The eighth version of Windows refers to the type of software products that need to be activated for normal operation or to use all the features. How to activate Windows 8, read on. Here are a few basic methods that will allow you to use the system to the fullest with or without entering a key.
Why do you need to activate Windows 8?
If anyone does not know, the operating system itself of this modification normally works only for 30 days from the date of installation on a computer or laptop. After that, serious problems can begin.
A message constantly “hangs” on the screen stating that the system is not activated, and some functions are simply blocked. So, for example, it is completely impossible to change the theme, change the wallpaper (a black background appears instead of them indicating that there is no activation), programs spontaneously minimize to tray, and instead of them a window pops up asking you to enter the Windows 8 activation key, finally, the system starts reboot every few hours for no apparent reason. Agree, this causes discomfort and, to put it mildly, irritation. But even in this situation, there is a way out.
Windows 8 activation key
The very first and correct legal solution is to use the key that comes with the purchase or download of the installation distribution kit of the system from the official Microsoft resource.
Windows 8 activation can be done at the installation stage by entering a 25-digit combination in a special field. If this procedure was postponed, there is also nothing to worry about.
The problem of how to activate Windows 8 already at the stage of using the installed system is completely elementary solved by calling the properties of the computer, where you need to click on the hyperlink for the details of the information about the procedure, select the Windows activation section and proceed to change the key. Next, enter the product code indicated on the box (disk) or received electronically to the registered e-mail address.
After that, in choosing the activation method (key verification), if you have an Internet connection, it is better to choose it. In this case, the system itself will send the data to Microsoft and verify the authenticity of the code. If there is no Internet, you can contact a corporate representative by phone and simply dictate the key that is available.
How to delay activation?
You can do otherwise, constantly extending the trial period of using the system. This approach cannot be called a full-fledged activation, but in some cases, knowledge of this technique may come in handy.
To delay, you will need to run the command console with admin rights (cmd in the Run menu), and then write the line cscript %windir%\system32\slmgr.vbs -rearm or the combination shown in the image below.
After executing the command, the system must be rebooted without fail, after which the countdown of the new 30 days of trial use will begin. If you want to know how much time is left before the expiration date, run cscript %windir%\system32\slmgr.vbs -dlv in the same Shell (but note that this option only works for four months without problems).
Disable Activation Suggestion in the Registry
Now a few words about how to activate Windows 8 through the registry. Again, by and large, this is also not an activation, but simply a disabling of the corresponding requirement.
How to activate "Windows 8" in this case? First you need to call the system registry editor with the regedit command in the Run console (Win + R). It goes without saying that you need to run the execution on behalf of the system administrator. The editor uses the HKLM branch, in which, through the SOFTWARE section, you need to go down the directory tree and find the Activation folder in the SoftwareProtectionPlatform directory. On the right side there is a DWORD parameter named Manual, which must be assigned a value of 1 by calling the menu for changing parameters, either by double-clicking or from the right-click context menu. After saving the changes, the system is completely restarted, and the message will no longer appear.
In some cases, this technique does not work, and again the question of how to activate Windows 8 is relevant. You may have to find the NotificationDisabled parameter in the same section and assign a value of one to it, after which you should completely reboot the system.
Using a KMS Activator
There is another alternative method that allows you to solve the problem of how to activate Windows 8 without a key. In this case, we are talking about the universal activator KMSAuto Net (aka KMS Activator).
To use it, you need to fulfill several prerequisites in the form of installing the .NET Framework version of at least 4.5 and downloading the program from a reliable source, otherwise you can get a set of viruses instead of the activator. When loading and starting the applet, it is advisable to completely disable protection (standard antivirus and Windows Defender).
How to activate Windows 8 using this utility? There is nothing easier. We launch the application on behalf of the admin, on the main page we press the activation button, after which we select system activation (if you are offered to install a special GVLK key, you must agree with it). The offer of permanent reactivation should also be accepted (this will save you from constantly starting the program in manual mode after the license expires). After confirmation, the necessary actions will be performed, and a notification will appear in the window below that the system has been successfully activated. As in all previous cases, we overload the system and work as if nothing had happened.
What to prefer?
From the foregoing, it becomes clear that all methods are quite simple, except perhaps for actions with the system registry. However, if you approach the issue of system activation from a practical point of view, the easiest way is to use the KMS utility, although this is in some ways illegal. If you carry out such actions in a legal way, you can’t do without a key (product code). And the questions of delaying or disabling messages with code entry requirements seem irrelevant, although knowledge of such techniques obviously does not hurt.
Since its introduction, Windows 8 has become very popular among PC users. It is qualitatively different in interface and functions from all previous versions of Windows. However, Windows 8 needs to be activated because:
1. The trial period is only 90 days.
2. The desktop background will change to black, and the message "The operating system is not genuine" will hang at the bottom.
3. The operating system will shut down every hour.
How to activate Windows 8 so as not to encounter such problems? There are several ways to resolve this issue.
KMS activation
For this type of activation you need:
1. command line.
2. In the Professional VL version, the key must be replaced with: slmgr.vbs /ipk ***. In the Enterprise version, the key does not change
3. Further input:
A) slmgr. vbs/skms and address of KMS servers;
B) slmgr.vbs/ato.
4. There are the following KMS servers:
A) theliel. dnsd. info:62000;
B) happy hours. dnsd. info:62000;
C) 95.20.155.241:62000;
D) 147.134.1.42:1688;
E) theliel2. dnsd. info:62000.
5. Servers may not always be operational and not available to everyone. However, this instruction on how to activate Windows 8: Professional is the most effective.
6. To check activation, enter:
A) slmgr. vbs/dli;
B) slmgr.vbs/dlv.
7. To check the activation expiration date, enter: slmgr.vbs/xpr;
8. To unbind the OS from the KMS server, enter: slmgr. vbs/ckms. At the same time, it is important to avoid problems with the activator by closing unnecessary programs and disabling the antivirus and firewall.
9. After activation, you will need to restart your computer so that all changes can take effect. That is why you should take care of the safety of all previously opened files. During the activation process, you must remain connected to the Internet, as the operating system activates through the KMS server, which is currently available. If it was not possible to activate the Windows 8 license, then you need to check all the above steps and find the mistake made.
The process of activating Windows 8 using a phone
The question of how to activate Windows 8 using a phone also sounds quite often. To do this, follow these steps:
1. Run the command line.
2. Entering the slui command 4. Then the "Activation Wizard" will start.
3. Select the required country and dial the specified phone number. However, if a live person picked up the phone and answered, you need to terminate the connection. For this reason, the best option would be to call at night. If the voice of the robot was heard with a question about choosing a corporate or individual activation method, press the number 2 on the phone keypad - corporate activation will be selected.
4. A special 63-digit code will be generated in the Activation Wizard program window, which must be entered into the phone.
5. After asking about the number of activation copies needed, you need to press the number 1 on the phone keypad, that is, confirm one copy.
6. Listen and enter the code dictated by the robot into the computer, then restart the PC. After that, you will receive an activated "Windows 8" on your PC.
How to make sure everything worked out?
You can verify that the OS activation was successful by running the slmgr command. vbs/xpr. In the event that the internal components of the PC have not changed, then with subsequent rearrangements of Windows 8, you can use the previously obtained code. There is no need to call anymore. If an “activation rally” has occurred, for example, due to installing a driver or connecting devices, then you need to carry out the whole procedure again. It is impossible to download a ready-made activated Windows from the Internet, and therefore you will have to do everything manually on a personal computer.
Another easy way
The easiest way to activate Windows 8.1 is to perform this task using your phone using the Volume: Multiple Activation Key MAK key. Multi-User Activation Keys are a flexible enough solution that can enable Windows PCs to be activated in the simplest and most secure way using the Internet or telephone. Multiple activation keys can activate any of the corporate versions of Windows.
After activation has already been carried out using a multi-user key, it will not be necessary to perform activation again. The MAC key is entered into the system either manually or using a specific script after installing a new operating system. After completing the installation of the key, the personal computer will connect to the Internet and activate itself, if necessary, by doing this via the phone. The status of the activated system will remain permanently, except in cases where a significant change in the configuration of the personal computer hardware is possible (for example, changing the motherboard). Thus, the activated "Windows 8" will be saved on your PC.
What is a MAC key?
In fact, the MAC-key has almost no difference from the ordinary Retail key, which is purchased in the store. The only difference is that the store keys have a separate sticker for each of the copies of Windows, while the MAC key activates several personal computers at the same time. Such a key is convenient for large organizations where a lot of computers are installed and maintained. At the same time, they are all activated with one key.
Why internet connection is important
In any case, when following the instructions on how to activate Windows 8, the OS will try to detect the Internet. If there is a connection, activation is possible through it. When using a modem without using the Internet at the moment, it is possible to activate the OS through this modem. If it is impossible to activate the OS via the Internet, this procedure can be performed using the automatic telephone system (it is indicated above that you can activate Windows 8 by phone).
Product Activation Centers exist in large numbers all over the world. The telephone number required for this depends on the product and the location of the PC being activated. In order to find the correct number of the Activation Center suitable for the location of the PC, you need to run the Activation Wizard, select activation using your phone and follow the instructions.
How to activate updates
Back in October 2013, the latest update for Windows 8 was released. And, as always, Microsoft gave TechNet and MSDN subscribers the opportunity to download the original images of the latest version of the system. Therefore, you can get them even before the release.
In addition, it is worth noting that Microsoft has long prepared several batches of product keys (they are also called Retail). For hardware developers and system sales companies, the keys have long been in active use. It is a well-known fact that the keys get into the network very quickly, and if an ordinary user wants to download and install the system, then he should get them too. However, you should not hope that after the update the licensed program will serve faithfully for several years. It will “fly off” for sure, and to prevent this from happening, it will need to be activated again. The same applies to a “clean” installation, so the question of how to activate Windows 8 will remain relevant.
How to install updates
To install the program, you need to download it, of course. This is done with the help of Rutracker (a special resource from which you can download almost anything). Windows 8 is downloaded from it, after which Set Up is launched and the update takes place while saving all the programs and files on the computer. The second option is a complete reinstallation of the system. However, it is important to use keys that are suitable for a particular version (Professional is recommended).
What is the key
It might look something like this: XHQ8N-C3MCJ-RQXB6-WCHYG-C9WKB.
First of all, the program must be activated. If this is not done, then it can only be used 90 days a year. At the same time, warnings about activation will constantly appear on the screen.
But not everything is as simple as it seems at first glance. As mentioned just above, each specific system requires its own specific keys, and they will need to be found somewhere. After all, it depends on them whether it will be possible to activate the new Windows in the near future or not.
How to use the key?
When you can more or less deal with the keys, you should proceed to the next step. All in the same command line, you need to type the following: Slui 4.
Then press the Enter key and in the dialog box that appears, select the country in which the person is located. Next, you need to call the free phone number and follow the instructions of the answering machine. You will need to select activation for and enter on the phone keypad the numbers that you see on the computer screen. If the key fits, then the question will follow: “Is the license put on one computer or several?”. It is worth choosing the option that is relevant, for example, one. Next comes the activation code. Of course, it will need to be recorded somewhere. Next - enter, and everything, in general, is ready. Windows is now installed, and it is an official licensed program without any flaws and minor errors. To make sure of everything, it is worth typing slmgr.vbs -dli on the command line.
Using an activator
If it was not possible to activate the system in the manner described above, then there is an option to download a special activator and do a few simple manipulations:
- Run a command prompt as a system administrator (Start>>>Command Prompt).
- There, enter the phrase: spp-restore.
- Press the Enter button.
- Reboot device.
If the activator is not downloaded, this must first be done. Just before starting, it is important to completely disable the antivirus! When the activator is launched, a large button labeled "Activation" will appear on the panel. You will need to click on it. Then the process will go, as they say, independently.
According to the developers, such an activator is suitable for absolutely all released versions of Windows 8 and their updates from Microsoft. This method is a solution to the problem of how to activate Windows 8: Enterprise and other varieties.
Hello, dear visitors of the site, today I will tell you how legally (well, almost) and FREE activate Windows. Well, you ask - why is this? There are also activators. Well, I will answer - they change system files, that is, you just have a copy visually activated, but it is not one (the same if you download the dragonclaw hook's texture). Windows Activation goes very easily, now you will see for yourself:
First you need to press the combination Win+R and enter there cmd, press Enter and you will see the command prompt. We enter there slmgr /ipk YOUR_KEY
Keys:
Windows 7 Ultimate
Windows 8.1 Pro/Enterprise Volume
Windows 8 Pro/Enterprise Volume
Who has few keys and does not fit - google. (they are not hard to find if that)
After entering the key, press Enter and within 20 seconds you will be notified whether the key is suitable. If not - take another, if yes - enter into the command line slui 4
We select your country, we see the numbers. We call a toll-free number. (NOTE: CALL ONLY AFTER 20:00 IF YOU DO NOT WANT TO TALK TO A LIVE OPERATOR!!!) Then follow the instructions of the bot and proceed to the key activation wizard. The bot will ask us for 10 blocks of numbers, enter them in the phone and if the key is working, you will be told that your key has been generated, enter it in the field to activate Windows. (Do not forget to turn off the Internet, otherwise the hell knows what might come of it ...), it is better to write down the text on a piece of paper, the bot dictates very quickly. Well, after entering the activation key, you will be notified of successful activation. Voila - without any activators and other nonsense, you were able to activate your Windows.
And a video, along with a phone call:
After installing the operating system, you need to activate it. This procedure is needed both for the licensed version of the product and for the pirated one. If you do not activate the OS on time, then some inconvenience awaits you, and subsequently a complete shutdown of the PC before reinstalling. In this article, you will learn how to activate Windows 8 with a key and without a license.
After installing the original image or any other build of the operating system, the user is given a trial period of 30 days. During the term, you can use the full-fledged OS and all the functionality. This time is given in order to activate the OS with a key or a special program. If this is not done, then:
- An inscription about the need to activate will appear on the desktop. It will be possible to remove it only after entering the key from Win 8;
- you will not be able to change the visual design of the operating system (wallpaper, themes, screensavers);
- the possibilities in setting parameters in the "Control Panel" are limited;
- it is impossible to enable automatic updating;
- your computer or laptop will restart on its own every 12 hours;
- The OS will stop loading after several days of warnings.
Now you understand how important it is to have Windows 8 activated. Let's consider all the ways.
When you do not need to activate the OS yourself
If you purchased a laptop with a pre-installed operating system, then when restoring to factory settings, you will not have to re-enter the key. If you are completely reinstalling Windows, then be sure to download the distribution kit of exactly the version that was originally installed. In this case, activation will occur automatically. This is due to the fact that the manufacturer "sews" the license data into the BIOS of the processor.
Official activation
The first time you can enter an activation code is the installation of Windows 8. In the installation menu, you will need to provide a 25-digit product key. If we are talking about a laptop with a preinstalled OS, as in the previous case, then this item can be skipped.
If you have not activated Windows 8 at this stage, then you can do this after installation. To do this, you must have the original OS of any assembly installed: Preview Build 9200, 9600, etc.
First you need to open "Computer Properties":
- Open File Explorer using the icon on the taskbar.
- Right-click on "This PC" and go to "Properties".
- In the column "Windows Activation" there should be a corresponding inscription. Click on the button marked in the screenshot. Next, click on "Activate".
- Now enter the 25 digit code. After entering, an automatic check will begin.
- If the code fits, then in the properties window you will see the following inscription:
Key entry by phone
You can carry out the activation procedure using a mobile phone. First you need to perform some actions on the command line:
- Right-click on the Start icon and select Command Prompt (Admin).
- First enter the command:
Where X are license key characters). Then press Enter .
- Now open "Computer Properties" again according to the above instructions. At the bottom, click on the "Learn more about activating Windows" button.
- In the window that opens, select the marked button.
- Select a country and click "Next".
- Next, dial the Microsoft phone number indicated in the window (1). The call is free. The answering machine will ask you to specify the type of license ("1" - individual, "2" - corporate). After that, you will be asked to enter the numbers displayed in block "2" on your mobile phone. If the verification was successful, click on "1", confirming the use of this copy on one computer. Then the answering machine will dictate 6 blocks with numbers that must be entered correctly in the field numbered "3". To complete the procedure, click on the "Activate" button.
The described methods of activating the operating system are considered official. They are suitable for Home, Professional or Enterprise version of Windows 8 (32/64 bit). Below you can find out how to activate a copy of the OS without a license key.
Trial extension
The Windows 8 operating system provides the user with a 30-day trial period. You can update it as needed. Thus, you get a full-fledged OS, but it becomes necessary to regularly perform the following operation:
- Right-click on the "Start" icon and select "Command Prompt (Admin)".
- At the command line, enter:
And press the Enter key to run.
- After that, restart your computer. Launch Command Prompt again with administrator privileges and type:
On the screen, you will see the number of days until the end of the trial period. If your activation has failed, no one bothers you to carry out this procedure again. This method is suitable for professional and home versions of the OS with a bit depth of 32/64 bits.
Using an Activator
The most common activation option is to use a special utility. Windows 8 and 10 use KMS servers to validate the license key. The utility allows you to "cheat" the system and emulate the server on your computer, and then delete it. One such program is KMS Auto. It can be downloaded from the developers website http://kms-activator.net.
This application is a comprehensive tool for activating software from Microsoft. With it, you can restore the system to working capacity even after the end of the trial period. Before using KMS Activator, it is recommended to disable your antivirus and Windows Defender. Due to a software conflict, you run the risk of seeing an error with the code 0x8007007b or another on the screen. Therefore, disable real-time protection in advance and download the activator. Then run the program and do the following:
- On the main screen, click the "Activation" button.
If it was not possible to activate the OS in automatic mode, then try to do it manually:
- Open the System tab. Press button "1" then "2". You can also choose the activation method if "Auto" does not work.
- After that, restart your computer. With KMS Auto, you can also get the full version of the Microsoft Office suite.
Another program with similar functionality is Microsoft Toolkit (download link - http://microsofttoolkit.co/). After starting, click on the Windows icon in the corner of the window:
Then go to the "Activation" tab and click on the "Activate" button:
Both utilities do not require installation - you can copy one of them to a USB flash drive in advance and immediately use the functionality after installing Windows 8.
KMS Auto and Microsoft Toolkit are universal: they support all builds of "seven", "eight" and "tens" for 32 and 64 bits.
Conclusion
If you are using a licensed copy of the software, then you will not need third-party programs: enter the key during installation, use a phone call, or simply enter the code in the OS interface.
Pirated builds are a little more complicated. You will need to disable the standard antivirus and download one of the described utilities. Otherwise, the procedure takes no more than a minute and a minimum of actions on the part of the user.
Video
Be sure to check out the video provided. With it, you can step by step understand all the actions from the instructions and see their implementation for a good example.
G8 users can. Users of other versions of Windows must purchase a license to use 8.1.
During development, it was said that users could use a Windows 8.0 key to install 8.1.
Now, after the official release of the RTM version, this rule no longer works.
If you enter a genuine Windows 8 license key during the 8.1 installation, you will receive an error message.
I think this is done so that the bulk of users switch from version 8 to 8.1 by upgrading, and not performing a clean installation.
The update method through the store, I think is not the most convenient way. There are workarounds to this particular problem though.
The best and legal thing in my opinion is installing Windows 8.1 using a shared product key and then activating with a genuine Windows 8.0 key.
Some of you may be asking what is a Generic Product Key? It can be thought of as a dummy key that can be used to install an operating system, but it cannot be used to activate an OS.
These pre-shared keys are legally distributed and you can find them on the Microsoft website - technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/jj612867.aspx. Or use the ones below:
- Windows 8.1 Core: 334NH-RXG76-64THK-C7CKG-D3VPT
- Windows 8.1 Core Single Language: Y9NXP-XT8MV-PT9TG-97CT3-9D6TC
- Windows 8.1 Pro: XHQ8N-C3MCJ-RQXB6-WCHYG-C9WKB
- Windows 8.1 Enterprise: HMCNV-VVBFX-7HMBH-CTY9B-B4FXY
To install Windows 8.1, use the iso image, which can be downloaded, for example, from the official Microsoft page.
Instructions on how to do this.
You can now enter this pre-shared key into the Windows 8.1 Setup Wizard window and it will continue without any problems.
After installing version 8.1, you activate it using your own genuine Windows 8.0 key. Open the System Properties window
and click on the "Windows Activation" button in the lower right corner. Although this product key did not work during installation, it will work during activation.