Tablet upgrade, retrieve 8.1 key

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  1. Posts : 148
    Windows 10 1607
       #1

    Tablet upgrade, retrieve 8.1 key


    Hi,

    I have a cheap Windows table (Irulu 9" Walknbook 16GB) with Windows 8.1.
    In preparation for upgrading to Windows 10 I deleted the large recovery partition and tried to merge the Windows partition, so as to have enough space for the upgrade. After that, it would not boot into Windows.

    I can get into the EFI shell and boot from a Windows 10 USB media, but it can't repair my 8.1.

    Before I fresh install Windows 10, I think I need the 8.1 product key!

    Is it likely to be in the UEFI, if so, am I OK to run the Windows 10 install? There certainly isn't a label on the tablet with the product key.

    If not, how can I best extract it from this tablet that will only boot in EFI and not in legacy BIOS mode?
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 7,606
    Windows 10 Home 20H2
       #2

    Find your Windows product key with ShowKeyPlus below.
    Showkey - Windows 10 Forums
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 148
    Windows 10 1607
    Thread Starter
       #3

    Matthew Wai said:
    Find your Windows product key with ShowKeyPlus below.
    Showkey - Windows 10 Forums
    Can I add this to the USB drive I'm using, boot into recovery tools and run it from there?

    EDIT:
    I just thought, even if I extract the 8.1 product key or it's in the UEFI anyway, will I be 'allowed' to do a clean install of Windows 10 without having upgraded the 8.1 first?
    That is, in order to get Windows 10, do I need to reinstall Windows 8.1 and qualify for the free upgrade?
    Last edited by markweatherill; 07 Apr 2016 at 04:48.
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 7,606
    Windows 10 Home 20H2
       #4

    You can access the Command Prompt using a Windows 10 DVD. I just did so today.
    http://www.thewindowsclub.com/find-windows-product-key Recover Windows product key using Command Prompt
    markweatherill said:
    will I be 'allowed' to do a clean install of Windows 10 without having upgraded the 8.1 first?
    'When you install Windows 10, you can enter your PC’s Windows 7, 8, and 8.1 product key and it should activate properly if that PC was eligible for the upgrade.'── quoted from Whats First Big Update (Which Arrives Today)
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  5. Posts : 148
    Windows 10 1607
    Thread Starter
       #5

    Many thanks! I will try later when I get home.
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  6. Posts : 15,441
    Windows10
       #6

    The key will be embedded in bios. You can extract key after 10 is installed, but it should pick it up automatically.
      My Computer


  7. Posts : 7,606
    Windows 10 Home 20H2
       #7

    cereberus said:
    The key will be embedded in bios.
    If I re-install Windows 10 after updating the BIOS, do I have to enter the key again?
      My Computer


  8. Posts : 18,424
    Windows 11 Pro
       #8

    Matthew Wai said:
    If I re-install Windows 10 after updating the BIOS, do I have to enter the key again?
    No. Updating the BIOS does not affect the product key that the manufacturer stored there.
      My Computer


  9. Posts : 15,441
    Windows10
       #9

    NavyLCDR said:
    No. Updating the BIOS does not affect the product key that the manufacturer stored there.
    This is theoretically correct but some users have claimed they have done bios upgrades that have gone wrong and managed to lose the bios key. Whether this is true I cannot say, but I would make a note of the key before flashing bios just to be sure.
      My Computer


  10. Posts : 15,024
    Windows 10 IoT
       #10

    I've flashed the BIOS on my laptop twice, no effect on the OEM embedded key. My understanding is its stored in a section that is not overwritten by a BIOS flash. Maybe even in a non writable section. AKA permanent. My MSDN ISO and media from the Media Creation Tool read it and use it. In my case I wish they wouldn't but they do. If I use stock install media I get 10 Home. My OEM key is for 8.0 Core. I got 10 Pro via the free upgrade. It just means using a little trickery to install Pro instead.

    EDIT: Forgot to add, and yes, you can clean install without having to do the upgrade first.
      My Computer


 

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