-
×InformationNeed Windows 11 help?Check documents on compatibility, FAQs, upgrade information and available fixes.
Windows 11 Support Center. -
-
×InformationNeed Windows 11 help?Check documents on compatibility, FAQs, upgrade information and available fixes.
Windows 11 Support Center. -
- HP Community
- Notebooks
- Notebook Operating System and Recovery
- lost my original windows

Create an account on the HP Community to personalize your profile and ask a question
05-02-2024 06:36 AM
Hello..
I had restore the system to the original mode, but after the restoration was completed, I lost the original copy of Windows... Note that I had an original copy when I purchased my device windows 8... Note that I upgraded Windows to version 10 for free when this option was available to me, and now I lost the original copy and would like to restore my original copy of Windows
what i should do to get back my original windows
05-02-2024 07:02 AM
Hi:
The only way you can get Windows 8.1 back nowadays would be to download the W8.1 64-bit ISO file from the link below.
Download Windows 8.1 Disc Image (ISO File) (microsoft.com)
Use the free Rufus utility to make a bootable USB installation flash drive.
Set up the Rufus utility the way you see it in the illustration for Windows installations.
Rufus - Create bootable USB drives the easy way
I suggest that you just clean install W10 since W8.1 is out of support.
05-02-2024 11:42 AM
Welcome
Thank you for the response. I have already installed Windows 10, but I was not able to bypass the password. I was asked to activate Windows 8 before completing, or to enter a passcode for Windows 10, and I do not know what to do now. I will install Windows 10 through the link you sent and try. To see what happens
05-02-2024 02:48 PM - edited 05-02-2024 02:49 PM
If your notebook previously was upgraded to W10 and activated, when you reinstall W10, you are asked to select the version of W10 you want to install.
Select W10 Home 64 bit.
Then you will be asked to enter a product key. You select the 'I don't have a product key' option and W10 should install and activate after you are connected to the internet.
You can download and install the free Showkey Plus app from the Microsoft Store and it should show you the original W8.1 OEM product key and the version of W8.1 the key is good for.
If it indicates Single Language, then you need to go back reinstall W10 Single language when asked what version of Windows you want to install.