Complete guide to extract Windows 10 license from BIOS

If you have ever found yourself in the situation of needing to reinstall Windows 10 but you do not have the activation key at hand, you have probably wondered how you can recover this information. Knowing that licenses are often stored in the BIOS from your computer is a good starting point, but how do you extract them? Fortunately, there are multiple methods to achieve this, from commands simple to specialized tools.

In this article, you will find all the information you need to get the Windows 10 product key stored in the BIOS. We will explain step by step the easiest and most effective methods, as well as the free tools you can use. In addition, we will discuss the changes in digital licenses and how to take advantage of them. Let's get to it!

What is BIOS and how does it store the Windows license?

 

The BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) is an essential component of computers that manages startup and basic system settings. In more recent models, this function has been partly taken over by UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface)Now, many manufacturers have adopted the practice of storing the Windows product key in a specific section of the BIOS, known as MSDM (Microsoft Data Management) table.

This method replaces the old OEM labels that came printed on computers. These labels used to deteriorate and become illegible with ThereBy saving the key in the BIOS, users can access this information without worrying about its physical loss.

Recover license from CMD

The first method to get the product key is by using the Symbol of the system (CMD). By following these steps you can easily recover the key:

• Press the keys Windows + Q and writes DCM.
• Right click on the result and select “Run as administrator”.
• Enter the command: WMIC Path SoftwareLicensingService Get OA3xOriginalProductKey and press Enter.

Within seconds, the system will display the activation key on the screen. You can write it down or save it to a text file.

Using PowerShell to extract the license

Another way to get the key is by using PowerShell. This environment, more advanced than CMD, allows you to run similar commands:

• Right click on the Start menu and select “Windows PowerShell (Administrator)«.
• Enter the command: (Get-WmiObject -query 'select * from SoftwareLicensingService').OA3xOriginalProductKey and press Enter.

The result will be the same: you will get the key stored in the BIOS directly on the screen.

Specialized tools to recover the key

If you prefer more visual options or are not comfortable with commands, there are several tools designed to read keys stored in the BIOS:

OEM Product Key Tool

This portable tool does not require installation, which means you can run it from a USB. Simply open it and in seconds you will get your product key on screen.

ProduKey

ProduKey is known to be very efficient in recovering keys for Windows and other programs like Office. Its interface displays all relevant data, including OEM keys stored in the BIOS.

Windows Keyfinder

Featuring an intuitive design, this tool also allows you to view and save the key in different formats. It even allows you to print a detailed summary of the installed Windows version.

What to do if the key is not in the BIOS?

In some cases, you may not find the product key in the BIOS. This usually occurs in scenarios where:

• A copy of Windows was purchased through a retailer and did not come preinstalled.
• The computer was custom built and does not have an OEM license.

In these cases, check your email or purchase history if you purchased Windows digitally, or look for the labels on the product box.

Aspects of digital licenses

For some years now, Microsoft has introduced the digital licenses, which are directly linked to your Microsoft account. This simplifies the activation process, as the system automatically detects the license when you log in.

If you upgraded from Windows 7 or 8, or purchased Windows 10 from the Microsoft Store, you likely have this type of license. You can check it by accessing your account on the official Microsoft portal.

With these methods and tools, recovering the Windows key stored in the BIOS is more accessible than ever. Whether using commands, applications, or checking your purchase records, you will always have options available. You will be able to reinstall your operating system without worrying about losing access to your license.