Forum Discussion
How do I get my Windows Key back?
I did a fresh Windows 10 Home install on my PC back in 2021, and I used my dad's old Windows 7 Pro key to activate Windows. Today, I decided to finally get an SSD, and while I'm at it, do a clean in...
Since you used your dad’s old key back in 2021, it might be a retail key, or it could be OEM. If it’s a retail key, you may be able to reuse it, but Microsoft’s policies have tightened, and many old keys are now blocked or require activation via phone.
When YOU used the Product Key to do a Windows Install of 10. Your Microsoft account was given a digital Key, which it indeed took the place of the key you used. This key can be found in YOUR Microsoft Account.