Difference between revisions of "Microsoft Windows Product Key"
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| + | A product key is a code that's used to activate Windows. Activation helps verify that Windows hasn't been used on more PCs than the Microsoft Software License Terms allow. This is a way that Microsoft can ensure they are able to maximize their revenue and force PC owners to pay their license fee for each individual computer. | ||
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| + | Since Windows version ( 98 ? ) the product key is typically on a card inside the box that the Windows DVD came in—or in an email that shows that you bought Windows. It looks like this: PRODUCT KEY: XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX. If you bought a PC with Windows preinstalled, they key might be on a sticker directly on the computer case or laptop. | ||
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| + | Windows 8 PCs now embed their product keys in the BIOS. Microsoft has required manufacturers accommodate this new anti-piracy tactic of storing the key in encrypted format within the bios. Newly built machines that come preloaded with Windows 8 won't have a COA (Certificate of Authenticity) sticker attached to the machine. | ||
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See Also: | See Also: | ||
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* [[Windows XP 30 days left for activation]] | * [[Windows XP 30 days left for activation]] | ||
* [[Microsoft Windows Installation Keys]] | * [[Microsoft Windows Installation Keys]] | ||
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| + | Windows key product activation serial genuine advantage installation oem | ||
Latest revision as of 16:39, 16 September 2015
A product key is a code that's used to activate Windows. Activation helps verify that Windows hasn't been used on more PCs than the Microsoft Software License Terms allow. This is a way that Microsoft can ensure they are able to maximize their revenue and force PC owners to pay their license fee for each individual computer.
Since Windows version ( 98 ? ) the product key is typically on a card inside the box that the Windows DVD came in—or in an email that shows that you bought Windows. It looks like this: PRODUCT KEY: XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX. If you bought a PC with Windows preinstalled, they key might be on a sticker directly on the computer case or laptop.
Windows 8 PCs now embed their product keys in the BIOS. Microsoft has required manufacturers accommodate this new anti-piracy tactic of storing the key in encrypted format within the bios. Newly built machines that come preloaded with Windows 8 won't have a COA (Certificate of Authenticity) sticker attached to the machine.
See Also:
- Windows Custom Loader, Installer, and Activation Resource
- Windows Genuine Advantage
- Windows XP 30 days left for activation
- Microsoft Windows Installation Keys
Windows key product activation serial genuine advantage installation oem
