Windows 8.1 Product Key missing

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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I have a windows 8.1 physical disc but i lost the product key for it after I installed the 32 bit. I am now trying to install the 64 bit disc but i do not have the product key how would i retrieve it?

If you do wish to/need 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/

Cheers.

Hi Nicholas, you can reinstall Windows 8.1 at any time, you will not need a product key and it will not cost you anything !

Your best option is to download and create installation media - it will save you days of updates . . .

Since you previously had Windows 8.1 installed and activated on that PC during the installation process skip the steps which ask for a product key and select the option 'I am Reinstalling Windows 8.1 on this PC', and activation will not be an issue, your PC will have a digital entitlement stored on the Microsoft Activation Servers

Make sure you install the same Edition of Windows 8.1 (Home, Pro . . . etc.) you previously had installed to avoid Activation issues

Click this link:

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-downlo...

to download the Windows 8.1 ISO file

Then click this link to download a tool from Microsoft to create the Windows 8.1 Installation media on a DVD or USB flash Drive

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/detail...

Then, Boot your PC from the Installation Media you just created (change Boot Order in your BIOS) to begin installing Windows 8.1

If you have problems booting from a boot disc, you may have UEFI BIOS:

Insert the Bootable Installation Media, then go into your BIOS and make the following changes:

1. Disable Secure Boot
2. Enable Legacy Boot
3. If Available enable CSM
4. If Required enable USB Boot
5. Move the device with the bootable disc to the top of the boot order
6. Save BIOS changes, restart your System and it should boot from the Installation Media