excellent tool!
How do I find the product key for Windows 8.1
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
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.
191 answers
Sort by: Most helpful
-
Anonymous
2015-05-24T15:53:00+00:00 -
Anonymous
2015-03-08T22:41:37+00:00 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.
-
Anonymous
2015-02-27T14:55:30+00:00 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
-
Anonymous
2015-02-27T10:48:22+00:00 Create installation media for Windows 8.1
Does this page help?
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows-8/create-reset-refresh-media
-
Anonymous
2015-02-27T10:32:39+00:00 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:
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.