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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?
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.
With Windows 7 OEM the key is on the DVD with a tag in the BIOS to identify that the computer can use that particular key. With Windows 8 the key is in the BIOS. Key finders can read the key.
However the reason why you don't find the key printed on the system is there was not envisaged any reason for the end user to know it so I am curious as to why you want it.
i want my pc windows for product key
Windows 8.1 Product Key: I found the key. However, it has only 18 characters and it includes two zero's.
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http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/document?cc=uk&lc=en&docname=c03489643#N804
The embedded key cannot be used to install Windows 8.1 because it is for Windows 8. Therefore Microsoft will not let you download a Windows 8.1 ISO with an 8 key.
The embedded key will not install a disk based version of Windows 8 (or 8.1). It is only valid for the pre-installed version as supplied by the manufacturer. Therefore Microsoft will not let you download an ISO of Windows 8 (or 8.1) as it would serve no purpose.
In fact there is no situation where the embedded key can be used for anything which is why they do not bother to put it on a label you can read. Belarc's functions are very informative but knowing the key is valueless.
If you have not created the recovery disks as detailed in the link and the hard disk based recovery does not work again as detailed in the link because you have modified it in some way then you can only apply to HP for a disk set (at a charge) or buy a retail pack.
When you upgrade to 8.1 via the store it is never activated, it can't because the 8.0 key cannot activate 8.1. The upgrade will only work on a 8.0 system that is already activated so obviates the need to reactivate.
