Comments on: Windows 8 uses BIOS embedded product key

By: pted

pted — Sat, 02 Feb 2013 15:42:00 +0000

Like Trooper_Max said – why can’t you just load the UEFI/OEM key to get into Win8Std and then run the upgrade to Win8Pro from your new media?

By: manikrit singh

manikrit singh — Sat, 26 Jan 2013 12:43:00 +0000

hey i need window 8 product key ….. is dere any one who can assist me

By: Giggitygoebbels

Giggitygoebbels — Wed, 12 Dec 2012 02:27:00 +0000

Later a bios flash,and your license is gone.also this is unfair to linux.

By: Sebastiano Cannata

Sebastiano Cannata — Mon, 26 Nov 2012 22:45:00 +0000

Dear Microsoft, I can suggest? Two would not be bad memory in the BIOS, one that holds the key to the factory, as we have seen, and one that is written by the user – once manually – with the version number upgrade. When updating the system will choose the code of the more advanced version automatically without re-code any more.

In this case, however, for once, you will have in hand a key paper that can end assets of hackers, but at least you can install the update, otherwise impossible.

By: sminc

sminc — Mon, 26 Nov 2012 19:29:00 +0000

or its just a way of enforcing you to buy another copy of windows when you change hardware. think they dont reserve the right to do that ? read the small print.

now (potentially) anyone who upgrades their motherboard could be looking at a new license cost as well.
it wont affect existing bios but if the field is added under new bios (for existing hardware) or in the bios of any new hardware then watch out.

By: jhdale

jhdale — Mon, 26 Nov 2012 19:17:00 +0000

Also, what happens if you update the Bios in your computer? Are you going to get a warning that you will no longer be able to reinstall Windows if something goes wrong?

By: Trooper_Max

Trooper_Max — Mon, 26 Nov 2012 18:07:00 +0000

I upgraded my ultrabook convertible to Windows 8 Pro using the “Add Features” option from the Control Panel, which allowed me to enter a Pro key I had purchased from the Microsoft Store – Yes, I wouldn’t be surprised if I wiped/reinstalled Windows it went back to the regular version, but I would just need to add my Pro key again. No big deal. It works fine on old machines too, you just have to manage/enter the key yourself – and it’s probably kept safely in your e-mail account, since Microsoft sends you a receipt if you purchased from the Microsoft Store.

By: Jimmy Hester

Jimmy Hester — Mon, 26 Nov 2012 13:10:00 +0000

If there isn’t one in the BIOS, you can still type it in.

By: Anialation

Anialation — Mon, 26 Nov 2012 12:58:00 +0000

I’m pretty sure Windows 7, and probably Vista also used the BIOS to store the product key.

By: Optimaximal

Optimaximal — Mon, 26 Nov 2012 11:02:00 +0000

This will also almost certainly only work with newer UEFI BIOS’s

By: PiG

PiG — Mon, 26 Nov 2012 10:31:00 +0000

In retail You still get a sticker.