How to get the Windows product key for a "HP ENVY m6-k010dx Sleekbook” lap top.

[Lap_Top_Owner]

I downloaded RW-Everything from the link you posted. It located the Windows product key, I entered it and it allowed me to activate Windows 8.1 !!

Thank you for your help and the answer.

[mdklassen]

> Microsoft updated it to Windows 10. 

> A Windows 10 update failed and locked up my computer.

> I had to reset the computer to factory.

No, you did not "have" to reset the computer to the factory-loaded operating system.

Since your computer was running Windows 10, you have been granted a "digital entitlement" to reinstall Windows 10, at any time, at no cost to you, on the same computer.  So, you could have reinstalled Windows 10 without the "intermediate" step of reinstalling Windows 8.

Now, if you want to upgrade to Windows 10,

see: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows10

for a free download. 

This will create a bootable USB memory-stick (requires an 8GB or larger capacity).

In your case, you don't need to boot from the memory-stick, since Windows 8.1 is running.

[If the disk-drive was "blank", then you would need to boot from the memory-stick, to do a "clean install".]

In your case, just insert it, and run the 'setup.exe' from the root-directory of the memory-stick's file-system.

When prompted  for the 25-character product-key, click "I do not have one".

The first time that Windows 10 connects to the Internet, it will leverage your entitlement, and "activate".

But, of course, you can stick with Windows 8.1, until the year 2023, when Microsoft will terminate all support for the Windows 8/8.1 system.  Install Windows 10, at that time, if your computer still is alive.

[ieee488]

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@mdklassen wrote:

> Microsoft updated it to Windows 10. 

> A Windows 10 update failed and locked up my computer.

> I had to reset the computer to factory.

No, you did not "have" to reset the computer to the factory-loaded operating system.

---

The update failed.

And obviously, he wanted to go back to what was working.

Not everybody has time to sit around babysitting a Windows 10 upgrade.

He can worry about Windows 8.1 losing support in 2023 when that rolls around. 5 years away.

A lot can happen.

[mdklassen]

> The update failed.

I am positive that a "clean" install should work.  If it does not, then we on this forum are here to help make it work.

> And obviously, he wanted to go back to what was working.

I'm positive that you are reading his/her/their mind as to whether an "upgrade" (from 8 to 10) failed or a Windows Update (while Windows 10 was running) failed.

> Not everybody has time to sit around babysitting a Windows 10 upgrade.

Huh?  If the author of the question wants Windows 10, either now or in 2023, I gave correct information on how to install it.  Are you disputing the information that I gave?

> He can worry about Windows 8.1 losing support in 2023 when that rolls around. 5 years away.

Yes, I am positive that your mathematics is correct.

Yesterday (January 9, 2018) was the date of the end of "mainstream support" for Windows 8.1.

January 10, 2023 will be the date of the end of "extended support" for Windows 8.1

Reference: https://support.microsoft.com/en-ca/help/13853/windows-lifecycle-fact-sheet

End of support refers to the date when Microsoft no longer provides automatic fixes, updates, or online technical assistance.  Without Microsoft support, you will no longer receive security updates that can help protect your PC from harmful viruses, spyware, and other malicious software that can steal your personal information.

[ieee488]

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@mdklassen wrote:

> The update failed.

I am positive that a "clean" install should work.  If it does not, then we on this forum are here to help make it work.

> And obviously, he wanted to go back to what was working.

I'm positive that you are reading his/her/their mind as to whether an "upgrade" (from 8 to 10) failed or a Windows Update (while Windows 10 was running) failed.

> Not everybody has time to sit around babysitting a Windows 10 upgrade.

Huh?  If the author of the question wants Windows 10, either now or in 2023, I gave correct information on how to install it.  Are you disputing the information that I gave?

> He can worry about Windows 8.1 losing support in 2023 when that rolls around. 5 years away.

Yes, I am positive that your mathematics is correct.

Yesterday (January 9, 2018) was the date of the end of "mainstream support" for Windows 8.1.

January 10, 2023 will be the date of the end of "extended support" for Windows 8.1

Reference: https://support.microsoft.com/en-ca/help/13853/windows-lifecycle-fact-sheet

End of support refers to the date when Microsoft no longer provides automatic fixes, updates, or online technical assistance.  Without Microsoft support, you will no longer receive security updates that can help protect your PC from harmful viruses, spyware, and other malicious software that can steal your personal information.

---

OP wrote in his very first post: Microsoft updated it to Windows 10.  A Windows 10 update failed and locked up my computer.

What is wrong with extended support????

Microsoft continues to provide security updates.

It is very obvious to me that the OP wanted to get something working.

You insist on pushing Windows 10.

It is apparent after the fact that he is satisfied with Windows 8 and has left this discussion.

His agenda is not your agenda.

You may want to help him to get Windows 10 working. He is just as happy to have Windows 8.1 working.