How do I find the product key for Windows 8.1

Are you kidding me?

When I go to system properties, it says the laptop is activated. When I try to installed the 8.1 upgrade, it requires a PRODUCT KEY FIRST!

Are you paying attention?

It's asking for the key.... and it won't install before I input that number.

And now, you're telling me that I gotta download some program to read my product key, because HP is too lazy to put a  STICKER On the laptop, and because you idiots at Microsoft don't know how to do a freaking POINT UPDATE?!?!?!?!?!?!?

Way to sell me a Linux system ****.

From this point forward, I will be advising all my customers and friends to get a Mac or a linux system. You guys don't know what you're doing anymore.

No, the upgrade does not and never would generate a new key. The old key is still effective after the upgrade.

However essentially that key would not authenticate 8.1 so to reinstall you had to stage the process.

With thanks to Andre this link will allow you download a specific image which using a full 8.0 key allow you to install 8.1

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

I have only tested that full license and clean install. I have not tested an upgrade key or process. It very likely will not work with the key extracted from a system preinstalled at the factory either. That key has no known use.

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?

thank you help o.k.

Download and use "Keyfinder" it will produce your computer's product key needed to download any windows product or revert back to Win. 8 like I did. See my previous posts on this thread.