Getting Retail Key from Microsoft Linked Windows 10

[Mr Technician]

I'm going to reinstall windows 10 on a PC build that currently has a retail license, only it is linked to the Microsoft account on the device. If possible, I would like to reinstall windows with a local account instead of the Microsoft linked one. I don't have the license key written down anywhere, so is there a good way of getting it back so I can reinstall windows without the Microsoft account and without buying windows again?

[TylerDurden!]

more than likely, it will automatically activate based off your hardware id with MS without having to log on with the associated MS account which will allow you to just use the local account.  This is just in my experience with installing / reinstalling windows a gazillion times.

The only time having an associated account with MS helps out is where you reinstall windows but make some sort of major hardware change where MS no longer recognizes your machine.  Then the MS account comes in handy

[Mr Technician]

Just now, TylerDurden! said:

more than likely, it will automatically activate based off your hardware id with MS without having to log on with the associated MS account which will allow you to just use the local account.  This is just in my experience with installing / reinstalling windows a gazillion times.

The only time having an associated account with MS helps out is where you reinstall windows but make some sort of major hardware change where MS no longer recognizes your machine.  Then the MS account comes in handy

I did some digging and found a script that finds the product key from the registry so I can use that if need be. I've reinstalled windows many times but not on a build, only on OEM hardware.

[TylerDurden!]

you can do that too, but skip the part about entering the key at the beginning of the install, I bet it automatically activates itself.  You can always enter it, if need be, afterwards.

[Mr Technician]

8 minutes ago, TylerDurden! said:

you can do that too, but skip the part about entering the key at the beginning of the install, I bet it automatically activates itself.  You can always enter it, if need be, afterwards.

Should I worry about saving the product id along with the key?

[TylerDurden!]

just save whatever info the tool gives you.

41 minutes ago, ThatFlashCat said:

Should I worry about saving the product id along with the key?

 

[peacefulpolarbear]

you dont need to reinstall to unlink MS account

[Mr Technician]

10 hours ago, peacefulpolarbear said:

you dont need to reinstall to unlink MS account

The reinstall is to get a fresh start (it's been 3.5 years) and because I'm adding a new SSD. I'd just like to unlink the Microsoft account in the process.

[C2dan88]

Make sure when reinstalling to disconnect from internet otherwise installer will force you to sign n/create ms account.

[Mr Technician]

1 hour ago, C2dan88 said:

Make sure when reinstalling to disconnect from internet otherwise installer will force you to sign n/create ms account.

Does it? When I last installed windows (maybe a month or two ago?) I was able to click "no" a couple times and it let me do it locally.

[GimmeGaming]

I've always just used a tool called Jellybean for getting the key:

https://www.magicaljellybean.com/