Some Windows 10 PCs have a product key embedded in the computer’s firmware, but many Windows installations activate with a digital license and do not require you to retrieve a 25-character key. A Command Prompt command can sometimes display an OEM firmware key on older systems, but it will not reveal a useful key on every PC.
Check Your Activation Method First
- Open Settings.
- Select Update & Security.
- Select Activation.
- Read the activation status and look for wording that indicates a digital license.
If Windows is activated with a digital license, Microsoft says you can reinstall the same edition of Windows 10 on that hardware without entering a product key. The digital license is associated with the device and can also be linked to your Microsoft account.
Try the Legacy CMD Method on a Windows 10 PC
- Open Start.
- Type Command Prompt.
- Open Command Prompt.
- Enter
wmic path softwarelicensingservice get OA3xOriginalProductKey. - Press Enter.
If the PC has an OEM product key stored in firmware and the WMIC utility is available, the command may display that embedded key. A blank result does not necessarily mean Windows is unlicensed; the system may use a digital license or another licensing method.
Why This Command Is Becoming Less Useful
WMIC is a legacy command-line utility that Microsoft deprecated years ago. Microsoft removed WMIC from current Windows 11 releases in 2026. That change does not retroactively remove the utility from every Windows 10 PC, but it makes WMIC a poor long-term method for licensing guidance.
Other Places to Look for a Product Key
Microsoft says the correct location depends on how Windows was obtained. A retail purchase may have the key in a confirmation email, retailer account, packaging, or Certificate of Authenticity. An OEM PC may have the key embedded in firmware or supplied with the computer. A Microsoft Store purchase may instead be associated with a digital license and your Microsoft account.
Do You Need the Key to Reinstall Windows 10?
Not always. If the device already has a valid digital license for the same Windows 10 edition, Microsoft’s activation system can reactivate it after reinstallation once the PC is online. Confirm activation before reinstalling and keep any purchase records you have.
Windows 10 Support Status
Microsoft ended ordinary Windows 10 support on October 14, 2025. If this PC can run a supported Windows version, consider upgrading rather than relying indefinitely on an unsupported operating system.
Summary
The legacy WMIC command can sometimes reveal an OEM firmware key on Windows 10, but it is not guaranteed to return a product key. Check the Activation page first because many PCs use a digital license and do not need a key to be manually recovered.