windows 8.1 activation errors

Table of Contents:

1. Where is the Windows 8 or Windows 10 Product Key?
2. Identify a Genuine Windows 8 or Windows 10 Computer
3. Where is the Windows 7 Product Key?

This article describes how Windows 8 and Windows 10 Product Keys work, and how to identify a Windows 8 or Windows 10 Genuine system.

Where is the Windows 8 or Windows 10 Product Key?

Factory-installed Windows 8 and Windows 10 computers differ from previous versions of Windows. Previously, the Product Key for Windows was attached as a label on the computer so that, in the event that the computer required reinstallation, the key could be referenced for activation.

For Windows 8 and Windows 10, the Product Key is "injected" onto the computer motherboard at the factory, and the installation and activation processes refer to the BIOS of the computer to verify authenticity and activate Windows. No Windows Product Key is otherwise provided or needed by the customer.

Identify a Genuine Windows 8 or Windows 10 Computer

Dell computers that are factory-installed with Windows 8 or Windows 10 carry one of the following logos on the palmrest, which verifies that the computer is a Genuine Windows 8 or Windows 10 system and has a factory "injected" Product Key on the motherboard.

For more on specific labels that Microsoft uses on computer hardware, refer to Microsoft's How to Tell website. Click on the What to look for tab at the top of the page for images and information

Where is the Windows 7 Product Key?

Windows 7 computers have either a product key located on the computer or a Windows 8 product key injected into the motherboard and a downgrade license for Windows 7. For more information about Windows 7 and prevous versions of Windows, see the Microsoft site.