How do I find the product key for Windows 8.1

Just to clarify. If you purchase and receive a code for 8.0 then upgrade to 8.1 through the store you are NOT entitled to an 8.1 key. It has caused some dissatisfaction but  the only option for recovery is to install 8.0 again then upgrade. The 8.0 key will be invalid if a direct 8.1 install is attempted.

I cannot remember the release prices for 8.0 but in general Microsoft do not allow suppliers to discount their products at all, an amazing price compared to their on line download price is almost certainly not Microsoft authorised. A local store had a "20% of everything" offer, the second day the Windows display stand had been removed.

When ordering Windows from the Microsoft Store normally it consists of an electronic download automatically authorised with the key also sent by email and if the option is selected a backup DVD by post.

If you have a Windows 8 key that license will then allow you to upgrade to 8.1 for free. Windows itself will still run under that 8 key, contrary to some ideas people have it does not magically become an 8.1 key. If Microsoft were then to issue every complainant a separate 8.1 key the user would then be able to install two systems because they cannot invalidate every 8.0 key where this happens. It is within Microsoft's wherewithal to solve this by providing an 8.1 image that accepts the 8 key, it is only the key validation that is affected. They presumably have reasons why not.

I  was JUST SPEAKING TO the Microsoft store and  was disconnected (hung up on )

I have been having  trouble with this  store for two years now .

I have been  trying to get a product key for my windows 8.1 pro,  first it was

for windows 8 pro  , in which I have been accused of trying to steal from Micro soft..

I have been spoken to as if I am a piece of trash , accused of being a thief, passed

back and forth from one dept to another  for 3 hours . Until I finally hung up. in tears

of  frustration and anger

There have been times when  I call , I get  disconnected  as soon as I give my name

All this started in  2013 ,   I had purchased windows 8  pro  through Microsoft, at an amazing price

of 39.99 USD.  paid  through  pay pal.

I received the CD's with a product key in a few days fantastic  .    Murphy's Law has  just been delivered to my doo, . Just  for me.   Wow  how wonderful ..!!!

I tried to do a fresh install on my  computer .  That fresh install  wiped out  everything  on my computer

except for the  triangles , squares,  and circles . .

I than called Micro Soft cancelled, the  hard copies of  windows 8.  pro ,   than was connected

to someone else,  to download windows 8 pro , by remote,   After I paid 76.00 USD . more.

I had not received  a product  code, with the download W8 pro.   I was to check my  email in a few days.

a FEW MONTHS later  my computer   went to blue screen  , luckily I had hired a company through my phone carrier , for a  wonderful amount  of 15.00 USD per month.  . I still have that company help me ..

. I  was told by  a tech with the other company. When he  was doing a remote  on my  computer

 I would need an Alpha Numeric product code for my O.S. , incase I ever have to repair

or reinstall my  OS  .

I called Microsoft Store  and requested the product  code    .  When I explained to  the   tech at  The M.S. Store , I had  purchased the W8 pro twice and  the  whole YaDA YaDA  .bout  refund  and the other  purchase , for the one that was downloaded . and  The only one that could be found at that time, was the one  that had been refunded.

I was told " That  I  should not be allowed to Use their  product . I was  a thief and  they  would make  sure my windows 8 pro would  be  deactivated.  Than "click"  Murphy's law in  action  .. Two days later MY computer  went  upside down .. Windows 8 pro   had been  deactivated,  ...  I went on  the hunt  again for my other purchase  order.  (from someone else' s ' computer) ,  Now  one  thing about  Outlook   , anything  that is older   (one year. ) is moved to  the  "clouds" but  where in the clouds  ,,  ???    After  a phone call to  the  STORE ( from here on  Ms store  will be referred to as "The  STORE"  . speaking to  the supervisor s or  someone pretending to be a supervisor  ,  my windows  was re activated.    To have the hard drive go out  2 month s later. AHHHHHH ,

     After the  install of a new hard drive    I needed a PRODUCT  code,   by now it is s the end of  2014  .. My daughter Bless her  heart , talked  to  the people at the store  so patiently , they gave her a temporary . numeric  product code  .   T he  number worked  and  is still working  ,

I have ffinallly found the other purchase order , for the downloaded w8 pro.   When I call in  I give  the ppl I talk to , both    purchase order numbers .  People only see what they want to see .  the refunded  order.  I  have to insist they l look at the other P.O.

Now  my "  please  look at the  other purchase order",   is  A  tight lipped,   teeth clenched   LOOK AT THE OTHER ORDER ......  That one is  for  $76 dollars ,  the refunded one is for $39.00 ..

I deserve my  product code.    I  paid for one

With all that   brought  to  sight ,    two years later I did get another product code  but  one hitch  IT IS   INVALID..

I called again today  spoke to  3 different departments     there is always the . " you  received a refund."  I counter with  "LOOK "at the other order    There is NO REFUND ON THAT one,"!  I am  told  to please  hold for a few minutes , I have to speak to someone else about this ..  THAN  CLICK " would you like to make another call. " is what I hear on  my end of he  phone.

I wanttot know  why I cannot have ? a product code>?  Will it compromise  Micro Soft security .  Is it a code to open the star ship , Where  the first computers were found,, Is it the  cell number to some space voyager ?

I do AGREE  They Donot  want to give out the product  codes  What 's  going to happen when they  release W-10 for free ? Do we get a product code or the run around again?

Microsoft have fixed their highly flawed downloader for Windows 8.1. Now Windows 8.0 Professional keys are treated identically as Windows 8.1 Professional keys as they should. Follow the instructions here:

http://dellwindowsreinstallationguide.com/download-microsoft-windows-and-office/download-microsoft-windows/download-windows-8-1-retail-and-oem-iso/#Part2

As this is a retail install, don't make a bootable USB with the GPT partition scheme unless your system has a UEFI compliant BIOS.

If you took advantage of the free Media Centre Product key you should with the Windows 8.0 Professional key and Windows 8.1 Professional .iso then use "Get Features with a New Edition of Windows" to convert from Windows 8.1 Professional to Windows 8.1 Professional with Media Centre.

Create installation media for Windows 8.1

Does this page help?

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

This might help, go to the following site; http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-8/update-from-windows-8-tutorial it has all of the info to upgrade to 8.1 no key code needed and it is free from MS. I don't work for MS but I had the same problem and had to reinstall win 8.1 and this worked for me. Worth a try. If that will not work go to HP support they are responsible for your software and will help you get over the hump, if you have a factory install MS is not responsible. Let me know how you make out.

Micky

If you haven't done so already go to the following:

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

Run the adviser and it will give you a complete picture of your computers hardware configuration.  Click on Software on the left and it will provide the product keys.