Windows 8.1 Product Key and Activation Methods [Updated]

If your computer is running Windows 7 or 8 and you want to upgrade to Windows 8.1, you don’t need to use a product key. However, if your PC is running an older version of Windows, you’ll have to provide a Windows 8.1 product key.

windows 8.1 product key

After the launch of Windows 8, Microsoft received lots of complaints from users. So, the tech giant decided to release Windows 8.1 as an upgraded version of Windows 8.

After downloading Windows 8.1, you will get a free trial period of 15 days. After this period, the operating system will prompt you to enter the product key. Every time you start your computer, you will see a dialogue box asking you to provide a Windows 8.1 product key.

In this post, you will find genuine Windows 8.1 product keys and proven methods on how to activate Windows 8.1.

New Features You’ll Find On Windows 8.1

Before you try a Windows 8.1 product key from this post, let’s look at a few special features of Windows 8.1 that you will not find on Windows 8. These are features that differentiate the two operating systems. They include:

New, improved apps
New video & music apps
An improved version of Internet Explorer
An upgraded power shell that enhances security and stability
SkyDrive
Improved system-wide search
Upgraded app store with most bugs removed
Improved user interface
More customization
No more issues with live resizing tile and application snapping
Supports 3D printing
Supports Resilient File System (ReFS)
Supports DirectX 11.2

Windows 8.1 Product Keys

The product key is a 25-character code. It looks like this: XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX.

There are two places you can find a Windows 8.1 product key:

Buy a genuine copy of Windows 8.1 directly from Microsoft or authorized dealers
Get Windows 8.1 ISO installer and buy or find the activation key somewhere

When you buy a genuine copy of Windows 8.1, you can find your product key in these locations:

If you buy a computer with Windows 8.1 pre-installed, you can find the serial key on a sticker on the computer.

If you buy a PC from an authorized dealer, then the dealer should provide the Windows 8.1 product key.

If you buy Windows 8.1 on CD or DVD, you should find the product key on a card in the box.

If you buy a copy of Windows 8.1 online, you should receive the product key through the email you used when placing your order.

However, if you install Windows from an external third party, you will need to provide a product key after the free trial period ends. At this point, you can buy a genuine Windows 8.1 product key online, take advantage of this guide for genuine product keys, or download the activation key.

Many people don’t install Windows 8.1 because it is not easy to find activated versions. If you want to use this OS, but you don’t know where to find an activation key, we’ve got you covered. These keys work for both 35-bit and 64-bit operating systems. Just choose any key and use it.

Windows 8.1 Ultimate Product Keys
Windows 8.1 (Core | Multiple Editions) Product Keys
Windows 8.1 Enterprise Serial Keys

6RH4V-HNTWC-JQKG8-RFR3R-36498
MBFBV-W3DP2-2MVKN-PJCQD-KKTF7
334NH-RXG76-64THK-C7CKG-D3VPT

3FCND-JTWFM-24VQ8-QXTMB-TXT67
GX9N8-4H2FH-D987T-BQ9GK-XKT67
KKPMN-469HY-H6V43-T8VX2-8W8XV

MMRNH-BMB4F-87JR9-D72RY-MY2KV
KQWNF-XPMXP-HDK3M-GBV69-Y7RDH
ND8P2-BD2PB-DD8HM-2926R-CRYQH

T3NJK-3P683-2T7BJ-2X27F-8B2KV
T3NJK-3P683-2T7BJ-2X27F-8B2KV
RFQ3N-4Y4XR-JY9PV-883PR-BY2KV

These keys are genuine and will surely activate your Windows. If none of these keys work for you, you can come back tomorrow for more product keys. We update these product keys every day.

These keys will activate your Windows 8.1 and allow you to access all the features this OS has to offer. You simply need to copy and paste the Windows 8.1 product key in the dialogue box, and you are good to go.

Here are more product keys:

Windows 8.1 Universal Product Keys
Windows 8.1 Pro Product Keys
Windows 8.1 DVD Keys

CR8NG-63KCR-X2MPD-G7M7P-GQ4DH
HN42W-QF3D6-2KM6W-C79XK-JW8XV
VC972-N7YXW-G9WQY-VBDP4-GXT67

QGR4N-78PMD-KCRQ7-83BXT-YG667
NGMMV-FVDXB-QP6XF-9FTRT-P7F9V
4Y8N3-H7MMW-C76VJ-YD3XV-MBDKV

HB39N-V9K6F-P436V-KWBTC-Q3R9V
BTNJ7-FFMBR-FF9BH-7QMJ9-H49T7
7TWWK-WNB2W-VRVPV-XG6RV-MBFDH

6PN82-R4BBH-XX8K2-DCK84-VMFDH
G9XNM-YYY38-8R9HM-YFPTX-T8XT7
N4WY8-DVW92-GM8WF-CG872-HH3G7

More updated Windows 8.1 activation keys here:

Windows 8.1 Serial Keys
Windows 8.1 Activation Keys
Free Windows 8.1 Activation Serial Keys

2VTNH-323J4-BWP98-TX9JR-FCWXV
84NRV-6CJR6-DBDXH-FYTBF-4X49V
D7KN2-CBVPG-BC7YC-9JDVJ-YPWXV

MHF9N-XY6XB-WVXMC-BTDCT-MKKG7
TGXN4-BPPYC-TJYMH-3WXFK-4JMQH
967N4-R7KXM-CJKJB-BHGCW-CPKT7

NTTX3-RV7VB-T7X7F-WQYYY-9Y92F
N9C46-MKKKR-2TTT8-FJCJP-4RDG7
Q4NBQ-3DRJD-777XK-MJHDC-749T7

988NM-XKXT9-7YFWH-H2Q3Q-C34DH
4NMMK-QJH7K-F38H2-FQJ24-2J8XV
3NHJ7-3WWQK-4RFTH-8FHJY-PRYQH

How to Download a Windows 8.1 Product Key

Follow these simple steps to download a Windows 8.1 product key:

Step 1: Download the Windows 8.1 product key finder and save the file in the right location.

Step 2: Click the zip folder twice in rapid succession to access the pkeyui.exe. file.

Step 3: Click the executable file to start the installation process

Step 4: Once done, you should be able to see the 25-character code

Copy the Windows 8.1 product key as it is. The letters and numbers should be as they are when using the activation key.

If you are unable to find a product key for your Windows 8.1, you may want to reach out to Microsoft for a replacement. And if that doesn’t work, you will have no option other than to visit this page for new activation keys or buy a product key.

How to Activate Windows 8.1

Read on for detailed information on how to activate Windows 8.1.

Windows 8.1 System Requirements

Your system must be able to run Windows 8.1 before you can use the product key. Here are the system requirements for the OS:

1GHZ processor
2GB RAM
Hard disk space of 200GB
Graphics cards that can support DirectX-9 (onboard or dedicated)

Continue reading to find two easy methods on how to activate Windows 8.1.

Method 1: Using an Internet Connection

Follow these simple steps to activate Windows 8.1 using an internet connection:

Step 1: Click the Start button and enter PC settings in the search box

Step 2: From the PC settings window, select Activate Windows

Step 3: Copy a Windows 8.1 product key from this post, paste it on your computer, and click next

Step 4: Follow the instructions on your screen

If this method doesn’t work, try out the next method.

Method 2: By Phone

You can also activate Windows 8.1 by phone. That’s because this OS is compatible with Android devices. Follow these steps:

Step 1: Click the Start button, type PC settings in the search box, and click PC settings

Step 2: Click Activate Windows and choose the Contact Customer support option. You may have to provide an admin password or confirm your selection

Step 3: Choose your location from the list of locations provided. This could also be the nearest location to where you are. Click next to proceed.

NOTE: Both Windows 8.1 versions for desktop and mobile phone use the same activation key. That means you can use the same activation key you used to activate your smartphone Windows to activate your desktop Windows.

Step 4: Dial one of the numbers on the page. An automated system will walk you through the activation process.

Activate Windows 8.1 Without a Windows Activation Key

Don’t have a product key? You can still activate Windows 8.1. It’s easy! In this post, you will find simple steps to do this.

However, it is not a guarantee that these methods will work. If none of them work for you, you will have no option other than to use a product key.

Do these things before you start:

Back up all your files and data
Create more than 3GB of free space on your computer
When upgrading to Windows 8.1, make sure that you do it on direct power. Don’t rely on battery power.
You need a strong, reliable internet connection to upgrade to ensure there are no glitches when upgrading to the new operating system
Install the latest Microsoft security updates
Disable your antivirus software temporarily

Method 1: Upgrade to Windows 8.1 from Windows 8

If your computer is running Windows 8, you can upgrade to Windows 8.1 without using a product key.

Here is the complete upgrade process:

Step 1: Go to the Windows 8.1 store

Step 2: Find the Windows update option

Step 3: Select the option to upgrade to Windows 8.1

Step 4: The download will start in the background, and the updated files will install automatically

Step 5: Restart your computer for the changes to take effect

Step 6: When the update screen comes on, select User Express Settings

Step 7: Log in to your Windows account and restore your apps

Hopefully, this method should help you to upgrade to Windows 8.1 successfully. If it doesn’t, try out the next method.

Method 2: Create your own Windows activator

Follow these steps to create your own Windows activator

Step 1: Click here to access a code

Step 2: Copy the code on Notepad

Step 3: On the document, click File and save it as Windows8.cmd

Step 4: Right-click on the file and choose the Run as Administrator option

Step 5: After running the file, a window will appear on your screen and disappear

Restart your computer after a few seconds. When the computer powers back on, check the status of your operating system. You should have an activated copy of Windows 8.1.

However, keep in mind that this method doesn’t work for all users. Although it has a high success rate, it may not work for some users for unknown reasons.