Windows Activation Key - Where is it?

[Chris_npn]

Hi, 

I bought a HP ENVY 700-060ea a few years ago. Windows 8.1 came pre-installed and updated to widows 10 a few years ago with no issues. 

I am now looking at replacing hardware to keep it up to date however I have been warned that I will need to re-activate my windows product key once hardware changes are detected. 

Given that windows was pre-installed where do I find my windows product key ? 

I have looked for a sticker on the machine but there doesn't seem to be one. 

Thanks in advance,

Christopher 

[Paul_Tikkanen]

Hi:

I have zipped up and attached a free utility below that will show you the version of W8.1 and the product key that is in the BIOS.

Unless you replace the motherboard, you should not have to reactivate Windows, and if you do replace the motherboard, the key that is in the BIOS of the current motherboard you have now, would be worthless.

[WAWood]

@Chris_npn 

To extend what @Paul_Tikkanen has already said, I know for a fact that you can replace the following hardware in  a desktop PC without having to worry about reactivating it:

1) hard drive -- with another HDD or an SSD

2) system memory

3) video card (if you need one)

4) sound card (if you need one)

5) USB port add-on card (if you need one)

[Chris_npn]

Hi  @Paul_Tikkanen  and @WAWood,

Thanks for getting back to me so quickly! 

I had been looking at replacement of the motherboard and CPU. 

My understanding was that if I replaced both I could then use the existing windows activation key to acknowledge the changes in hardware and  therefore re-authenticate windows with the new hardware.

I'll be honest I have never tried this before which is another reason I asked the original question, I'm much more familiar with hardware than soft/firmware and licencing! 

Is there any way to replace the CPU and motherboard and re-authenticate windows without having to re-purchase windows ?

Thanks in advance,

Christopher  

[Paul_Tikkanen]

You're very welcome, Christopher.

Unfortunately that would not be possible.

To Microsoft, a new motherboard = a new PC = a new license is required.

https://cloudblogs.microsoft.com/industry-blog/en-gb/cross-industry/2013/05/14/licensing-logic-whats...

I recommend that you purchase a new motherboard with the Windows product key included.

It may be cheaper than buying the operating system separately.