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Linux: Read embedded Windows key from BIOS

Posted: Mon Jun 01, 2020 3:59 pm
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.