Windows Product Key

[Razziel006]

Hello,

I just received my new desktop PC, and I notice that the booklet says that the Windows key should be written on the back, but I only see a label with a barcode on the back.

Can someone help me find the key please.

Thanks.

 

[Rakk]

I just received my new desktop PC, and I notice that the booklet says that the Windows key should be written on the back, but I only see a label with a barcode on the back.

Can someone help me find the key please.

You shouldn't need the key (the booklet is a little out of date), presuming you bought it with Windows, the key will be embedded in the BIOS rather than on a sticker.

 

[Razziel006]

Hello,

So does that mean that if I need to wipe my drive and reinstall Windows, then I won't need the key? Will Windows activate on its own?

Thanks.

 

[Rakk]

So does that mean that if I need to wipe my drive and reinstall Windows, then I won't need the key? Will Windows activate on its own?

Yep
I think there is also a way to change it to associate it with a Microsoft account instead, though I don't know how.

 

[Timily1127]

I have a similar issue. My laptop just came back from repair (faulty GPU) and now it says that windows needs to be activated but the serial key is nowhere to be found. I've checked the back and also the CD.

 

[SpyderTracks]

I have a similar issue. My laptop just came back from repair (faulty GPU) and now it says that windows needs to be activated but the serial key is nowhere to be found. I've checked the back and also the CD.

You should be able to do an internet activation and it will recognise your hardware (if you have win 10)

 

[SpyderTracks]

For linking the key to your Microsoft account so you can make hardware changes like motherboards, check this:

https://www.windowscentral.com/how-re-activate-windows-10-after-hardware-change

 

[Timily1127]

This is what it looks like. I've tried activating it online but I get the same error 0xC004F034

 

[SpyderTracks]

View attachment 10474

This is what it looks like. I've tried activating it online but I get the same error 0xC004F034

Try an activate by phone and explain that the graphics has been fixed but nothing else touched.

 

[Timily1127]

I know they changed the GPU and also re-installed Windows because the FN-commands were not working correctly

 

[SpyderTracks]

I know they changed the GPU and also re-installed Windows because the FN-commands were not working correctly

Shame, that wouldn't need windows reinstalled anyway, just hotkey reinstalling.

 

[Timily1127]

I contacted their chat-support and was told press "Win+R" and then type "SLUI 4", pick country and then give them the installation ID (9 fields with 7 digits in each). I then got a code to activate the windows with (one time use).

 

[Tony1044]

Gah I hate phone activation.

For reasons that are usually security-related, I am often on customers where I have to phone MS and go through their awful phone system.

It's a bit different for volume licenses etc but a real pain in the backside.

 

[Timily1127]

Hmm... was looking at "Tech Support>Downloads" on pcspecialist.co.uk. Guess what I found? [rollinglaugh] "Operating System:Genuine Windows 10 Home 64 Bit - inc DVD & Licence" [rollinglaugh]

 

[SpyderTracks]

I contacted their chat-support and was told press "Win+R" and then type "SLUI 4", pick country and then give them the installation ID (9 fields with 7 digits in each). I then got a code to activate the windows with (one time use).

That's great, so it's all activated again? It may be worth tying it to your Microsoft account as in my previous post, avoids this kind of problem in the future.

 

[Timily1127]

Yes, everything works now Now I just have to figure out what to do with the rest of my drivers. I downloaded the drivers to the Gigabyte Killer Ethernet Wireless but I can't find a launcher or set-up.