How to find your Windows license key
For systems purchased before 2018
If your system was purchased before 2018 it likely has a Windows COA (Certificate of Authenticity) sticker on it, this is usually located on the solid side panel of your system.
The sticker COA will look like the below:
*Please note: damaged COA stickers are not replaceable by CyberPowerPC UK. You will need to contact Microsoft for a replacement sticker.
For systems purchased after 2018
As of 2018, most if not all systems now use the digital COA method, which means that the product key is now embedded into the system's BIOS permanently.
You can locate a copy of your digital Windows license in your local drive (usually C drive) if you are still on the original install of Windows (no previous reinstall has been completed).
1) Simply open your C drive and look for a text file that looks like the below:
* The folder name will represent the version of Windows your license key belongs to, as well as an internal reference. This will vary for each order.
2) Open the text file and look for the 25 digit code located on the second line, this is your Windows license key. It will look something similar to the below:
What If I can't find the text file?
If you have reinstalled Windows, are no longer on the original reinstall, have accidently deleted your Windows license key or simply cannot find it, it is still possible to obtain it from your PC.
To do this we would recommend downloading a free online tool called Magical Jelly Bean.
Once you have downloaded and extracted the Magical Jelly Bean files, simply run the 'keyfinder' application which will reveal your systems information and Windows license key, it will look something similar to the below:
Digital license key information
Digital license keys are linked to the motherboard and are valid for any system that has that motherboard installed. This means that when you re-install windows, it will detect the product key automatically as long as you are using the same original motherboard.
A digital license key is not linked to the computer system as a whole. So for example, if you remove or replace your motherboard, your windows key may no longer be valid since it is technically not the same computer anymore.
If you have damaged or lost your motherboard, you will be required to obtain a new license key.
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