Where Is My Windows Serial Key
Most product key finder programs were originally designed to find the serial numbers and key codes for operating systems like Windows 10, 8, 7, Vista, etc., but many of them find serials and keys for many other programs, too, like office suites, video games, and more. Each copy of the Windows operating system comes with a product identification license key. The key is sent to Microsoft when the computer searches for the latest update. Only valid license keys can update the operating system. The product identification number is shown in the Windows 'System' window. Each copy of the Windows operating system comes with a product identification license key. The key is sent to Microsoft when the computer searches for the latest update. Only valid license keys can update the operating system. The product identification number is shown in the Windows 'System' window.
Anyone know how I can get my Windows 7 serial key? I used to use Belarc advisor to see my Serial keys. When I use it on my newly upgraded Windows 10, it shows me a Windows 10 Professional serial key. Is this the same as my Windows 7 Professional key?
4 Answers
I noticed on my Windows 8 installation that after upgrading to Windows 10, the Windows key was changed, upgraded to a new Windows 10 key in Belarc, but the Internet Explorer 'key' still has the old Windows 8 key written next to it. I don't know if the same is true for Windows 7, but have a look at the Internet Explorer key, if it's different, it could be that it's the old Windows 7 key that wasn't changed during upgrade.
The upgrade has overwritten that previous data. If your key wasn't stored elsewhere (written down/saved) you will have to contact Microsoft. Though I don't guarantee they will be able to help if the Windows 7 install was OEM & never registered under your name.
Yes it's possible to go back to your old operating system
Microsoft provides multiple cases in which you can reverse the key into your previous one:
Windows Xp Product Key
If it's been less than a month since you've upgraded to Windows 10, you'll be able to go back to your previous version of Windows from Settings > Update & security > Recovery.
If your PC manufacturer provided the option, you might be able to restore your device to factory settings.
If options to go back and restore factory settings aren’t available, you can use installation media and a product key to install a previous version of Windows.
Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged windows-7windowswindows-10serial-number or ask your own question.
If you're preparing to reinstall Windows 7 you will need to locate your unique Windows 7 product key, also sometimes called the Windows 7 serial key, activation key, or CD key.
Normally, this product key is on a sticker on your computer or located with the manual or on the disc sleeve that came with Windows 7. However, if you don't have a physical copy of your product key, that doesn't mean it's gone forever.
Fortunately, a copy of your Windows 7 key is stored in the registry. It's encrypted, meaning it's not easily readable, but there are several free programs that can help fix that problem in less than 15 minutes.
Confused? Check out our Windows Product Keys FAQ for more information about product keys and how they work in Windows.
The manual techniques used to locate the product key for older versions of Windows won't work in Windows 7. Those manual procedures will only locate the product ID number for Windows 7, not the actual product key used for installation. So if you've done this kind of thing before in Windows XP or Vista, you'll need to instead use the process outlined below.
Follow the steps below to locate your Windows 7 product key code:
How to Find Your Windows 7 Product Key
Manually locating the Windows 7 product key from the registry is nearly impossible due to the fact that it's encrypted so you'll need to use a product key finder program to extract it.
Choose a free product key finder program from this list that supports Windows 7.
Any product key finder that locates Windows 7 product keys will locate the product keys for any version of Windows 7: Ultimate, Enterprise, Professional, Home Premium, Home Basic, and Starter.
Download and run the key finder program. Follow any instructions provided by the software.
The numbers and letters displayed by the program represent the Windows 7 product key.
To be clear, thta's five sets of five letters and numbers.
Write this key code down exactly as the program displays it to you. Most keyfinder tools let you export the key to a text file or copy it to the clipboard.
If even one character is written down incorrectly, the installation of Windows 7 that you attempt with this product key will fail. Be sure to transcribe the key exactly!
You can now reinstalling Windows 7 using that product key!
A Few More Options
If you need to install the Windows 7 operating system but you still can't find your Windows 7 product key, even with a product key finder, you have two choices:
The first thing to try would be to request a replacement product key from Microsoft, which should cost you around $10 USD. This doesn't always work out, but it's worth a shot.
Where Is My Windows 10 License Key
If that doesn't get you anywhere, you're left with purchasing a brand new copy of Windows 7 from NewEgg, or some other retailer.