I need a product key to activate my windows

[Ayinda]

I need a product key to activate my windows

[VikramTheGreat]

Hi @Ayinda,

Welcome to the HP Support Community.
 

Thank you for posting your query. I will be glad to help you.

Thanks, I can help with that. A quick note up front: whether you need to enter a product key depends on how Windows was installed on your machine (OEM image preinstalled by HP vs. a retail copy you purchased). Please tell me whether this is an HP machine with the original HP image (came with Windows preinstalled) or a retail copy of Windows 10 you bought separately, which determines the exact next steps.

Below, I’ve explained the differences and given simple, safe ways to check for a product key on your PC.

1) OEM (preinstalled) vs Retail Windows: What it means for you

• OEM (preinstalled by HP)
  • Most HP systems come with an OEM Windows image. In that case, the Windows product key is typically embedded in the laptop’s firmware (UEFI/BIOS), and Windows will usually activate automatically; you normally do not need to type a key.
  • If Windows is not activating on an OEM machine, it’s usually because the image was changed, the installation type is different (32-bit vs 64-bit mismatch can sometimes matter), or activation information was lost/corrupted.
     
• Retail (purchased separately from Microsoft or a store)
  • If you bought a retail copy of Windows, you should have received a 25-character product key (printed on the box, emailed receipt, or in your Microsoft Store order). Retail copies require you to enter that key if Windows isn’t already activated.

2) Quick checks you can run on your PC

(These are safe, built-in Windows steps, no third-party tools required.)

A. Check Activation status (first, easiest step)

1. Open Start > Settings > Update & Security > Activation.
2. Check the message shown: it will say things like “Windows is activated with a digital license” or “Windows is not activated” and give guidance.

B. See if a key is embedded in firmware (works on most OEM systems)

1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator (right-click Start → Command Prompt (Admin) or Windows PowerShell (Admin)).
2. Run this command: wmic path SoftwareLicensingService get OA3xOriginalProductKey
3. If a product key appears, that’s the OEM key stored in your firmware. If the result is blank, there may not be a key in the firmware (or the image might not be OEM).
    

C. Check license/activation details
From an elevated command prompt, run: slmgr /dlv

This opens a Windows licensing info dialog and shows activation status and Partial Product Key (last 5 characters), which can help support identify licensing.

I hope this helps.

Take care and have an amazing day!
 

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Regards,

VikramTheGreat

[Ayinda]

Yes I've received the partial product key so what's the next procedure to complete the activation 

[VikramTheGreat]

Hi @Ayinda,

Thank you so much for getting back to me. Could you please let me know about the key you have, whether it’s an OEM key that originally came embedded with the system, or a Microsoft retail key that was purchased separately? This will help bring a bit more clarity, and we will move forward.

Let me know

Regards
VikramTheGreat