Linux: Read embedded Windows key from BIOS

Step-by-Step descriptions of how to do things.
Post Reply
User avatar
^rooker
Site Admin
Posts: 1480
Joined: Fri Aug 29, 2003 8:39 pm

Linux: Read embedded Windows key from BIOS

Post by ^rooker »

I have bought several notebooks that had Windows preinstalled, but the license key was only stored in the BIOS (no more stickers on the bottom like in the good old days).

I never used the Windows on the more recent machines, and only have GNU/Linux installed on it. However, I like to know license keys I've paid for, so here's how to read it from Linux:

Code: Select all

$ sudo tail -c +56 /sys/firmware/acpi/tables/MSDM

Thanks thread #637971 on superuser.com for this tip.
Jumping out of an airplane is not a basic instinct. Neither is breathing underwater. But put the two together and you're traveling through space!
Post Reply