Some time ago I got a laptop where Windows 8.1 was already installed. Now I wanted to reset the laptop to the factory settings. The only question that arises then is: do I have to enter a product key after the reset or can I start again immediately?
(So whether I have to buy a new license? (Product key was not included when I bought the product, I didn't have to enter it because Windows was preinstalled))
Please only answers from those who speak from experience or something.
You would have to read the existing key before the reset, because there's already one, even if you didn't have to enter it at the beginning. If you do a reset anyway, I would install Windows 10 in your place, because the Win 8.1 key also works with it!
What do you mean With you should read the existing key before the reset and how do you do that
Gives up e.g. Chip.de a small program "pkeyuibx", you don't even have to install it. That can do that to you.
Simply google. There are x different ways to do this.
After reading out, write it down on a piece of paper. Or copy it to a document and save it on a USB stick and view it with another device. The main thing is that you have it and can then enter it during installation.
Wassnu: Did you perform a reset or reset the computer.
No matter the answer for Windows 8.1
Whether reset or reset, the answer is: No, you do not need a new license.
After a reset, you generally do not have to enter a new product key.
After a reset: Maybe. You don't need such nonsense and run into problems far too often. A look at the constant questions here is sufficient.
Backups are created for problems.
If you want to restart cleanly you install from (s) an installation disk. In this case you have to re-enter the license key.
Please note: No matter what you do, you will neither speed up, purify, nor fix any errors. That may have been true (!) In Windows 9x times.
With a reset you don't need to read anything at all.
You only have to register again afterwards.
No product key needs to be entered when resetting Win8.1 to factory settings.
Wouldn't you prefer to do a free Win10 upgrade? - It is still possible.
Your files, settings and installed programs are retained.
