Basic information about Windows 8.1 product key

Windows 8.1 is the upgraded version of Windows 8. When you are using any pre-loaded computer or laptop having Windows 7, the simple act of updating can help run the latest version of Windows 8.1. But, when the computer is not able to run Windows 8, you require Windows 8.1 product key which is required for activating the product.

Where to find Windows 8.1 product activation key?

There are various venues from where you can get this product key. Some of the common places from where you can get the key are mentioned below:

• In case the Windows 8.1 is pre-installed on your device, you can find this key on a sticker stuck on the body of the device.
• If you purchase the operating system from an authorized dealer, then the dealer provides you this product key.

How to identify the product key

If you think that product key is going to be some secret code, you are wrong. There is an easily identifiable product key which you can easily differentiate.

This is a 25-character key, to begin with. This becomes easier to identify as it comes pasted on the box that carries the Windows DVD. You can also access this product key by referring to the email that notifies you about your purchasing of Windows 8.1.

There are certain websites also that are offering active product key absolutely free of cost. One of such websites has enlisted the product key for all the variants of Windows 8.1 running currently in the market.

System requirements for using Windows 8.1

If the use of Windows 8.1 product key is not helping in running this OS on the computer, it means you need ensuring that other system requirements are met. Some of the basic requirements to make Windows 8.1 functional on your PC or laptop are:

• Your PC must have at least 20GB of hard disk space
• It should have 2 GB RAM
• Graphics card that supports DirectX 9
• Processor must clock at least 1GHz of speed.

If these requirements are not met by the PC, having the product key alone will not help.

Activating Windows 8.1/8 without an activation key

When you have exhausted all the readymade ways of accessing the product key, you can try going for the manual method of activating the Windows 8/8.1. There are many easy, convenient, and accessible ways to activate in a manual manner. However, before you try to activate, follow the steps below

• Prepare your computer or laptop for the download while keeping all the relevant data safe and secure in other devices or a safe drive
• The minimum space requirement on your PC should be 3GB
• When you upgrade from 8 to 8.1, make sure to follow all the steps while keeping your computer connected to a power outsource and not on battery backup
• You also need a strong internet connection to make the upgrade happen
• Make sure to turn off the antivirus program if it is there in the PC

The other process of activating Windows 8.1 without a product key is:

• Go to Windows Store on Windows 8
• Search for the option –  update to Windows 8.1
• Select  and click “Download”
• This action caused updating and installing of files in the background.
• On the completion of updating, a prompt enables you to restart your computer
• Restart the computer
• Choose “Use Express Settings” once the update complete screen comes
• Log into your Microsoft account and reinstall the applications

Alternatively, there is one more option to activate the key without the need of any activation key. The method is simple but you should have the technique to generate your own activator. The process is simple and involves just copy pasting the text and changing the extension from .txt to .cmd. After that run the file as an administrator and windows gets activated. Further to that, it is important to restart your computer and check the status  with the activated copy of the operating system.

How user experience is likely to improve post the installation of Windows 8.1

Windows 8.1 is designed to enhance the user experience in a multiple ways. Some of the best things you can expect from this version of Windows from Microsoft are:

• New videos and music applications
• New user-centric applications
• Upgraded version of Internet Explorer
• Improved and enhanced stability and security
• Additional support of SkyDrive
• Fast and improved system-wide search
• Bug-free app store where many of the bugs have been fixed
• Feature-enriched user interface
• New features of customization
• Application snapping and live tile resizing related bugs fixed

Thus, it is better to search for the activation key of Windows 8.1 if you want better control over your computer and also to enjoy enhanced user experience.