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Have you just bought a new Windows 8 computer and want to reinstall your operating system because the previous user left it full of files and applications that you don’t need? Perhaps you’ve upgraded your computer and want to reuse your Windows 8 product key on your new device? Whatever the reason, you might find yourself in need of your Windows 8 product key, but what can you do if you don’t have a sticker with the product key on your computer or in the packaging? Well, don’t worry, because in this article, we’ll show you how to recover your Windows 8 product key from BiOS.
Video Tutorial:
The Challenge of Recovering Windows 8 Product Key from BiOS
When you buy a new computer that comes with Windows 8, the product key is often embedded in a small chip called BiOS. This chip is a type of firmware that allows your computer to boot up and start running the operating system. As the product key is stored in the BiOS, you don’t have to manually enter it during the installation process. However, this also means that the product key is not visible to the user, making it difficult to retrieve if needed.
Things You Should Prepare for
Before we dive into the methods of retrieving your Windows 8 product key from BiOS, you should prepare a few things:
- A USB flash drive with at least 4GB of space
- A computer with internet access
- Product Key Recovery software
Method 1: Using Command Prompt
Command Prompt is a command-line interface program that can be used to execute commands and troubleshoot problems in Windows. This method uses Command Prompt to retrieve your Windows 8 product key.
Steps:
1. Press the Windows key + X and select "Command Prompt (Admin)" from the menu.
2. Type the following command: "wmic path SoftwareLicensingService get OA3xOriginalProductKey" (without quotes)
3. Press Enter.
4. Your Windows 8 product key will be displayed.
Pros:
- The method is easy to execute and doesn’t require any third-party software.
- You can copy and paste the product key directly from the Command Prompt.
Cons:
- You need administrative privileges to run Command Prompt.
- The product key might not be retrievable on some older computers.
Method 2: Using BIOS Toolkit
BIOS Toolkit is a free software used to perform various tasks on a computer’s BiOS. This method uses BIOS Toolkit to retrieve your Windows 8 product key.
Steps:
1. Download and install the BIOS Toolkit on your computer.
2. Launch the program.
3. Click on the "Advanced" tab.
4. Click on the "Product Key" button.
5. Your Windows 8 product key will be displayed.
Pros:
- The software is easy to use and specifically designed for retrieving product keys from BiOS.
- You can save the product key to a text file for later use.
Cons:
- The software is not compatible with all computers and BiOS versions.
- You need to download and install third-party software.
Method 3: Using Product Key Recovery software
Product Key Recovery software is designed to scan your computer’s registry and hard drive for product keys. This method uses Product Key Recovery software to retrieve your Windows 8 product key.
Steps:
1. Download and install the Product Key Recovery software on your computer.
2. Launch the program.
3. The software will automatically scan your computer for product keys.
4. Your Windows 8 product key will be displayed along with other product keys of software installed on your computer.
Pros:
- The software is designed specifically to retrieve product keys and is compatible with a wide range of software.
- You can save the product key to a text file for later use.
Cons:
- You need to download and install third-party software.
- The software might not detect your Windows 8 product key if it is stored in BiOS.
Why Can’t I Retrieve My Windows 8 Product Key?
If none of the above methods work for you, it might be because:
1. Your Windows 8 product key is not stored in BiOS:
Some manufacturers might not store the product key in BiOS. In this case, you will need to find the original packaging or sticker with the product key.
2. Your BiOS is locked:
Some manufacturers might lock the BiOS to prevent users from modifying it. In this case, you will need to contact the manufacturer for assistance.
3. Your computer is a refurbished model:
Refurbished computers might not have a product key stored in BiOS. In this case, you will need to contact the seller or manufacturer for assistance.
Additional Tips
- Write down your product key and keep it in a safe place.
- Use anti-virus and anti-malware software to ensure the safety of your computer.
5 FAQs about Recovering Windows 8 Product Key from BiOS
Q1: Can I use Command Prompt to retrieve other product keys?
A: Yes, you can use Command Prompt to retrieve product keys of software installed on your computer, such as Microsoft Office.
Q2: Can I use BIOS Toolkit and Product Key Recovery software on other versions of Windows?
A: Yes, the software is compatible with other versions of Windows.
Q3: I have an OEM version of Windows 8 installed on my computer. Will these methods work for me?
A: Yes, these methods should work for OEM versions of Windows 8.
Q4: Is it legal to use these methods to retrieve my Windows 8 product key?
A: Yes, it is legal to retrieve your product key for personal use.
Q5: Can I use these methods to retrieve my Windows 10 product key?
A: These methods are for Windows 8 product key retrieval. However, similar methods can be used to retrieve product keys for other versions of Windows, including Windows 10.
In Conclusion
Retrieving your Windows 8 product key from BiOS might seem like a daunting task, but with the right tools and methods, it can be done easily and quickly. Remember to always keep your product key in a safe place to avoid losing it, and use anti-virus and anti-malware software to ensure the safety of your computer. If you have any issues retrieving your product key, don’t hesitate to contact the manufacturer or seller for assistance.