I was using microsoft windows 10 home edition and lost the product key during reinstallation

Question

I was using microsoft windows 10 home edition and lost the product key during reinstallation

kumar sachin 0

Hi,

I have lost the product key which is digitally signed for windows 10 home edition. During reinstallation it asks for product key, how can I retrieve the key or reinstall the windows 10?

Thanks

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2 answers

Your answer

Answer 1

DaveM121 945.9K Independent Advisor

1

During the reinstallation process, there should be a link at the bottom of the window to skip the step to insert a product key, so you can complete the installation.

2

Where did you get your Windows licence was that pre-installed on the PC or did you purchase a full retail Windows licence from Microsoft or from a 3rd party retailer?

Or is your Windows licence based on a free upgrade from a previous Windows 7 or 8 licence?

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Answer 2

If Windows 10 Home was previously activated on that same device, a product key may not be needed to reinstall it.

Before reinstalling, check activation status if the old installation is still accessible:
- Start > Settings > Update & Security > Activation
- If it shows Windows is activated with a digital license, the device can be reinstalled without entering a product key.
Reinstall the same edition: Windows 10 Home.
- During setup, if prompted for a key, select I don't have a product key.
- After installation completes, connect to the internet. Windows should activate automatically online if the device already has a digital license.
If the device originally came with Windows preinstalled, the product key may be:
- preinstalled on the PC,
- included with the packaging, or
- attached on a Certificate of Authenticity (COA).
If Windows was purchased digitally:
- From an authorized retailer: check the confirmation email or the retailer’s digital locker.
- From the Microsoft website or Microsoft online store: check the confirmation email or Microsoft account Order history.
If Windows 10 Home was activated using a Microsoft account-linked digital license, activation works by signing in with the linked Microsoft account and connecting the PC to the internet.
If there was a major hardware change such as a motherboard replacement, reactivation may be required. The digital license or product key will reactivate only if the edition remains the same.