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Anyone know how I can get my Windows 7 serial key? I used to use Belarc advisor to see my Serial keys. When I use it on my newly upgraded Windows 10, it shows me a Windows 10 Professional serial key. Is this the same as my Windows 7 Professional key?

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    You can’t use that key anyway, because the license is in use as part of the upgrade to Windows 10.
    – Daniel B
    Aug 6, 2015 at 11:25
  • Look at the COA on your device. Belarc Advisor shows you the generic Windows 10 Professional key. You were not assigned a unique key. The key that is displayed cannot be used to install Windows 10.
    – Ramhound
    Aug 6, 2015 at 19:15

4 Answers 4

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I noticed on my Windows 8 installation that after upgrading to Windows 10, the Windows key was changed, upgraded to a new Windows 10 key in Belarc, but the Internet Explorer "key" still has the old Windows 8 key written next to it. I don't know if the same is true for Windows 7, but have a look at the Internet Explorer key, if it's different, it could be that it's the old Windows 7 key that wasn't changed during upgrade.

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  • I tried looking at other PCs and the old Windows key does seem to be the same as the Internet Explorer key. I think this is the best lead, thank you!
    – Tyress
    Aug 6, 2015 at 10:54
  • Oh yeah. But after a clean install, old key disappears :(
    – kokbira
    Dec 17, 2015 at 19:03
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The upgrade has overwritten that previous data. If your key wasn't stored elsewhere (written down/saved) you will have to contact Microsoft. Though I don't guarantee they will be able to help if the Windows 7 install was OEM & never registered under your name.

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  • The key stays the same but the meaning of the kwy swaps from win7 to win10. Microsoft states on their website that their support cannot recerse the process
    – BlueWizard
    Aug 6, 2015 at 7:09
  • Microsoft does not have our original license keys. The author's Windows 7 key is written on the COA that exists on his device. Microsoft cannot help provide that information. Why are you suggesting this solution?
    – Ramhound
    Aug 6, 2015 at 19:19
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Yes it's possible to go back to your old operating system

Microsoft provides multiple cases in which you can reverse the key into your previous one:

  • If it's been less than a month since you've upgraded to Windows 10, you'll be able to go back to your previous version of Windows from Settings > Update & security > Recovery.

  • If your PC manufacturer provided the option, you might be able to restore your device to factory settings.

  • If options to go back and restore factory settings aren’t available, you can use installation media and a product key to install a previous version of Windows.

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    That’s not true. For 30 days, you can revert to your old system, using the built-in option. That also reverts your license state.
    – Daniel B
    Aug 6, 2015 at 11:24
  • See this page Look under "can i go back to my old operating system"
    – Moab
    Aug 6, 2015 at 18:38
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Run cmd (Win+R->cmd) as admin. Type in:

wmic path softwarelicensingservice get OA3xOriginalProductKey
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    Please proof it
    – BlueWizard
    Aug 6, 2015 at 12:39
  • This only works on devices where there is firmware that contains a key, this displays NOTHING, on hardware that does not have that firmware. Windows 7 devices would not have this firmware. This answer isn't helpful to anyone running Windows 7 devices which is what the question was about.
    – Ramhound
    Aug 6, 2015 at 19:17
  • Hey moron, the question is about getting the windows key WHEN the user has upgraded to Windows 10. Go back to your cave.
    – Annon
    Aug 10, 2015 at 15:12

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