If you plan on upgrading your version of Windows to 8.1, you will need a Windows 8.1 product key. However, if your PC is already running on Win 7 or 8, there’s no need for it. After the launch of Windows 8 received numerous negative feedback, Microsoft released its 8.1 version.
When you download Windows 8.1, you can use it within its 15-day free trial period. After that, it will prompt you to enter your product key. You can’t solve it with a simple reboot as it will prompt the dialogue whenever you start your PC. Here we have the methods and keys to activate Windows 8.1. If you will Not activate then You Will see Copy of Windows is Not Genuine Warning
Post Contents
Windows 8.1 Features
Before you dive into the product keys, have a look at the features of Windows 8.1 that its predecessor doesn’t have. These features separate Win 8 from Win 8.1. These include:
- SkyDrive
- Improved apps
- New music and video apps
- Fewer bugs with the upgraded app store
- Supports DirectX 11.2
- Supports ReFS (Resilient File System)
- Improved user interface
- More stability and security with upgraded power shell
- Improved Internet Explorer
- Enhanced user interface
- More customization
- Greater system-wide search
Product Key
You can obtain a Windows 8.1 product key through two ways:
- By buying a genuine copy of Windows 8.1 from authorized dealers or directly from Microsoft
- By getting a Windows 8.1 ISO installer and finding/purchasing an activation key somewhere else
The product key should have 25 characters and appear as such: XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX
When you obtain a genuine copy, this is how you get the product key:
- Buying a computer pre-installed with Windows 8.1 – the serial key can be found on a sticker on your computer
- Buying a computer from an authorized dealer – they will provide you with the product key
- Purchasing a CD – the product key will be on a card that goes with the CD
- Buying the OS online – they will send you the serial key to the email you provided when you placed your order
When you go with an external third party to install your OS, this is where you have to give a product key when the trial period is over. With this, you can buy a serial key or look for sites that offer genuine Windows 8.1 product key online.
Activating Windows 8.1
Before anything else, be sure that your computer meets the system requirements for Windows 8.1
- 2GB RAM
- 1GHZ processor
- Graphics card that supports dedicated or onboard DirectX-9
- 200GB hard disk space
Via the Internet
You can activate your Windows through using an internet connection.
- Click Start and type in PC settings in the search box
- Select Activate Windows
- Type in your product key and click Next
- Follow the onscreen instructions
Via Phone
You may not know it, but it is indeed an option to activate Windows 8.1 via phone. This is because this operating system is compatible with devices running on Android.
- Click Start and type in PC settings in the search box
- Select Activate Windows and Contact Customer Support
- You may need to confirm your selection or give an admin password
- You will see a list of locations, and select yours
- Click Next
- Contact one of the numbers they provide you
- Listen to the automated system that will walk you through the process
Please note that the Windows 8.1 versions for phone and desktop make use of the same activation key. With this, you can use the same activation key you have in your smartphone to activate Windows in your PC.
Upgrading from Windows 8 to 8.1
If your PC has Windows 8, you can do the upgrade without having to use a product key. Before you do, make sure to take note of the following:
- Back up all your data and files. You wouldn’t want to lose a single piece of valuable information. You can use an external hard drive to copy all your files.
- Create more than 3GB of free space. This will make sure that your upgrade won’t be interrupted.
- If you’re upgrading your laptop, make sure that you plug it in. Your battery may have enough juice, but you can’t be too sure when the power is going out. Use your battery’s juice as a backup.
- Connect to a secure internet connection. This will ensure that you won’t encounter any glitch that may be caused by an erratic connection otherwise.
- Install the most recent Microsoft security updates. This will save you time later on.
- Disable your antivirus software for the meantime. There are instances when your antivirus program goes haywire and refuses to cooperate with any change you do with your PC.
If you need a Windows 8.1 product key for reasons excluding a straight upgrade from 8 to 8.1, there are several options to obtain one. There is no one-size-fits-all method, so work through the different techniques presented here.
