slmgr /xpr (shows if activated)
slmgr /dli (shows partial product key) (find full key in UVK system info)
slmgr /dlv (give more info on key)
wmic path softwareLicensingService get OA3xOriginalProductKey (this may read from BIOS so could be inaccurate if new version with different key is installed)
UKV (Ultra Virus Killer) under system info will show the key
-or-
regedit Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\SoftwareProtectionPlatform (BackupProductKeyDefault)
Need an earlier version of Windows 10? Use this batch script.
... Just Sayin' - After many flawless 7 to 10 upgrades, I have run into 3 no go machines. After several attempts at trouble shooting failed, here is my suggestion. Rejoice in the opportunity to do a clean install and call it a good day.
... Additional Install Info Here
First backup system with AOMEI Backupper.
AOMEI will ask for an email to enable download. I use yep@nope.com :) It will take anything.
Find and record your Windows product key.
*It may be on a sticker (best way)
* or try this https://nirsoft.net/utils/product_cd_key_viewer.html
(This should work because it reads the key stored in Windows registry)
Download Media Creation Tool
(Using a fresh version will diminish time for updating during install.)
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows10
Start Media Creation Tool
Choose your flash drive as destination.
I never choose "use settings from this PC".
***I assume you have backed up all your data somewhere***
After completion you can start setup from the flash drive from within Windows 7.
This in-place upgrade works well but does not always work. Give it a shot.
If the in-place upgrade works you will not have to worry about the product key.
(A clean install is always preferable but don't fret over not doing the clean install. You can always do it later, once the authentication has been established.)
I boot from the created flash drive and run setup.exe.
For in-place upgrade things will be automatic.
If doing clean install:
*** Make certain only ONE hard drive is connected. ***
Choose "I don't have a product key".
Choose the version that matches your previously authorized version for which you have a key..
Choose "Custom Install"
Delete the partitions of your old Windows install.
Choose "Next" on the newly unallocated space.
Bingo - Installing Windows
LoL - Now we have some important setup to do . . . or so it says. Windows does it all.
After all that important work is done . . .
Create an off line account (the fine print at the bottom left)
No harm in using your MS account but I don't do it.
Now say "NO" to everything . . . or not
Now Wait until the system pops up.
No need to hurry authenticating but nice to know if it works.
Right Click on My PC
Click "Change My Product Key" lower right.
Copy/Paste the key into the dialog box - or type it :)
Good work. You are in a happy place.
You may (or not) wish to move user folders to D drive.
You may wish to "shut up" Windows 10
https://www.oo-software.com/en/shutup10
You may want to debloat Windows 10
http://bighugethingcomputing.blogspot.com/2019/04/windows-10-debloat.html
Windows 10 versions:
I have not had any problems with any version of Windows 10 but many people have. If you need to create (download) a specific version - try this https://pastebin.com/bBw0Avc4
This is an example of running the bat file
You may wish to delay feature updates. These are the big time updates which people find problematic. Pro versions allow long delays but the Home versions are much more limited in allowing the delay. Setting a metered download option is said to avoid feature updates in the Home versions.
Once you have a working system, back it up with AOMEI Backupper. It will ask for an email. I normally use yep@nope.com :) It will take anything.
Bonus info: Your entire old Windows system is saved on the boot drive as "Windows old" folder in case Windows needs to revert to the old system.. It is big and you will want to eventually delete the folder but don't hurry in case you need to revert. Use Windows own "Disk Clean-up" to remove the file. You can't simply delete it in a standard way.
Right Click on the boot drive:
