How to locate your WINDOWS Product key when your device is stuck on boot screen

[Rui007]

I'm trying to install windows 8.1. But in order to install the software,I am required to input my windows 8.1 product key. I tried looking for it at the back of my device but couldn't locate it(except for the serial no,product name and number but not the key).I tried looking inside but still couldn't locate it.There are many other ways of finding your product key,but most of them require accessibility to your home screen which I have no access to(since my windows is stuck on the boot screen) Is there a way of finding my windows 8.1 product key?

P:S I had Windows 8.1 pre-installed with my device

[Paul_Tikkanen]

Hi:

The product key is in the BIOS, and if you are using the right version of W8.1 that matches the key, it shouldn't ask for a key.

Some PC's come with W8.1 single language.

What is the product number of your PC?

The product number can be found on the same label as the serial number.

Please do not post the serial number.

You can also just clean install W10 if that is what you have on there now, using the media creation tool to create a bootable W10 USB installer.  You will need an 8 GB flash drive for that.

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

If you are asked to enter a product key during the installation process, select the 'I don't have a product key' option, and W10 will install and automatically activate once you are connected to the internet.

[Rui007]

I’m trying to re-install windows 8.1 and I don’t have any option such as ‘I don’t have a product key’.I have to input the product key.

[Paul_Tikkanen]

I can only offer advice based on what I read...you mention on one hand W10, you mention on the other hand W8.1.

What I'm saying is if you are installing the right version of W8.1 that matches the product key in your PC's BIOS, it shouldn't ask for a key, so something is not right.

I just installed W8.1 Pro on a Dell desktop the other day with a W8.1 Pro product key in the BIOS, and it did not ask for a product key, and the installation went just fine and activated.

OK, if you have the regular (not Pro, not Single Language) version of W8.1 use this generic key.

334NH-RXG76-64THK-C7CKG-D3VPT

After you install W8.1 change the generic key for the one in your PC's BIOS in the PC Settings menu.

I have zipped up and attached below, a free utility that will show you the version of W8.1 you have as well as the product key.

Once again...you need to install the version of Windows 8.1 the key is good for.

I think it will be much easier for you to reinstall W10 using the guidance I posted yesterday.

[Rui007]

The product no of my PC is ‘J1E38AA#ACJ’

P:S To make things clear I am currently using windows 10 but I want to downgrade to windows 8.1.

So basically my windows 10 is stuck on the boot screen

[Paul_Tikkanen · Accepted solution]

Based on the product number you posted, your PC came with the regular version of W8.1 64 bit.

https://support.hp.com/in-en/document/c04402674

So try entering that generic key I posted when you are asked to enter a key.

You made an installation disk or USB flash drive from this link, correct?

You would select W8.1 64 bit.

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows8ISO

Now if you run into trouble activating windows, please post the showkey plus report, so I can see what version of W8.1 the key is good for.

Do not post the product key itself, just the version of Windows.