Lost windows key

[JoySkeet]

So i had a problem with my windows and i had to download a cracked version and install it from a USB drive , the problem is that i lost my OLD windows key that came with the PC , where can i find it? i tried Belarc advisor to find it but it shows my current cracked key (windows is not activated)

I  found the key but when i enter it it says " The product key you have entered appears to be a default key and cannot be used for activation" 

[Adam Falt]

6 minutes ago, JoySkeet said:

So i had a problem with my windows and i had to download a cracked version and install it from a USB drive , the problem is that i lost my OLD windows key that came with the PC , where can i find it? i tried Belarc advisor to find it but it shows my current cracked key (windows is not activated)

I  found the key but when i enter it it says " The product key you have entered appears to be a default key and cannot be used for activation" 

I have honestly NO idea! Maybe its beacuse of the craked windows?

[Howlingwolf101]

No key? Looks like you're.....locked out.

 

In all seriousness, you could try purchasing a new key from Kinguin for cheap. like maybe 25 if you can't find a way to get it back.

[JoySkeet]

I have a key that came with my PC , i want to get rid of the cracked key that i have now and add mine but i can't because when i enter my key i get the error "  " The product key you have entered appears to be a default key and cannot be used for activation" 

[Howlingwolf101]

2 minutes ago, JoySkeet said:

I have a key that came with my PC , i want to get rid of the cracked key that i have now and add mine but i can't because when i enter my key i get the error "  " The product key you have entered appears to be a default key and cannot be used for activation" 

You could try reinstalling a uncracked or official version to fix this.

[Aruxx]

Do you have a recovery disc with your PC?  If not you might be able to get a Windows ISO from the Window's website and go from there.

[ThreePhaseLoad]

I would recommend a clean non-cracked install using your key. If it doesn't activate still then try phone activation.

 

Microsoft Instructions

[DXMember]

hah, when I read the title I thought you actually lost the Windows Key

like the actual key...

 

consult your PC manufacturer if the windows came pre-installed with the system,

it is their responsibility to assist you with such problems

[JoySkeet]

^ lol

What if i reinstall windows ? will it require my key ? 

 

[Jarsky]

Yes.

 

If your computer came with Windows 10 - then it may be in the BIOS, so you can try installing from your computers recovery disks or an OEM copy of it.

If it's not embedded in your BIOS then you will have a COA sticker somewhere on your machine, or in your documentation.

If it came with a Windows version previous to Windows 10 - you will have to install that previous version, activate it, then upgrade to 10 I believe.

 

You can use this tool to extract the key if its in your UEFI/BIOS: https://neosmart.net/OemKey/