Confirm that you want to allow the app to make changes if necessary. Step 2: Enter the right command to view your product code. Enter this exact, case-sensitive code to proceed — copying and The underlying mechanics of Windows 8 are essentially the same as Windows 7 if you ignore the Metro User Interface. Think of metro as “lipstick on a pig”. The pig is not changed by adding a little paint on the surface. Normally you have several resources to find your Retail Product Key. o Your original package or purchase confirmation e-mail Amazon and Microsoft are the only two authorized online resellers of Windows 10. If you purchased the digital version of Windows 10 from the Microsoft Store, then a copy of your Windows product key will be stored in your Microsoft account. Furthermore, Microsoft will also send you a confirmation email with your Windows 10 product key. The 8.1 update from the store didn't give you a key, it's really just a service pack for Windows 8. The only supported method in your circumstance is to install 8 clean (you can do that using your Windows 8 Pro CD), then update to 8.1 from the store. To do a clean install using your upgrade cd, use these steps: Now, I only have Linux on the machine, but I'm trying to recover the Windows 10 Product key which came with the computer so I can add a Windows partition back onto it and activate it. I read here that you can recover the product key from within a Windows Command Prompt: The free upgrade does not have a product key, here are two product keys you can try: Press Windows key + X. Click Command Prompt (admin) Enter the following command: wmic path SoftwareLicensingService get OA3xOriginalProductKey. Hit Enter, this command will retreive your product key To download your software: Sign in with your Microsoft account. In the side menu, click Downloads, product Keys, and subscriptions. Find your software purchase, then click Download. If a dialog box pops up, click Run to start the installation. With Windows 8/8.1 The Product Key on preinstalled Operating Systems (HP, Acer, etc) is embedded in Product Key Scanner. (Credit: Lance Whitney) NirSoft’s free Product Key Scanner will scan your installed versions of Windows, Office, and other programs via the BIOS, the Registry, or a Registry NRSjYN.