Windows 8: Read product key from BIOS
If you buy a computer with pre-installed Windows 8 as an OEM version, you will no longer find the product key on a sticker on the device. It is now entered in the BIOS and linked to the hardware. So read it out.
Find out the Windows 8 product key
In the event of a problem, only a recovery installation is available for a new installation of Windows 8. However, if you want to reinstall your purchased Windows 8 cleanly on the same computer and without advertising software from the hardware manufacturer, you need the product key. The same problem arises with an installed full version if you have mislaid the DVD case with the necessary number.
- Since the product key cannot be reached with on-board equipment, use a small free tool such as the Windows 8 Product Key Viewer.
- Extract the ZIP archive and start »pkeyui.exe«. This application may be classified as potentially dangerous by the virus scanner. You can safely ignore this and run the tool.
- Without further installation, the program shows the key of the current installation, which also works in previous versions from Windows XP. Use the single button to copy the determined product key to the clipboard.
Find Windows 8 and Office key
Another tool for reading various product keys is the free version of the Magical Jelly Bean Keyfinder, which you can also download from CHIP. You have to install this tool first, but you also use it to determine the product key of an existing Office installation.
- This video practical tip shows you how to read out product keys with "Magical Jelly Bean Keyfinder". Although this is Office, the procedure is identical.