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Danielslie's avatar
Danielslie
Copper Contributor
May 28, 2024

Can I save an OEM key to my MS account?

One of my laptop is shipped with an OEM key and Windows 10 Pro is activated automatically when upgrading from Windows 8. How can I sync this key to my MS account?

 

Thanks

 

  • OEM licenses are linked to the machine. You will not need the license key to reinstall Windows at any point on that same machine. These cannot be linked to your Microsoft Account because it lives and dies with the machine and cannot be transferred.
  • Yarisyoyo's avatar
    Yarisyoyo
    Iron Contributor
    OEM licenses are linked to the machine. You will not need the license key to reinstall Windows at any point on that same machine. These cannot be linked to your Microsoft Account because it lives and dies with the machine and cannot be transferred.
  • Glanton's avatar
    Glanton
    Copper Contributor
    The key is stored on your computer's motherboard, so if you want to re-install there's an option along the lines of "I already have a license" and if you click that it'll automatically detect it.
    • deanshepherd's avatar
      deanshepherd
      Brass Contributor
      open command promt as admin and open the system32 dir
      cd c:\windows\system32
      then run the following it should return the current OEM key
      wmic path softwarelicensingservice get OA3xOriginalProductKey
  • Sokolov_Kirill's avatar
    Sokolov_Kirill
    Copper Contributor
    If your computer is UEFI, the key is stored in the bios and Windows activates as soon as you install it on that hardware.
  • Tomasstes's avatar
    Tomasstes
    Brass Contributor

    Manually Note the Key: You can use a password manager or a secure note-taking app to store the OEM key manually.

    Digital License Link: If your Windows 10 or Windows 11 installation is linked to your Microsoft account, you can activate your device without needing to enter the OEM key again, as your activation is saved in Microsoft’s servers.

    Backup Key: You might consider backing up the key with third-party software tools that can extract and save your OEM key.
  • Michems's avatar
    Michems
    Copper Contributor
    Make sure you're signed in to your laptop with your Microsoft account. Go to Settings > Accounts and ensure it shows your Microsoft account email under "Your info". If you're currently using a local account, you can switch to a Microsoft account from that same menu.
  • FamWan's avatar
    FamWan
    Copper Contributor
    This is a product key that comes pre-installed with your laptop's operating system. It's tied to the hardware of the machine, meaning it can often only be used on that specific device. Your laptop manufacturer usually embeds this key into the BIOS or UEFI firmware.
  • Josefaou's avatar
    Josefaou
    Copper Contributor
    Make sure you are signed in with a Microsoft account. Go to Settings > Accounts and check if you're using a Microsoft account. If you are logged in with a local account, you might want to switch to a Microsoft account. Click on Sign in with a Microsoft account instead and follow the prompts.
  • Roanaqiom's avatar
    Roanaqiom
    Copper Contributor
    First things first, make sure you’re using your Microsoft account to sign into your laptop. If you’re currently logged in with a local account, you can switch to your Microsoft account by going to Settings > Accounts > Your Info and selecting “Sign in with a Microsoft account instead.”
  • DebramSanche's avatar
    DebramSanche
    Copper Contributor

    An OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) key is tied to the hardware of your device, meaning it’s typically embedded in the BIOS/UEFI of your laptop. This allows Windows to activate automatically when it's installed on that specific hardware.

  • Junapeta's avatar
    Junapeta
    Copper Contributor

    No. You should copy and save the OEM key in a safe place.

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