windows key bound to mobo?

[Tiwaz]

Is a windows 10 key, no matter if OEM or standard, bound to the motherboard, so i can do an easy fresh installation?

[Zando_]

On newer OEM systems, yes. But Google how to find it with CMD, and write it down, just for safety's sake. 

 

EDIT:

Like so:

Find Windows Product Key

It is to be noted that a Retail product license is tied to the person whereas the OEM product key is tied to the machine, as per Microsoft Windows Desktop licensing terms. In this post, we will see how to find the original Windows Product Key using Command Prompt or PowerShell, from BIOS or Registry. It works for Retail & OEM licenses too.

Recover Windows product key using Command Prompt

From the WinX Menu in Windows 10 / 8.1, open an elevated command prompt window, type the following command and hit Enter:

wmic path softwarelicensingservice get OA3xOriginalProductKey

Your Windows product key will be displayed.

 

Full link: http://www.thewindowsclub.com/find-windows-product-key

[bgibbz]

I believe Windows 10 is tied to a Microsoft account. Either way, I gave reinstalled windows 10 countless times on oem laptops and custom pcs without any issue. 

[Enderman]

If you're not changing motherboard you don't need to worry about your key at all.

[Enderman]

18 minutes ago, Zando Bob said:

On newer OEM systems, yes. But Google how to find it with CMD, and write it down, just for safety's sake. 

 

EDIT:

Like so:

Find Windows Product Key

It is to be noted that a Retail product license is tied to the person whereas the OEM product key is tied to the machine, as per Microsoft Windows Desktop licensing terms. In this post, we will see how to find the original Windows Product Key using Command Prompt or PowerShell, from BIOS or Registry. It works for Retail & OEM licenses too.

Recover Windows product key using Command Prompt

From the WinX Menu in Windows 10 / 8.1, open an elevated command prompt window, type the following command and hit Enter:

wmic path softwarelicensingservice get OA3xOriginalProductKey

Your Windows product key will be displayed.

 

Full link: http://www.thewindowsclub.com/find-windows-product-key

No you do not need to do any of this with windows 10.

If you want to change your motherboard without windows becoming deactivated then you need to do this: https://www.howtogeek.com/226510/how-to-use-your-free-windows-10-license-after-changing-your-pc’s-hardware/

All it takes is a microsoft account, you do not ever need to look or write down a key.

 

PS- there is no difference between retail and OEM.

[Zando_]

4 minutes ago, Enderman said:

No you do not need to do any of this with windows 10.

If you want to change your motherboard without windows becoming deactivated then you need to do this: https://www.howtogeek.com/226510/how-to-use-your-free-windows-10-license-after-changing-your-pc’s-hardware/

All it takes is a microsoft account, you do not ever need to look or write down a key.

 

PS- there is no difference between retail and OEM.

I know you don't need to, but I like to get it, just in case the install screws up something. 

[Tiwaz]

23 minutes ago, Zando Bob said:

-snip-

the command does nothing in cmd or windows key + R  thingy...thoe if i reainstall it on this mobo with the right key, it will work. It would be nice if you could help me find it. I might be able to find the original key somewhere in all the PC junk i have lying around

[Zando_]

Just now, Tiwaz said:

the command does nothing in cmd or windows key + R  thingy...thoe if i reainstall it on this mobo with the right key, it will work. It would be nice if you could help me find it. I might be able to find the original key somewhere in all the PC junk i have lying around

Did you run CMD as an admin?

[Tiwaz]

5 minutes ago, Zando Bob said:

Did you run CMD as an admin?

yes, didnt work, but i added the key to my account successfully. So when i switch out mobo and cpu and reinstall windows, i can just login with my account or will it ask for my key?

[Zando_]

4 minutes ago, Tiwaz said:

yes, didnt work, but i added the key to my account successfully. So when i switch out mobo and cpu and reinstall windows, i can just login with my account or will it ask for my key?

It shouldn't ask you for anything if the key is bound to your mobo. 

 

EDIT: 

Just remembered that it takes a bit to find it form CMD. How long did you wait?

[Tiwaz]

3 minutes ago, Zando Bob said:

It shouldn't ask you for anything if the key is bound to your mobo. 

 

EDIT: 

Just remembered that it takes a bit to find it form CMD. How long did you wait?

well afterwards it instanntly just gave me a new line to enter something

[Zando_]

1 minute ago, Tiwaz said:

well afterwards it instanntly just gave me a new line to enter something

Oh. Are you sure you typed it in right? Maybe Microsoft killed it in an update or something.

[Enderman]

58 minutes ago, Zando Bob said:

I know you don't need to, but I like to get it, just in case the install screws up something. 

If the "install screws up or something" you still don't need the key...

 

The only time a key is needed is when changing motherboards.

And even then if you linked your Windows 10 copy to a microsoft account all you need to do is long in with your account, you never have to use the key.

[demonix00]

Retail keys (the ones that come with a USB drive to install windows) can be moved from one computer to another (as long as the original install is removed from the other computer), OEM keys can't but probably like with upgrades it should be flexible when it comes to replacing the motherboard due to failure.