I need my laptop's Windows 10 install anbd activation product key.

[JHSimpson]

I have moved from windows 10 to Linux Mint on my laptop. I'm setting up a virtual Machine so I can still run my old Windows 10 from time to time.  I need the product key to install my win 10 in the virtual machine.

[Paul_Tikkanen]

The Windows product key is encrypted in your notebook's BIOS.

Download and install the free showkey plus app from the Microsoft Store and it will show you the W10 OEM product key and the version of Windows the key is good for.

ShowKeyPlus - Free download and install on Windows | Microsoft Store

[JHSimpson]

Hi Paul,

You may recall my last questions concerning the Optane card getting in the way of my Linux Mint install?  I've been running Linuxf since solving that first problem.  Anyway, I can't run the ShowKey program since my conversion...  I appreciate the help though.  Thanks much for the prompt reply.

Jim Simpson.

[Paul_Tikkanen]

You're very welcome. 

Maybe W10 will activate in VM.

If not then you can install the Showkey Plus app afterwards, and get the product key. 

[JHSimpson]

That's an idea.  i've tried the automated install that VM offers to do but it won't finish due to the lack of the key.  I'll try a manual install instead.

Thanks again!

[Paul_Tikkanen · Accepted solution]

Anytime.

If/when you are asked to enter a product key, select the 'I don't have a product key' option.

[JHSimpson]

Hi Paul,

Your instructions worked perfectly!  I now have the latest version of windows 10 Home running in a VM on Linux Mint.

Thanks for all the help.

Jim

[Paul_Tikkanen]

You're very welcome, Jim.

Glad to have been of assistance.

Cheers,

Paul