Why does my Windows 8.1 store upgrade installation still ask for a product key?

10
2014-05
  • think123

    In the Windows 8 store, I saw a link saying "Update to Windows 8.1 for free". So I clicked on it, and it downloaded, and the installation began.

    But after that, it was asking me for a product key, and since I didn't have one, I skipped it, and it showed that Windows 8.1 was not activated.

    Why is this? How can I fix it? The Windows 8 and 8.1 installations are both legitimate (not pirated), so I don't understand. Also, in the Windows 8.1 Store installation videos on YouTube I have watched, no such Product Key step is even shown.

    • Answers
  • Kryten

    I also had this issue when I upgraded. Here's what I did to fix it:

    (I'm recalling this from memory so the steps may not be EXACTLY as I've stated, but it should be pretty close)

    1) Dig out your original Windows 8 key

    2) Go to your desktop and press win-r to open the run dialog and enter "slui.exe 3"

    Run Dialog with slui.exe 3

    3) You'll see the following screen

    Windows Product Key

    4) Enter your Windows 8 product key

    5) Once your key is entered it should start automatically checking to see if it's valid

    6) Once the check is complete, follow the instructions to activate, reboot and then Windows should be activated


    • Related Question

    installation - Is there a way to do a clean install of Windows 8.1 with a Windows 8 Pro upgrade key?
  • Schnapple

    I may be too early with this question but here goes - I would like to do a clean install of Windows 8.1, and I have a product key for Windows 8 Pro (the boxed "upgrade" they sell retail).

    The RTM bits released on MSDN and Technet and such are designed to be installed standalone but they require a key that is specific to the 8.1 bits. You can't plug in a Windows 8 key and have it work.

    The RTM bits released on MSDN and Technet also refuse to allow you to install without a key so the idea of trying to plug in the Windows 8 key after the fact isn't possible, and the ei.cfg things that would work with Windows 7 don't seem to apply anymore.

    It could be that a really obvious way to do this will become apparent in October but if I wanted to do a clean install of Windows 8.1 with a Windows 8 Pro key, is that possible?


    • Related Answers
  • magicandre1981

    Insert the generic key which is available in the Product.ini on the DVD (sources folder) during setup.

    In Windows, follow the old hack and use slmgr.vbs -ipk <YOURKEY> to install your key, change the MediaBootInstall from "1" to "0", run the rearm command and now try to activate Windows 8.1