On first use, you need to activate Windows 8.1 within a certain amount of time to continue using it. It's really easy to activate, with the instructions and activation key already included in the installer package. But, if you have somehow lost your product key, there is another way to activate Windows 8.1 for free.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Recover the lost product key
Step 1. Download a key recovery program
Your Product Key is buried in the Windows registry, but can be easily extracted using a free key recovery program. Two of the most popular options are the ProductKey and Key Finder.
Both of these programs are free and can be downloaded from the developers' websites. Both offer paid versions, but the Windows key can also be recovered with the free version
Step 2. Launch the key recovery program
It is generally not necessary to install the program. Just run it and you will see a list of available keys. Locate the "Windows" entry to find the key.
Step 3. Write down the key or copy it
The key will be referred to as the "Product Key" or "CD Key". The Windows Product Key is 25 characters long divided into five groups of five characters each.
Part 2 of 2: Activate Windows 8.1
Step 1. Open the activation window
Open the activation window by pressing WinR and typing slui 3. Press Enter to open the window.
Step 2. Enter the Product Key
Enter the key you recovered, which you received with your Windows purchase or which is affixed to a sticker on your computer. It is not necessary to type the dashes, as they will be added by the program. Windows automatically attempts activation as soon as the key is entered.
Step 3. Try the Command Prompt
If the above steps don't work, you can try entering the key through an elevated Command Prompt. Type WinX and select "Command Prompt (Admin)".
- Type slmgr.vbs / ipk XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX and press Enter, replacing the XXXXX groups with the product key. Make sure you include the dashes. A window should appear stating "Successfully Installed Product Key XXXXX".
- Type slmgr.vbs / ato and press Enter. A window should appear saying: "Activate Windows (R) Edition". After a moment, if the activation is successful, you will read: "Product activated successfully".
Step 4. Call Microsoft if you still can't activate
If you still have activation problems, you can call Microsoft's automated activation service. To find your area number, press ⊞ Win + R and type slui 4. This will open a window with your contact information as well as your installation ID.
Make sure to copy the installation ID, as you will need it to log into the phone. It is long, but necessary to identify the computer
Advice
- Activation keys are already included in the Windows 8.1 package. If you already own yours, you don't need to install it using the command prompt (part 1).
- Activation keys can only be used on a limited number of computers. If you have reached the maximum number of computers, the code will be reported as invalid.
- This article was written for tutorial purposes only. Always buy genuine Windows 8.1 operating system to avoid software problems.
