Recover and find Windows 10 product key on my computer

There are different types of product keys for Windows 10. You should know the type before find a way to retrieve the lost Windows 10 product key.

1. Retail (Full) License Key

Purchased individually from Microsoft Store, Amazon, Newegg, or other retailers.

Transferable to another PC (must deactivate the old one first).

Works for clean installs or upgrades.

Usually comes in an email or a physical card.

2. OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) Key

Pre-installed on new PCs (Dell, HP, Lenovo, etc.).

Tied to the motherboard—cannot be transferred to another PC.

Often embedded in BIOS/UEFI, so reinstalling Windows on the same PC auto-activates.

May appear on a sticker (older PCs) but not always.

3. Volume License Key (VLK)

Used by businesses, schools, or organizations for bulk activation.

Managed via Key Management Service (KMS) or Multiple Activation Key (MAK).

Requires a centralized activation server in corporate environments.

How to Check Windows 10 Product Key Type?

Retail/OEM: Run slmgr /dli in Command Prompt (look for "RETAIL channel" or "OEM channel").

Volume License: Shows "VOLUME_KMSCLIENT" in slmgr /dli.

Digital License: Check under Settings > Update & Security > Activation.

If you need to reinstall Windows. 10, most modern PCs with OEM licenses or digital entitlements auto-activate without needing a key. Hence, it is very easy to recover Windows 10 product key on your computer.