Restore Windows

[JDGB]

SInce I upgaded to Windows 10 the functionality of my laptop has been negatively affected - Sleep and Restart no longer work, Touchscreen has now stopped funcitoning, etc.

I want to reinstall Windows 8, which my laptop came installed with, but do not have a product key. Micfrosoft say they cannot help without the product key, and John Lewis from whom I bought it in January 2014 say they can't provide a key and suggested I contact HP.

I am reluctant to do a factory reset, having to back up and then reload all my data and software.

Where can I find the product key for the Windows 8 operating system originally installed on my PC? WIndows 8 is no longer recoverable so I will need to download it from the Microsoft site, but need a product key.

[Huffer]

The product key for Windows 8 is embedded in the BIOS. If you recover Windows 8 using a recovery disk of exactly the correct version (8 or 8.1..Home or Pro?) then it will just automatically activate. It also has to be an OEM version not a retail version and you cannot download an OEM version from Microsoft. HP would have recovery disk for your laptop available to purchase for a nominal price. 

[WAWood · Accepted solution]

JDBG

Using this utility, you can retrieve your product key from the UEFI firmware on the motherboard: Download Windows OEM Product Key Tool 1.0.0.1

Good Luck