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

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  1. Anonymous
    2016-08-14T11:45:46+00:00

    i have the same issue and i need yo help...

    how do i get the product key for window 8.1

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  2. Anonymous
    2016-09-09T11:32:57+00:00

    But I have Windows 7 on my desktop.  I loaded Windows 8.1 on a DVD, but no Product Key is there.  It's asking for it.

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  3. Anonymous
    2016-09-09T14:01:18+00:00

    You replied to a three-year-old post.  What do you mean by "I loaded Windows 8.1 on a DVD..."?  From where? Why do you expect there to be a product key?  What are you trying to accomplish?

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  4. Anonymous
    2016-09-12T08:57:43+00:00

    If you have an activated windows 7 os , you can locate your unique Windows 7 product key, also sometimes called the Windows 7 serial key, activation key, or CD key.

    Normally this product key is on a sticker on your computer or located with the manual or on the disc sleeve that came with Windows 7.

    While you may have thought otherwise, no longer having a physical copy of your product key doesn't mean it's gone forever. Luckily, a copy of your Windows 7 key is stored in the registry. It's encrypted, meaning it's not easily readable, but there are several free programs that can help fix that problem.Magical jelly bean is the easiest to use and will locate all valid product keys.

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  5. Anonymous
    2016-09-12T09:30:16+00:00

    If Windows 7 was preloaded onto the computer then the key held in the registry is different from the one on the label. That key differs between each manufacturer but all computers from that company with the same version of Windows have the same key.

    Knowing that key is fairly valueless as it will only be valid for the preload image and cannot be used to activate any disk based Windows installation. Because of that the keys are fairly well known and can be verified.

    However that is irrelevant as what was being sought was the Windows 8.1 key following an upgrade from 7. That information would have been provided by email to the purchaser if bought on line or is in the disk pack if on a disk.

    This thread is marked as answered so no new issues will be apparent on the forum. It is far more effective at getting help by starting a new thread. Reading previous threads can be useful to identify possible solutions but there is little point in adding to them a new problem.

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