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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.
I can't get into the Windows store to access the free download for 8.1. I then spent 40+ minutes on the phone with Microsoft support who then sent me a link to download 8.1 using the product key only.
However, my Windows 8 came installed with my computer, so how do I find a product key for my Windows 8 in order to do the upgrade?
I tried to call back to support but they were shut down for the day.
Thanks!
John,
Thought this is nearly a year after you post, I am just now reading it because I am basically trying to find the answer to the question you have answered here. My question concerns machines licensed for Windows 8, but came with Windows 7 Pro loaded on them. Does you comment about the embedded product key apply to this type machine as well? If I wish to install Windows 8 or 8.1 onto one of these machines, will the activation still be automatic?
Thank you,
Craig P. Christiansen
It will depend a little on the manufacturer but essentially yes but only if you use the installation media provided by the manufacturer. If it was 8 you cannot leapfrog straight to 8.1
There may be changes required in order to install Windows 8 but you would have to confirm this with the OEM, I am thinking primarily of enabling Secure boot in the BIOS.
Windows 7 will know nothing about the embedded key, it only requires the SLIC entry in the BIOS table for its anti-piracy function. Conversely Windows 8 will ignore the SLIC and check for the Key. Therefore the two systems can co-exist on the same computer.
Make sure you have created the Windows 7 recovery media, there should be a utility installed on the computer to do so. What operating system would be installed if you activated the HDD based recovery will also depend on the age of the system.
"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."
How wrong you are I want to "downgrade"back to win.8 as 8.1 is very buggy and takes away all user controls of the system. Trying to load win.8 the product key is needed and since the one 8.1 left me with won't work,I'm stuck and outta luck.
But upgrading from 8 to 8.1 via the store does not change the key. If that was your scenario then they key you have IS the 8.0 key as provided by the manufacturer.
That key is as I said only valid for that pre-installed image from the manufacturer so does not work for any other installation method that asks you for a key.
The key is valueless!
