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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!
Hi John,
The Product Key on a computer that has Windows 8 pre-installed is embedded in the BIOS on the motherboard. There is no longer any sticker with the product key.
When you upgrade to the final version of the free Windows 8.1, the activation will be automatic and use the embedded product key.
Hope this information helps.
Sounds great: but updates or patches ask for the product key. Someone/chip is NOT taking the other
guys.
This is one of the big catch 22s of the 8.1 download. I needed a key to reinstall/repair (can't use the 8.0 key of course) and I called support and they gave me a key and a download link. You might try that. There was an issue with search/index function when 8.1 was first released and one of the options was to do a repair. We later learned that by simply deleting a registry key the index function would repair itself.
The whole concept of OEM software is the manufacturer gets it cheaper because THEY provide general Windows support not Microsoft so saving Microsoft support costs. In fact the price differentials are much smaller for single packs but how much do the likes of HP pay?
Microsoft do provide some assistance when the issue is directly down to the 8.1 upgrade and Windows Update. If the problem is with the underlying Windows then it is the manufacturers responsibility.
The license applied by HP cannot be activated. It is preinstalled already activated and Microsoft's systems recognise this so blocks any attempt.
8.0 was on the computer when I purchased it new 8.1 came as an update from windows update. I have 3 machines 2 laptop's and 1 desktop all HP. The desktop crashed 3 month's after I bought it and HP tech reinstalled the new software on the system. It has had problems ever since. ! laptop is 4 months old factory installed 8 and the third I 1 year old and had windows 7, I installed the windows 8 and updated it to win 8.1 and have no problems with it. The 2 newer models have a problem. I had to have MS install the new update that arrived yesterday because it would not install on the 2 machines, MS spent a couple of hours getting them to install. MS said that is HP's problem I have an e mail out to them and waiting, MS validated that this was the original soft with the exception of the 8.1 update. I have made the recovery and they will not run it ask for the product key. Microsoft said to buy directly from them and $199.00 a pop that hurts. I paid for the system and have not hade a years service. How do get MS or HP to reactivate the software? So far no one wasn't to move. Thanks for your input, I started with windows 3.0 and did not have these problems.
Micky
