How do I find the product key for Windows 8.1

You are correct in that there is no reason for the user to have the key for the preinstalled Windows and this has been the case since Windows XP. Before Windows 8 the mechanism required a code in the BIOS to verify the system was entitled to have Windows installed. That code was not the key itself but was different for each manufacturer. For those systems they did have key label but it was not the same key the manufacturer was issued to build and license the system. Even then there was no value in knowing the build key for OEM systems as it could not be used for anything.

The UEFI BIOS now allows the key itself to be stored and Microsoft no longer provide a second key on the label. It is still the case that there is no need to know the key because Windows 8 setup can read the key directly if it exists.

I still build my own computers so I can have the exact spec I want but I no longer build computers to sell. It was difficult to make any profit and I was tied to provide support, far easier to guide a user to buy a PC on line and the user has an alternative support option.

It would make since that if a person purchased the software from MS and installed it there would be no reason for them to have to look for it. This is telling me they don’t have a key so they did not install it. I have built many computers over the years and installed the OS from scratch. I have found this day and age that I can build my computer and let HP assemble it and if there is a problem they can fix it. I have 3 computers and have better things to do than build them anymore. I am 74 and have had a computer for many years (MS 3.0). I pretty well know my way around a computer.

Micky

Yeah they own the support, only.  I bought my ASUS motherboard, Intel processor, Corsair RAM and Samsung SSD etc.. all separately on New egg and put it all together then bought Win 8Pro from microsoft.com.  For people reading this who did not buy a system built by a larger MFG, you won't have a Product Key embedded in your motherboard.  This is when you will install the system ISO yourself from an OEM version of Windows right onto your hard drive and you'll have to enter the Product Key yourself.  So that is why those key finders won't find a product key on a motherboard you bought independently and built up yourself.  A computer packaged by Dell, HP, ACer, Asus, Alienware, iBuyPower etc... i can't speak to with certainty, but i imagine the Product Keys may have come embedded as you say.

Read the terms of the EULA but these are the salient points

If you live in the United States, these affect your rights to resolve a dispute with Microsoft

The license is between you and Microsoft, not the PC Manufacturer

We do not sell our software or your copy of it – we only license it. Under our license, we grant you the right to install and run that one copy on one computer (the licensed computer),

Although technically you do not install the O/S in the 1st place you complete the install by entering your personal details and one screen asks you to agree to these terms. You have the right to reinstall at any time.

update replaces the original software that you are updating**. You do not retain any rights to the original software after you have updated**

Update + update +... original installation is still only one license

Are there things I’m not allowed to do with the software? Yes. Because the software is licensed, not sold, Microsoft reserves all rights

Rights are never relinquished. There are additional terms for OEM restricting transfer but the key point is HP do not OWN Windows licenses. Under the terms enforced on them the best you can say is they own any problems you may have. They have obtained the license on your behalf at a discounted rate because they agree to provide all support. This is the agreement you made when you 1st set up the computer

When I talked to rep from MS they said that windows 7 was supplied by the MFG and that it was licensed to the MFG  of the computer and if they made the repairs it would cost me. I contacted HP and they said they were responsible for the repairs and did so at no charge. HP resolved several issues with windows 7 and 8, I have never had to supply a key. A spoke person from MS support stated an upgrade is also not covered with out a charge. I have never had to supply a key as HP and MS said it is in the Bios and would be seen by any upgrade or updates. So I take it that if MS charges for repair of the software and the MFG does not and the MFG says it is there problem then it is the MFG who has ownership.

Micky