How do I find the product key for Windows 8.1

There is no new product key issued or needed

This is the information for upgrading from 8 > 8.1 including a clean install workaround.

Update to Windows 8.1 from Windows 8

If the above Microsoft method does not work:

Read this information: Windows 8.1 - Update to from Windows 8

Or save your Data and do a clean install of the exact same edition of 8.1 as 8 is.

Windows 8 > 8.1 is a free upgrade released by Microsoft and this is a workaround if you are unable to get it via the Store, etc.

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You can download and create your own Windows 8.1 Installation Media to reinstall the Operating System with..

"Create installation media for Windows 8.1"

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-8/create-reset-refresh-media

"Download Windows 8.1"

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows8

A similar Tutorial which may also assist you

"Create Installation Media for Windows 8.1"

http://winsupersite.com/windows-8/create-installation-media-windows-81

In the first screen of this very simple wizard, you need to choose the following:

Language. English – en-us if you're in the United States.

Edition. Windows 8.1 (Core), Windows 8.1 N, Windows 8.1 Pro, Windows 8.1 Pro N, or Windows 8.1 Single Language.

Architecture. 64-bit (x64 ) or 32-bit (x86).

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"How to Create a Bootable USB or DVD with a Windows 8 or 8.1 ISO"

http://www.eightforums.com/tutorials/2227-create-bootable-usb-dvd-windows-8-iso.html

   Warning

This will not work to install Windows 8 or 8.1 for UEFI. For that, see this tutorial below instead.

UEFI Bootable USB Flash Drive - Create in Windows

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How to clean install:

"How to Do a Clean Install of Windows 8 or Windows 8.1"

http://www.eightforums.com/tutorials/2299-clean-install-windows-8-a.html

Make sure that you read Section 4 about using generic keys

If you have a retail Windows 8 product key and want to clean install Windows 8.1or Windows 8.1 Update, then you would need to enter a generic key below to install unactivated with, and change the product key later on instep 22 below to activate with your Windows 8 key.

If you have a retail Windows 8.1 product key and want to clean install Windows 8.1or Windows 8.1 Update, then you are good.

If you have an OEM Windows 8product key and want to clean install W indows 8.1 or Windows 8.1 Update, then you would need to enter a generic key below to install unactivated with, and change the product key later on instep 22 below to activate with your OEM Windows 8 COA product key.

If you want to clean installWindows 8 Enterprise*,W indows 8.1 Enterprise, or W indows 8.1 Update Enterprise, then you would need to change the product key later on instep 22 below to activate since Enterprise editions do not ask to enter a key at this step.*

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With Windows 8/8.1 The Product Key on preinstalled Operating Systems (HP, Acer, etc) is embedded in the BIOS in the Motherboard, so that the lost and/or worn C.O.A. Sticker problem is no more.

When you reinstall it will pick up the Product Key and activate the system automatically.

If it does not, follow these steps:

"How to Activate Windows 8 and 8.1 by Phone"

http://www.eightforums.com/tutorials/24636-activate-windows-8-phone.html

"Get help with activation errors"

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-8/activation-errors

"How to activate a Microsoft product by using Microsoft Product Activation Center"

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/950929/en-us

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If you do wish to/need to keep a record of it:

"Windows 10 Embedded Product Key Tool"

https://neosmart.net/blog/2014/windows-10-embedded-product-key-tool/

"We’re proud to introduce the immediate release of our newest utility for Windows users: the NeoSmart Technologies Embedded Product Key Tool. Designed for users of Windows 7, Windows 8, and Windows 10, our embedded product key tool will retrieve and display the Windows setup product key embedded in the BIOS or EFI, allowing you to store it for safe-keeping or use it to reinstall Windows with an official Windows setup image."

You can also use:

"Belarc Advisor - Free Personal PC Audit (Version 8.5c)"

http://www.belarc.com/free\_download.html

Or:

"Product KeyFinder"

https://www.magicaljellybean.com/keyfinder/

Cheers.

No the store upgrade does not generate a new key, the license for 8.1 is active on the original key.

The problem is the key cannot be used to activate a clean install of 8.1, you must install 8 1st and then upgrade.

This has been covered many times on this forum.

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?

please guys help me

Notwithstanding what might work ultimately by installing Windows (any version) you agree to the terms of the EULA (End User License Agreement)

Now the legalese of what that means.

That is quite specific, you have bought one license for one installation of that version of software. The OEM Pro license allows for that installation to be to be downgraded to the previous version of Windows. The OEM license only allows the installation to be used on the original computer it was installed on and cannot be transferred to another computer and can only be used for the original version supplied by the manufacturer*. Support for OEM licenses shall be the responsibility of the manufacturer not Microsoft.

* OEM SKU packs are specifically 32 bit or 64 bit so although the same key could be used for either version even the manufacturer cannot provide the alternative disks.

I don't know what sanction Microsoft could apply but cases have been prosecuted.