Share via

Windows product key

Prashant Rawat 20 Reputation points
2025-08-20T05:40:00.0966667+00:00

"Hello,

I'm Prashant, and I purchased a laptop with Windows pre-installed in 2019. Recently my HHD got corrupted, I replaced the HDD with an SSD and had it serviced at a local shop. Unfortunately, they installed a pirated version of Windows.

I'd like to reinstall my original Windows, but I don't have the product key. Since the laptop came with Windows pre-installed, I'm hoping the license is tied to the device.

Could you please assist me in retrieving my product key or reactivating my original Windows license?

Windows for home | Windows 10 | Licensing and activation
0 comments
Accepted answer
  1. Lychee-Ng 1,785 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator
    2025-08-20T10:12:12.4266667+00:00

    Welcome to Microsoft Q&A! Thanks for your question, Prashant Rawat.

    Like Marc said above, the good news is that pre-installed Windows license is often embedded in the laptop’s motherboard firmware (UEFI/BIOS). That means it is not stored on the hard drive, so replacing the HDD/SSD doesn’t affect it. Even if a pirated version was installed, once you reinstall a clean, official copy of Windows, it will detect the embedded license and activate automatically.

    You can self-check the embedded key by using PowerShell (Admin) > run the following command (Get-WmiObject -query 'select * from SoftwareLicensingService').OA3xOriginalProductKey

    If it returns a key, that confirms your device has an OEM license embedded. All you have to do next is to follow the instructions to Reinstall Windows with the installation media - Microsoft Support using a bootable installation media. In case Windows doesn’t activate after a clean reinstall, here are something you should try to resolve them:

    • Run the Activation Troubleshooter: Go to Settings > System > Activation > Troubleshoot
    • Manually enter the key from PowerShell: Open Settings > Activation > Change product key.

    If the shop changed more than just the SSD (e.g., motherboard), the digital license may no longer apply. If the issue persists, you may need to contact Microsoft Support to reactivate Windows manually!

    If the answer is helpful, please click "Accept Answer" and kindly upvote it to assist others who might face similar issues. If you have extra questions, please click "Comment".

    Note: To enable e-mail notifications, follow the steps in our documentation!

    1 person found this answer helpful.
    0 comments

1 additional answer

Sort by: Most helpful
Most helpful Newest Oldest
  1. Marc Vernon 6,575 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2025-08-20T06:30:57.3366667+00:00

    Hi Prashant, thanks for reaching out. Since your laptop originally came with Windows pre-installed, the license is most likely a digital license that’s tied to your device’s hardware rather than a printed product key.

    To restore your genuine Windows:

    1. Download the official Windows installation media from Microsoft here: https://www.microsoft.com/software-download/windows10
    2. Create a bootable USB and reinstall Windows on your SSD.
    3. Once installed, connect to the internet, the system should automatically detect the digital license stored in your device firmware and reactivate Windows without needing a key.

    If activation doesn’t happen automatically, you can contact Microsoft Support directly at https://support.microsoft.com/contactus

    and provide your device details. They can confirm your entitlement and help re-activate your license.

    Best regards,

    0 comments

Your answer

Answers can be marked as Accepted Answers by the question author, which helps users to know the answer solved the author's problem.