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Solved How to get Windows 10 Key from external Hard Disk

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vampz

PCHF Member
Feb 25, 2022
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#1
Hello, I sent my laptop to get new SSD and HDD as the old HDD was low in space. Now, After replacement the shopkeeper has installed the windows 10 on it (It may be pirated copy) but I had original key in my old HDD. Now I want to re-install the original windows (downloaded from Microsoft) and then want to add the original Key, I don't remember it now and other account details of Microsoft etc.

I have attached the old HDD externally but couldn't find it. I tried using "Recover Keys" software but its demo version didn't show me the complete key and only first 4 digits were seen.

I just want to get the key from external hard drive, how can I do that?
 
#2
Did the PC come with Windows 10 pre-installed or an older version of Windows? If Windows 8 or 10 then the key is a digital license & not the drive. You would need to find your account details to activate Windows.
Checking the BIOS may show a key.
I’ll find the cmds.
 
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#4
If you suspect a fake key has been used to activate Windows then please check with this command:
Run this to see what is currently installed & post the screenshot:
Right click on start & choose powershell with admin & enter: slmgr.vbs /dlv
This will show a popup showing whether your license is OEM, Retail, or Volume amongst other information.
If this states you have a volume licence then there is a way to return to a legal key if there's one in the BIOS.
 
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#5
have you actually tried activating Windows on the PC?
if so, what error did you get?

sounds like you may have used your MS account during the original activation process, if so, that's good news, you'll just have to regain access to that MS account.

but really, ringing MS is not a big and scary task as it sounds, people really only don't want to if they have something to hide, otherwise you are perfectly entitled to ring and get assistance.
I haven't needed to ring them for a few years now, but when I was, I was doing it at least once a month for clients I had to reload Windows onto their PC after a major hardware upgrade and they were, without fail, always helpful.
 
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#6
Hi, thanks everyone. I just tried to look for older accounts and now I remember that this key was given to from my University as they had some contract with Microsoft and all students were getting keys for FREE. I got it in 2019 and now my account with the University is closed because I am graduated and they are not assisting anymore in this.

What made me believe that its pirated copy? I thought who will give original windows for FREE.

So I can't access the account now because the University closes accounts upon graduation and according to them they deleted them (I don't know if they are saying or just not want to give me again)
 
#7
there is probably some provision that the license they have from Microsoft for students is only valid while they are students.
if you ever read the fine print of something you would have signed, it would probably have mentioned that.

in short, that avenue is now closed to you and you have to join the wider population who need to pay for the Windows license. :)
 
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