How do I bypass the Windows 8 product key?
Skip Product Key Input in Windows 8.1 Setup
- If you are going to install Windows 8.1 using a USB drive, transfer the installation files to the USB and then proceed to step 2. …
- Browse to the /sources folder.
- Look for the ei.cfg file and open it in a text editor such as Notepad or Notepad++ (preferred).
Can I use Windows 8.1 without activation?
You don’t have to activate Windows 8
It is true that the installer requires you to enter a valid Windows 8 key before you can continue with installation. However, the key isn’t activated at install time and the installation goes just fine without Internet connection (or calling Microsoft).
Does Windows 8 need a product key?
Yes, Product Key on preinstalled WIndows 8.1 is embedded in a chip on the motherboard. You can audit the key using ProduKey or Showkey which will report it as an OEM-BIOS key only (not WIndows 8 or 10).
How can I activate my Windows 8 for free?
To activate Windows 8.1 using an internet connection:
- Select the Start button , type PC settings, and then select PC settings from the list of results.
- Choose Activate Windows.
- Enter your Windows 8.1 product key, select Next, and follow the instructions.
How do I get a Windows 8.1 product key?
So you could go to www.microsoftstore.com and buy a download version of Windows 8.1. You’ll get an email with the product key, which you can use, and you can just ignore (never download) the actual file.
How do I activate my Windows 8 product key?
To activate Windows 8 over the Internet:
- Log in to the computer as an administrator, and then connect to the Internet.
- Press the Windows + I keys to open the Settings charm.
- Select Change PC settings in the lower-right corner of the screen.
- In PC settings, select the Activate Windows tab. …
- Select the Enter key button.
How can I activate my Windows 8 or 8.1 for free?
Type slmgr. vbs /ato and press ↵ Enter . A window should appear saying “Activating Windows(R) Your Edition “.
How do I restore Windows 8.1 without a disk?
Refresh without installation media
- Boot into the system and go to Computer > C: , where C: is the drive where your Windows is installed on.
- Create a new folder. …
- Insert the Windows 8/8.1 installation media and go to the Source folder. …
- Copy the install.wim file.
- Paste the install.wim file to the Win8 folder.
Why can’t I activate my Windows 8?
Click Activate and open cmd in Administrator mode (right click cmd -> Run as Administrator) and run the command as “sfc /scannow” then press Enter. Restart your computer and activate Windows 8 again which will work perfectly.
What happens if Windows 8 is not activated?
It also shows the build version of Windows 8 at the bottom right hand corner of your desktop. You cannot use the Personalize options located in the immersive Control Panel either. After 30 days, Windows will ask you to activate and every hour the computer will shut down (Turn off).
Is Windows 8 download free?
If your computer is currently running Windows 8, you can upgrade to Windows 8.1 for free. Once you’ve installed Windows 8.1, we recommend that you then upgrade your computer to Windows 10, which is also a free upgrade.
How do I download Windows 8.1 without a product key?
Download Windows 8.1 Pro Legally Without Product Key:
- Go to the Windows Media Creation Tool page on Microsoft’s website and click on the ‘Create Media’ button to get this tiny app to get the download started.
- After the download is complete, run the executable file and select the proper options.