Windows 8 or the updated version Windows 8.1 was not as successful as its predecessor, the current Windows 10, but the system is still installed on millions of desktops and laptops. Since Microsoft continues to provide the system with security updates until January 2023, there is little reason for satisfied Windows 8.1 users to switch.

This makes it even more important to know your Windows 8.1 product key. It is required at the latest when you want to transfer an existing Windows installation to a new PC. Even with a complete reinstallation of the PC or laptop, including formatting the hard drive, the key is not always required, but it often is. The exception is PCs that ship directly with Windows 8.1 . In them, the product key is stored in the BIOS so that Windows automatically recognizes it during installation. There is also no need to enter the key when restarting the Windows 8.1 installation .

• Here you can find the Windows 8.1 key
• Read Windows 8.1 key with a free tool

Here you can find the Windows 8.1 key

Just like in Windows 7, in Windows 8.1 there are also different locations to store the product key. The easiest location is on PCs or laptops where the system has been pre-installed. The key is usually found here as a sticker on the box . However, it is also possible that the manufacturer has saved the key in the BIOS. In this case, you can read the Windows 8.1 key with a free tool.

If you purchased Windows 8.1 separately, you can find the key in the manual or email from the seller. If you no longer have access to it, you can also help yourself. As long as you have access to a Windows 8.1 installation, you can determine the key using a free program.

Read Windows 8.1 key with a free tool

As with Windows 7, it is also possible to read the product key of a Windows installation for Windows 8.1. There are a whole series of free programs for this. The free and open source ShowKeyPlus program is proven and simple. After downloading, launch the appropriate version: ” ShowKeyPlus_x64.exe ” for a 64-bit installation of Windows 8.1 or ” ShowKeyPlus.exe ” for a 32-bit version .

The program now immediately displays the Windows 8.1 product key. You’ll find it in the ” Key Installed ” field. If you purchased Windows 8.1 directly with your desktop or laptop, the ” OEM Key ” field may be of interest. If ShowKeyPlus displays a value here, you should also write it down. It is the Windows key that is stored in the PC’s BIOS . If Windows does not recognize the key during a later reinstallation, you can manually enter the key to activate the system.

With a click on the ” Save ” button, you also have the option to export the displayed data as a text file. Keep this in a safe place to repair Windows 8.1 activation if necessary.