how doi i activate windows 8.1 without a key

         I'm trying to activate windows 8.1 but I don't have a key. How do I get one or can I do this another way?

Did you upgrade from Windows 8 to windows 8.1?

And if so, was your Windows 8 paid for and activated?

@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@

If not, Windows 8.1 does not come for free.

Microsoft no longer sells windows 8/8.1.

Try amazon.com.

@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@

With Windows 8/8.1 The Product Key on preinstalled Operating Systems (HP, Acer, etc) is embedded in the BIOS in the Motherboard, so that the lost and/or worn C.O.A. Sticker problem is no more.

When you reinstall it will pick up the Product Key and activate the system automatically.

If it does not or you have other activation problems, follow these steps:

"How to Activate Windows 8 and 8.1 by Phone"

http://www.eightforums.com/tutorials/24636-activate-windows-8-phone.html

"Get help with activation errors"

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-8/activation-errors

"How to activate a Microsoft product by using Microsoft Product Activation Center"

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/950929/en-us

_______________________________________________

This information may interest you if you do wish 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.

Windows 8.0, Windows 8.1 or Windows 10 came preinstalled on my computer, how do I find the product key?

In Windows 8.0, Windows 8.1

Press Windows key + X

Click Command Prompt (admin)

Enter the following command:

wmic path SoftwareLicensingService get OA3xOriginalProductKey

Hit Enter

The product key will be revealed, copy the product key then enter it

Press Windows key + R
Type: slui 3
Hit Enter

Enter the product key then click Next to activate over the Internet.

If you are unable to activate Windows after all the above and you are certain you have the correct edition installed, then please attempt chat support:

Activate Your Windows 10 License via Microsoft Chat Support
Use the following link to directly reach a live agent who can assist you:

https://partner.support.services.microsoft.com/...

also use Show Key Plus to find your product key - see instructions:

How to Find Your Product Key After Upgrading to Windows

Hi lou23#,

Was Windows 8.1 installed and previously activated on that PC or was another version of Windows installed on that PC.

Are you getting an Activation error popup?