How to remove the wired key in the bios. How to find OEM Windows Activation Key from BIOS
In today's article, we will explore the issue of how to find out serial number Windows, which was pre-installed on your equipment upon purchase.
Recently, Microsoft has changed the way they license their OEM products, namely Microsoft Windows. We are talking about those types of licenses that are usually pre-installed on laptops and system blocks manufacturer or assemblers, namely OEM licenses, developer licenses and single language versions.
Previously, when you bought a laptop with Windows 7 installed, you could find a sticker on the back of the equipment with the name of the purchased license and its activation key, which usually consisted of 25 characters. But since the release of Windows 8, the methods of distributing licenses have changed and now on the back of your laptop you will find only the Microsoft branded label, which confirms the right to use the operating system. Neither the name of the license nor the key will be on the sticker!
Why is that? The thing is that with the advent of the UEFI BIOS, it became possible to sew the key directly into it, and the system is activated automatically, without manually entering the key, provided that the laptop has exactly the edition of the operating system for which the serial number is preinstalled. Those. If you bought a Windows 8 laptop with a single language license and then upgraded to Windows 8 Professional, then your copy of Windows will not be activated.
- Contact service technical support equipment manufacturer. It will take a lot of time and will cost a lot of money. In addition, you will receive a clean operating system with basic settings and you will definitely lose all personal information.
- Use regular resources Windows Recovery. In this case, you simply roll back your system to its original state from the copy that is stored on the “invisible” partition of your hard drive unless you delete it.
This method is more likely designed for novice users, but not very convenient in practice. The thing is that when the system rolls back, the user gets the original preset a copy of Windows, with all previously installed demo programs, proprietary utilities and other rubbish that clogs the system and in most cases, an ordinary, and even an advanced user, will never come in handy. You will also not be able to change the hard disk partitions as it would be more convenient for you during recovery.
In addition, you must copy your personal data and settings to external storage in advance, otherwise you will lose them. This also brings some inconvenience.
If for various reasons you do not want to carry out these operations yourself, then we are ready to offer you our assistance in installing the operating system on your equipment. Check out our website!
- What if the recovery partition does not exist, or recovery from it is impossible for various reasons? In this case, you will need to download the distribution kit of the operating system that is associated with your purchased license. Next, you need to write it to DVD disc or create bootable flash drive, then perform a clean installation of the operating system.
But the difficulty is that Microsoft has not officially published its distributions for download for a long time and finding the edition of Windows you need can cause problems, and downloading various modified pirated assemblies is also wrong. Another disadvantage in this approach is the problem with primary activation after clean install. Windows for various reasons, despite the fact that the assembly is selected correctly, may not want to go through activation.
How to get a Windows license key on a laptop
That is why we will need to extract the license key from the BIOS in order to activate the system manually via the Internet or by phone. To do this, we need to open the command line: Start > Run > cmd.exe
In the window that appears, run the command:
wmic path softwarelicensingservice get oa3xoriginalproductkey
So, it so happened that you have to reinstall windows (hdd, bsod, other problems die ...) and next to the problem there is a desire to transfer an honestly acquired license. But here's the bad luck: the sticker was erased, the record was not preserved, but what did I care? Yet it worked! There is a way out, but with Windows 8 , 8.1 and 10 even easier, there the key is sewn into the bios. Microsoft uses a 25-digit code, which is what we need. I'll tell you about three relatively simple ways find out the product key: software, using a script and wired into the BIOS, let's go:
ProduKey, a time-tested program, shows keys for Windows, MS-Office, SQL Server. Just download and run the .exe file from the archive in a couple of seconds, you're done.
Using this utility, you can not only look at the key on installed system but also for example from an external device ( external drive, usb flash drive) or connect a disk with a second system. It happens that Windows does not start due to disk damage or blue screen this is to blame, but it is necessary to find out the key, then Product KeyFinder perfect solution.
Download, install. Run as administrator.
Click the tab Tools, and then Load Hive…
Choose on external device Windows folder and press Enter. After a few seconds of scanning, we get the system version and the key for installation on new disk clean Windows.
2. With a script
A method for seekers, it is a little more complicated, but more interesting.
Set WshShell = CreateObject("WScript.Shell") regKey = "HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\" DigitalProductId = WshShell.RegRead(regKey & "DigitalProductId") Win8ProductName = "Windows Product Name: " & WshShell.RegRead (regKey & "ProductName") & vbNewLine Win8ProductID = "Windows Product ID: " & WshShell.RegRead(regKey & "ProductID") & vbNewLine Win8ProductKey = ConvertToKey(DigitalProductId) strProductKey ="Windows 8 Key: " & Win8ProductKey Win8ProductID = Win8ProductName & Win8ProductID & strProductKey MsgBox(Win8ProductKey) MsgBox(Win8ProductID) Function ConvertToKey(regKey) Const KeyOffset = 52 isWin8 = (regKey(66) \ 6) And 1 regKey(66) = (regKey(66) And &HF7) Or ((isWin8 And 2) * 4) j = 24 Chars = "BCDFGHJKMPQRTVWXY2346789" Do Cur = 0 y = 14 Do Cur = Cur * 256 Cur = regKey(y + KeyOffset) + Cur regKey(y + KeyOffset) = (Cur \ 24) Cur = Cur Mod 24 y = y -1 Loop While y >= 0 j = j -1 winKeyOutput = Mid(Chars, Cur + 1, 1) & winKeyOutput Last = Cur Loop While j >= 0 If (is Win8 = 1) Then keypart1 = Mid(winKeyOutput, 2, Last) insert = "N" winKeyOutput = Replace(winKeyOutput, keypart1, keypart1 & insert, 2, 1, 0) If Last = 0 Then winKeyOutput = insert & winKeyOutput End If a = Mid(winKeyOutput, 1, 5) b = Mid(winKeyOutput, 6, 5) c = Mid(winKeyOutput, 11, 5) d = Mid(winKeyOutput, 16, 5) e = Mid(winKeyOutput, 21, 5) ConvertToKey = a & "-" & b & "-" & c & "-" & d & "-" & e End Function
Create a normal Text Document .txt open it and paste this text there:
Change the file extension from .txt on the .vbs and run the script, after a couple of seconds we see the key. Who is too lazy to do manipulations, download the finished script.
3. Pull the key out of BIOS (bios)
This method is real hardcore, it will help you find out the key of all windows wired into bios. AT latest versions computers preinstalled with Windows 8, 8.1, 10 do not have a sticker with a key, of course you can find it above listed ways, but what if you put another version or Linux on top, for example? The key is stored in the bios chip, and on the one hand, it's great, you won't lose it, and if you want to know it, use RWeverything. Download the utility according to the version of your system, version 32 bit or 64 bit. It needs to be downloaded, unpacked (winrar, winzip), installed and run. Then:
- Click on the ACPI button.
- Select the MSDM tab.
- In the bottom line Data will be hardwired into your BIOS Windows key? copy it and use it as intended
Conclusion: if you had to find and restore the key, be sure to write it down in a safe place. The license is important, you paid for it.
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A new working way to extract the key, including if the system does not start.
I found this method on the Internet and checked that it works even in the latest build Windows 10.0.14393 it's a bit difficult for sure regular user, but sometimes the cost of a lost license makes us purposeful, especially since the instructions themselves are detailed and understandable. Yes, it is in English, but which of us does not use a translator in chrome? So, be careful and follow the instructions, if you do everything correctly, then at the end you will decrypt the binary code and get the product key, this field looks like this:
Hello dear readers. Do you know how to activate licensed Windows correctly? Say what you know, hmm, I thought so too, but somehow I got a laptop in my hands, on which, after installation new Windows 8, I was going to activate it with the key, but to my surprise, I couldn’t do it. To be more precise, after clicking on the "Activate Windows" button, instead of a prompt to enter a key, incomprehensible errors appeared, such as this one: "DNS name is not specified."
Over time, of course, I figured out what was wrong, it turned out that during the installation of the system, some incomprehensible key was picked up, which at the time of activation was simply not recognized by the system. This problem was solved only by deleting the old activation key, and of course by installing a working key that came with the laptop. Therefore, I decided to write an article on my personal example how I managed to remove the old activation key and activate Windows from scratch.
So, I had a laptop with a preinstalled operating system and, of course, a key that was sewn into the BIOS. and setting it up with the help of the utility . Then, I opened the properties of the computer and immediately clicked on the button " Activate Windows».
The activation process immediately began, I was even surprised why the system did not even offer to enter my key. Well, okay, I thought, maybe the computer automatically substituted the necessary activation key itself. But just a moment later, an error appeared, which I wrote about a little higher. All subsequent attempts to activate Windows were unchanged, except that the error code changed.
Well, I thought and tried to find a field in which it would be possible to specify the key that I got from the BIOS, but instead some incomprehensible key was already indicated everywhere. I could only see a few characters, but it was enough to understand that given code didn't match what I had. Thinking that there was some kind of confusion with activation keys, I decided to delete old key and re-enter a new one.
In general, after I deleted the old activation key and re-led the one that I prepared, everything worked out for me. At first I saw the word "Success!!!", but then what Windows activation completed.
So if you find yourself in a similar situation and need to know how to remove old activation key, then just below you can find a simple and understandable guide on how to do it.
Delete the old activation key
To remove the old activation key in Windows 8, as with many other system settings, we need command line, more precisely, there we just have to execute a few commands.
So, let's start by launching the command line, of course, with administrator rights hung up, otherwise, when you follow the next steps, you may not get anything.
Okay, the command line is running, now in the window that appears, write the following command:
slmgr.vbs /upk
and of course press Enter».
A window should appear notifying you that the key was successfully deleted.
That's all, in general, everything is much simpler than it seemed. Thus, we will be able to remove the old activation key.
After that, he can easily specify a new key and activate Windows.
You can do this in windows menu 8 or write two more commands in CMD:
slmgr.vbs –ato
Thus, we will enter a new key and start the system activation.
How to remove an old activation key in Windows 8, 7, 10
A special product license key is used to activate the Windows operating system. The Windows product key used to activate the system differs depending on the operating system version (Windows 10, Windows 8, Windows 7, etc.), OS edition (Home, Pro, etc.), distribution method (OEM, Retail etc).
To activate the Windows operating system, a product key is used, which consists of 25 characters in the form of numbers and capitals ( upper case) English letters, divided into 5 groups of 5 characters: "XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX".
Laptops used to often have a Windows activation key glued on. AT this moment, laptop manufacturers with pre-installed operating systems sew a product key into the BIOS to automatic activation Windows.
In the event of a system reinstall, or for some other reason (for example, activation failed after a hardware failure), the user may need a Windows product key. How to find the Windows activation key?
You can find out the license key of the installed Windows by running a special VBS script, as well as using five programs: ProduKey, ShowKeyPlus, Free PC Audit, Speccy, AIDA64, SIW. All the listed programs are free, except for AIDA64 and SIW.
Script with ".vbs" extension and portable free programs(ProduKey, ShowKeyPlus, Free PC Audit) can be downloaded from here. Download the rest of the programs to your computer from the official websites of manufacturers.
Using these methods, you can find out the Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 8.1, Windows 10 key. After you have found out the Windows product key, the data obtained for subsequent use, in case of reinstalling the operating system, to activate the operating system.
How to find out the Windows key in ProduKey
The free ProduKey program from the well-known manufacturer NirSoft does not require installation on a computer. The application shows the keys to the Windows OS, Internet browser Explorer, Microsoft Office.
Unzip the archive with the program, and then run the "Application" file from the folder. After launch, the ProduKey utility window will display the key to the installed operating system.
Highlight the entry with the Windows 10 key, or another operating system, and then in context menu select "Copy Product Key" to copy the activation key to the clipboard.
We look at the license key in ShowKeyPlus
The free program ShowKeyPlus does not require installation on a computer. After launch, in the application window you will see information:
- Product Name - The operating system currently installed on the computer.
- Product ID (Product code) - product code.
- Installed Key - the key of the operating system currently installed on the computer.
- OEM Key - a key embedded in the BIOS of the laptop of the initially installed operating system.
To save the data, click on the "Save" button, and then the received information in a text file.
How to view the Windows key in Free PC Audit
The free program Free PC Audit will help you find out the key installed Windows. This program does not require installation on a computer. Run the utility file, after that a window will open Free programs PC Audit, which will start scanning the system.
After the scan is completed, in the "System" tab, opposite the "Windows product key" item, you will see the product key of the installed Windows operating system.
To copy a key, highlight the line with license key, and then using the "Copy" context menu item, or using the "Ctrl" + "C" keys, copy the Windows product key from the utility window.
How to find out Windows 8 key using VBSCrit
Activation keys for the Windows operating system are stored on the hard drive in encrypted form. Executing the VBSCrit script will allow you to get the product key of the installed operating system in decrypted form. This script was developed for Windows 8 operating system, but this code also works fine in Windows 10, Windows 8.1, Windows 7 operating systems.
To perform the operation, double-click on the “WindowsKey.vbs” file. In the window that opens, you will see the Windows activation code. Next, click on the "OK" button.
The next window will display information about the operating system version, product ID, and product key number. Ignore the name of the entry "Windows 8 Key". The name of this OS will be displayed on any version of the Windows operating system.
Getting the Windows key in Speccy
The free Speccy program from the well-known company Piriform, the manufacturer of CCleaner and other software. From the official site you can download a portable (portable) version of Speccy. Exists paid version advanced programs.
The program provides the user detailed information about hardware computer, you can also use the application to find out the license key of the installed Windows.
Launch the Speccy program, in the section " Operating system» The version of the installed operating system and its serial number (activation key) will be displayed.
Find out the product key in AIDA64
AIDA64 is a powerful program for getting all sorts of information about computer software and hardware.
After launching the AIDA64 program, in the "Menu" tab, in the "Operating system" section, license information will be displayed, including the Windows product key.
Select the product key, select "Copy" in the context menu, then paste the key into Notepad, or another similar program to save.
Read detailed overview programs .
Key information in SIW
SIW (System Information of Windows) - a program for obtaining information about the hardware status and software computer.
After launching SIW, enter the "Programs", "Licenses" section. This will display information about the product key that is used in the Windows operating system installed on the computer.
Incorrect (incomprehensible) product key
When checking the keys in the ways listed above, the Windows product key may appear as follows: "BBBBB-BBBBB-BBBBB-BBBBB-BBBBB".
This means that your computer is activated with a corporate MAK or VLK key. Operating Windows does not save such keys, so programs do not see them.
Windows 10 uses a new system authentication method (not for all cases in Windows 10). The activation record is stored on the servers and is not displayed on the computer. After reinstallation, Windows will automatically activate for some time.
The retention of the license depends on changes in the hardware configuration of the computer. In case of replacement motherboard, servers Microsoft activations revoke the license for this computer. Windows will prompt you to purchase a new product key.
Article Conclusions
If necessary, the user will be required to enter a valid product key to activate the Windows operating system. The user can find out the license code of the Windows operating system by running a VBS script, or using specialized programs: ProduKey, ShowKeyPlus, Free PC Audit, Speccy, AIDA64, SIW.
Experienced PC and Internet user
A very standard and common situation is pushing many to read this material: I once bought a laptop with a licensed operating system installed. Windows system 7 or 8. Through certain time due to the need to Windows installation or for any other reason, you need an activation key, which was indicated on the sticker, which is located on the bottom of the laptop, but over the months and years of operation of the laptop, it has long been erased or completely peeled off. How to be?
If your PC is running Windows with an activated license key, then "getting" it from the operating system will not be difficult. If by icon My computer right click and open Properties, then below we will see only product code, not the activation key itself. It is also important to distinguish between what you need to get - just the code that was listed on a special sticker or the code for Windows 8, which is in the BIOS of the computer.
Screenshot of "My Computer" properties
For Win8 from BIOS using RWEverything
To extract the OEM license key Windows 8 from the BIOS of a laptop or desktop computer, we recommend that you familiarize yourself with - in it we looked at how to use the program to get the Win8 key from a new type of BIOS: UEFI. This method is also relevant for those who are trying to recover the key, if instead of licensed Windows 8 "from the store" another OS was installed.
Screenshot of RWEverything
Windows activation key in AIDA64
If you need an activation key for an installed and running system, you can use the program we already know to complete diagnosis PC - - go, get acquainted, download and install. Then run the program and open the tab Operating system. In chapter License Information in field Product key and the required activation code for Windows will be indicated.
Screenshot of the AIDA64 program
In AIDA64, as well as in RWEverything, you can see the key sewn into the BIOS. To do this, go to the tab Motherboard, then ACPI. In chapter Table Description find MSDM and in the field SLS Data the 25-character Windows activation code we need will be registered.
Screen AIDA64
Finding an activation key via KeyFinder
A simple utility from Magical Jelly Bean. This small program does not take up much space and gives out only the bare minimum of information, but it is exactly what we need. You can download KeyFinder from here (the official website of the developers), it is available in two versions - the free one is enough for us. Download, install, run. In the left window, select the software for which you need to find out the activation key - in this case, we are interested in Windows 7 Home Premium. CD Key and there is the desired code.
Screenshot Key Finder
Instead of a conclusion
This list could be continued indefinitely, since there are at least a dozen more popular utilities for solving the same problem, but I think that the set provided will be enough for you. Found on the Internet and various scripts that use VBScript or PowerShell to extract keys without installing extra software. Everyone chooses the method that is more convenient for him.
