a printed key. If the device was upgraded for free from Windows 7/8.1 or from Windows 10 to Windows 11, or if Windows 10/11 Pro was purchased via the Microsoft Store app, activation may be tied to a digital license associated with a Microsoft account.
   • Sign in on the upgraded PC with any Microsoft account previously used on that device (for example, the old Hotmail account if still accessible). If the digital license is linked to that account, Windows should activate automatically or via the Activation Troubleshooter.
3. If activation still fails
   • If the seller or manufacturer reused the key on more devices than allowed, or if the key cannot be recovered from any of the above sources, a new product key or a new copy of Windows is required to activate the upgraded PC.

For additional help with activation and product keys, use the official guidance in the references below.

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References:

• Find your Windows product key
• Why can't I activate Windows?
• Get help with your Microsoft account
• Microsoft account sign-in helper