How do I find the product key for Windows 8.1

Anonymous
2013-11-02T17:23:25+00:00

Original title: Product Key

I downloaded Windows 8.1 (free) from the Microsoft web site. My understanding was that in doing so, a new product key would be generated. I do not know where/how to find the new product key. Can someone help me out with this? Was I mistaken and do I use the product key I have for Windows 8?

Windows for home | Previous Windows versions | Licensing and activation

Locked Question. This question was migrated from the Microsoft Support Community. You can vote on whether it's helpful, but you can't add comments or replies or follow the question.

0 comments

191 answers

Sort by: Most helpful
Most helpful Newest Oldest
  1. Anonymous
    2015-08-02T23:12:29+00:00

    There are any number of free key finders. Here's one:

    http://zebnet-windows-keyfinder.en.softonic.com/

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  2. Anonymous
    2015-08-02T22:58:06+00:00

    What is your make/model of system? You can install Windows 10 Insider 10130 and use it as an eligible OS to get the free upgrade to Windows 10240:

    http://dellwindowsreinstallationguide.com/a-clean-install-of-windows/a-clean-install-of-windows-10/windows-xpvista-%e2%86%92-windows-10-free-upgrade/

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  3. Anonymous
    2015-08-02T22:45:03+00:00

    Hi, 

    I have Windows 8.1 Pro edition on my computer with a product ID of 00260-00000-00001-AA228. I do not have a product key for this version of windows. I am trying to upgrade to windows 10, but I can't do so because I am prompted with a pop up that says "Windows isn't activated on this PC. This means you'll need to enter the Windows 10 product key below or exit setup, activate Windows, and then start setup again." Again, I restate that I do not have access to a product key whatsoever and will not be able to find it because the computer came with Windows 7. I am willing to pay money, but first I need to find out how either activate my version of Windows or bypass the windows 8.1 activation somehow so that I can install Windows 10. If neither of these are doable, how do I get a product key for Windows 10? 

    Thanks,

    Corey McCurry

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  4. Anonymous
    2015-07-15T02:02:45+00:00

    finally an answer! thanks I will stop looking now lol

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  5. Anonymous
    2015-07-06T16:13:49+00:00

    Belarc may or may not retrieve a product key that's stored in the BIOS.   There is a free tool here that's designed to do that.   Also, removal of Belarc after retrieving keys is strictly optional; it doesn't take up much disk space and may come in handy in the future.

    It's also better to download free programs direct from the source whenever possible as there's generally less chance of the download being crammed (though not always), and you're always assured of having the latest version.   The Belarc download can be gotten here.

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments