New PC’s are now delivered with a simple Windows sticker on the case, as opposed to the Windows Product Key that could be found on earlier hard-ware. So what to do after a fresh install of Windows 10?
- Find the Windows 10 Product Key in the PC’s Bios with OEMKEY. This handy utility can be downloaded from NeoSmart Technologies here.
- Note down the key, press start and type: SLMGR.VBS /IPK [windows key] to register the key in your Windows installation
- Now, activate Windows with SLMGR.VBS /ATO
This only works with machines for machines with an OEM licence and a ‘MSDM’ table in their Bios. If the OEMKEY tool fails to locate this, you will have to either find a sticker on the machine with the key or find out if this machine is using a Volume Licence, and download another W10 image applicable to that.