Beginners Guide on How to Use Your Windows 8.1 Product Activation Key

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Microsoft, as a tech giant has been releasing different operating system year by year and every year, it is expected that there will be an updated Windows operating system to be installed and run our computers.

With all these updates, user experience is being enhanced and improved. Hence, many users purchase a new operating system once reported available in the market.

Windows 8 is one of the latest released operating systems that comes right after the release of the Windows 7. It has more enhanced user experience, optimized programs, fixed errors and bug and a seamless program that allows more customization and interface stability.

But if you are already into Windows 8, you might want to dig in more for Windows 8.1 which is an updated version of Windows 8.

If you are interested in upgrading your Windows 8 operating system to Windows 8.1, this guide might come in handy for you. We will show you how you can upgrade from Windows 8 to Windows 8.1 for free and a detailed guide for Windows 7 and other older version of operating system to jump into Windows 8.1 operating system using a product activation key. Read for more information.

It was 2012 when the Windows 8.1 was released as an upgraded version of Windows 8. Since Windows 8 is receiving a backlash of its user-interface complexity and other system complaints, Microsoft decided to launch a close to date upgrade to resolve the prevailing customers’ concern and demand. Thus, the birth of Windows 8.1.

For legit and original copies of Windows 8 OS upgrading to Windows 8.1 should be a breeze but for limited license validity and pirated copies, obtaining the product activation key might be difficult.

But first, let us know when you can use your Windows 8.1 product activation key as there are certain situations that upgrading to Windows 8.1 doesn’t require an activation key.

Proper Usage of Windows 8.1 Product Activation Key When Upgrading From Windows 7, XP and OS X

We must first acknowledge that Windows 7 and other older version of operating systems like Windows XP and OS X are already way behind from all the system enhancements Microsoft has done over the years. Thus, updating it to Windows 8.1 requires a separate purchase and a product activation key. It is still good news for all users that are using these operating systems since Microsoft still allows this big leap of upgrade available.

So to guide you to perform this update, here are the complete details you can follow:

Get Your Windows 8.1 Product Activation Key Ready

You must first be familiar with how a product key looks like and all Windows 8.1 serial keys is in this format:

PRODUCT KEY: XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX

Make sure you have the Product Activation Key ready before starting the update.

Here are the places you can find them:

1. Purchased Windows 8.1 CD/DVD format, the serial number can be found in the card inside the box.
2. If you bought a digital license, the product serial key would be sent to your email so better check your Inbox

Check System Requirements

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You cannot run a fully functional Windows 8.1 if your computer hardware is lacking some support. You need to make sure that your computer is built with hardware that can support and sustain all the enhancements made with the operating system. If you are using an old computer, you better check all the hardware and make sure that it can support your new operating system.

Here is the list that you can use a reference if you have these components installed in your computer, then your Windows 8.1 will most likely run just fine.

• 2GB RAM
• 1GHz Processor
• 20GB HDD Space
• DirectX 9-capable Graphics Card (either dedicated or onboard)

The Activation Procedure

If you have prepared and done all the things mentioned above, then here’s what you need to do to wrap up the activation procedure:

• Make sure to close all running programs
• Click on Start and open “Run.”
• In the dialogue box, enter the text “slui 2,” and a new window will prompt
• It will ask for the Windows 8.1 product activation key; make sure you provide the correct and working one
• If done right, the computer will automatically run and activate the Windows
• Updating shouldn’t run long but if it takes time to wait until everything is complete

**This is why hardware upgrade is also necessary (see CHECK SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS)

Here’s a bonus reference, if you are already running with Windows 8 OS you might find this handy.

The Quick Upgrage From Windowa 8 to Windows 8.1

If you are already running either a Windows 8 operating system in your computer then jumping to Windows 8.1 won’t be that difficult. Microsoft allows this short and quick upgrade to Windows 8.1 WITHOUT the need for a product key. All you need to do is to download the Windows 8.1 on the website, or you can do the following steps:

• Download the free update right from the Windows Store.
• From the Start button, look for the Store tile.
• From there, look for “Update Windows” tile and choose between Windows 8.1 or Windows RT 8.1 then “Download.”
• Once the download is done, start running it, and the installation will run in the background and update your entire system.

**Note: Make sure you have enough disk space to perform the upgrade

Once the update is complete, your computer is now running a functional and enhanced Windows 8.1.

Enjoy your new operating system!

Author Bio:

Petr Kudlacek

Petr is a seasoned content-creator and founder of Apro Software, a machine learning company. He blogs anything he is passionate about – technology, gaming, software and business on itechgyan.com and softwarebattle.com. When not writing, he plays sports and goes to movies. Moreover, he is also deeply interested in meditation, Buddhism and biohacking.

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