Forum helper
Welcome : Read through this. Microsoft article and scroll down to
"Locate your, windows product key for Windows 7 & **8.1**"
Link : https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/find-your-windows-product-key-aaa2bf69-
7b2b-9f13-f581-a806abf0a886#:~:text=Locate%20your%20product%20key%20for%20Wind****
Also, windows users find their - Product Key - using the
"Command Prompt as (Administrator)" others make use of
Third-party apps online, like : Product keyFinder, NeoSmart,.Etc
To open "Command Prompt" just Right-click the **Start** button
on the > Left screen corner > select - Command Prompt as (Admin)
a small black Screen appears. Type the command below : After the **\_** Blinking dash
Wmic Path softwarelicensingservice get OA3xOriginalProductKey : **** press-Enter
After typed carefully the, above code : Cmd Prompt. will show the
activated product key : So you can write it down : Hope this helps,.?
With Windows 8/8.1 The Product Key on preinstalled Operating Systems (HP, Acer, etc) is embedded in the BIOS in the Motherboard, so that the lost and/or worn C.O.A. Sticker problem is no more.
This information may interest you if you do wish to keep a record of it:
"Windows 10 Embedded Product Key Tool"
https://neosmart.net/blog/2014/windows-10-embedded-product-key-tool/
"We’re proud to introduce the immediate release of our newest utility for Windows users: the NeoSmart Technologies Embedded Product Key Tool. Designed for users of Windows 7, Windows 8, and Windows 10, our embedded product key tool will retrieve and display the Windows setup product key embedded in the BIOS or EFI, allowing you to store it for safe-keeping or use it to reinstall Windows with an official Windows setup image."
You can also use:
"Belarc Advisor - Free Personal PC Audit (Version 8.5c)"
http://www.belarc.com/free_download.html
Or:
"Product KeyFinder"
https://www.magicaljellybean.com/keyfinder/
Skip entering the product key if you are prompted. If Windows 8.1 was already installed and activated, then its registered and will automatically activate when you reach the desktop and connect to the Internet.
If you are prompted to enter a key, use the following diagnostic key for the edition you have a license for to get the installation going.
Generic keys:
Windows 8.1 standard/non-Pro edition:
334NH-RXG76-64THK-C7CKG-D3VPT
Windows 8.1 Pro:
XHQ8N-C3MCJ-RQXB6-WCHYG-C9WKB
Hi Nicholas. I'm Greg, an installation specialist and 8 year Windows MVP, here to help you.
Follow the steps in this excellent tutorial: https://www.eightforums.com/tutorials/2299-clea.... Step 4 explains all activation scenarios.
If Windows came preinstalled on the PC then the Product Key is embedded in the BIOS and can be read by installing and running ProducKey: http://www.nirsoft.net/utils/produkey-x64.zip to look for the OEM-BIOS key.
If Windows was retail then you'll need to find the key. If the key is being used now to activate you can audit it from the install by running Produckey (above) and looking for the Windows 8/8.1 key. It cannot be one of the generic keys used only to reinstall Windows shown in Step 4 of the Clean install tutorial above. Those are only used to get the install done but must still be activated with a unique key that is not one of those.
I hope this helps. Feel free to ask back any questions and let us know how it goes. I will keep working with you until it's resolved.
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