Find Windows 10 License key for new laptop

[KeganB]

My company recently bought 2 HP Elitebook 840 G3's that come with Windows 10 Pro. I did a clean install with a custom image of Windows 10 Pro but I am getting an activation error. Where do I find the License key for our new computers?

[WAWood]

KeganB

Hello;

Allow me to welcome you to the HP forums!

I wish I had good news for you -- but I don't ...

For you see, the version of Win10 that came preinstalled on the PC was an HP OEM version -- and that is the ONLY version with which the product key on that laptop will work.

Since you removed that OS version and installed a different one, you will have to PURCHASE a license for it to activate.

[KeganB]

There has always been a product key inculded with a new PC incase something goes wrong with the opperating system and/or people do not want the bloatware. Are you implying that HP has discontinued this long used and I believe required by Microsoft feature?

[WAWood]

I did NOT say there was no product key; I said it would not work with a different version of the OS.

And THAT has always been the case.

The product key ONLY works with HP OEM versions of the OS, and NOT with stuff you get from MS or elsewhere.

[KeganB]

Quoting from Microsofts site  on OEM Licensing
"End user distribution
Packs should not be distributed to end users. Software is preinstalled onto customer systems for use by end users. The software license located in the pack must be given to the end user. Software licenses may include a COA, media, and a Getting Started guide."

ref https://www.microsoft.com/OEM/en/licensing/productlicensing/Pages/windows-licensing-and-packaging.as...

[WAWood · Accepted solution]

Once again, the license IS installed on  the PC -- it is embedded into the UEFI firmware of the motherboard -- but as I have said repeatedly now, it is ONLY for the HP OEM version of Win10 that was preinstalled.

OK, so try this utility:  http://www.tenforums.com/software-apps/2577-showkey.html

But do NOT be surprised if it does not work with the version of Win10 you installed.

[KeganB]

So it's embeded. That is all I wanted to know. I wasn't asking about how to do licensing just how to find my license key.

Thank you.