How to Export Windows 10 License Key - 3 Effective Ways

Tracy King updated on Aug 26, 2024 to PC Transfer | How-to Articles

If you have an existing Windows 10 product key and want to export it, then this article is for you. Continue reading, as we'll show you how to do that.

⏱️Duration: 3-5 minutes
💻Supported OS: Windows 10, Windows 11, and older Windows systems.
🧰Tools:
  1. 1. Third-party Software - EaseUS Todo PCTrans;
  2. 2. Registry;
  3. 3. CMD
👔Who Needs It: All levels of Windows users

Among the three ways, if you are a beginner, EaseUS Todo PCTrans is a better choice since it doesn't require any computing knowledge. You can download this tool from the button below and follow Method 1 to export or back up the Windows 10 license key.

Windows is licensed software that is meant to be purchased using authorized methods. However, with the rise of piracy of Windows, Microsoft started using a unique key, i.e., a license key, that helps it detect if the Windows installed is a genuine version or not.

The features of Windows are significantly limited in the pirated version; however, by using a valid license key, they can remove the restrictions and validate their software version.

You'll also need to enter the license key in your Windows copy if you installed it on a new computer using the Media Creation Tool to authenticate ownership.

How to Export Windows Key

There are three different methods to export Windows 10 license keys, and here are them!

Method 1. Use Third-Party Software to Export Windows 10 License

EaseUS Todo PCTrans is a reliable third-party tool that can locate the product key of your Windows 10 and help you export it to your new PC or an external storage drive. This software can also transfer the OEM Windows license without issues.

Moreover, you can use EaseUS Todo PCTrans to export and transfer all of your files and programs from one PC to another, and you don't even need to reinstall them on the new computer.

Get EaseUS Todo PCTrans today and transfer your Windows 10 license key to another PC, whether it is an OEM-licensed Windows version or retail-bought.

Step 1. Launch and run EaseUS Todo PCTrans on the PC, and choose "Product Key" on the left panel.

Step 2. Click "Scan", and you can see the product key of Windows, Adobe, and Office. Save the key to the selected location or choose "Copy" for direct use.

EaseUS Todo PCTrans allows you to back up Windows 10 license key or export Windows key like this. Download this easy-to-use tool to help.

Also, don't forget to share this tutorial online to help more people who want to export their Windows 11, Windows 10, and even older Windows license keys with ease:

 

Method 2. Using Registry to Find the License Key on Windows 10

The registry editor on your computer should have a copy of the Windows product key stored there. You can locate and write down the product key using it. However, if you accidentally modify or delete a registry, your computer may malfunction, which is why you should follow the below steps carefully.

Step 1. Click on the "Start" button and search for and open "Registry Editor."

Step 2. Click "Yes" when the "User Account Control" menu pops up.

Step 3. Open this location HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\SoftwareProtectionPlatform by copy-pasting it in the registry editor's file explorer location bar.

Step 4. Locate and open "BackupProductKeyDefault".

Step 5. The text that you see under "Value Data" is the product key for your Windows.

If you like this tutorial method, don't forget to share it to help more friends around you:

 

Method 3. Using CMD to Show Windows 10 License Code

Alternatively, you can also use the command prompt to show the product key of your Windows 10 if you don't want to deal with the risks that come with using a registry editor. Or if the product key or the folder wasn’t found using the above steps, it is possible because each Windows version differs from the other.

Here's how to find the license key for Windows 10 using the command prompt:

Step 1. Click on the "Start" button and search for "Command Prompt."

Step 2. Select "Run as administrator."

Step 3. Type the command "wmic path softwarelicensingservice get OA3xOriginalProductKey" and press the "Enter" key.

Step 4. After pressing the "Enter" key, the command prompt will show the product key.

Step 5. Write down the product key on a notepad or piece of paper and store it in a safe place.

How to Find Windows 10 Product Key Using Command Prompt

Do you want to learn how to find Windows 10 product key using Command Prompt? Learn the easiest way to find the Windows 10 product key in this guide. Dive into learning how.

When and Why Should Windows 10 Owners Export Their License Keys

If you've decided to export your Windows 10 license key, you already have a need for it. However, here are some other reasons why you should consider exporting it, and knowing this will save you a lot of work in the future.

  • You should export the license key if you're transferring Windows 10 to a new computer.
  • You should export the license key if you're updating to Windows 11 using the Media Creation Tool. You can use your Windows 10 license key to authenticate Windows 11.
  • To backup the license key for the future.
  • To use it in case your Windows failed or crashed.
  • If you're selling or donating your computer.

These are only some of the reasons why you should export the license key for Windows 10, but there are several more. But taking precautions by exporting it and writing it down on a document, notepad, or piece of paper is a wise choice so that you can use it immediately when needed.

Final Verdict About Windows License Key Backup

Unlike MacOS, which isn't commercially available, Windows is, and it is easier to create pirated copies of it to sell it at a cheaper price point. To combat this, Microsoft started using the identification of the OS in the form of a product key.

You can use the command prompt or registry editor to view your product key, but if you're already transferring the product key because you want to activate Windows on another computer. 

You might as well get an all-in-one solution like EaseUS Todo PCTrans that can easily transfer your product key as well as your files and programs.

FAQs in Extract or Back up Windows License Key

Do you have any other questions about exporting Windows 10 license keys? Here, we answer a few of your questions.

1. How do I extract a Windows 11 product key without software?

You can use the command prompt to do that. Here’s how:

  • Search for "Command Prompt" by clicking the "Start" button.
  • Click "Run as administrator."
  • Press the "Enter" key after entering the command "wmic path softwarelicensingservice get OA3xOriginalProductKey".
  • Record the product key on paper or a notepad and keep it safe.

2. Can I transfer the Windows 10 license to another PC?

It depends if it is an OEM-licensed Windows version; you cannot. If you bought the Windows copy from a retail store, you can transfer a Windows 10 license from an existing computer to another computer.

3. Is it possible to transfer the Windows 10 license to a new owner?

Yes, as long as you purchased a copy of Windows, you can transfer the license to a new owner. However, once you transfer it and they start using it, your Windows will be marked as an ingenuine copy, and all the updates that you receive from Microsoft will stop.