How to activate Windows 8.1 if you used an ISO to clean install

[bloowhalez]

So I downloaded an 8.1 ISO and did a fresh install on my SSD, it never asked for a serial (which is embedded in BIOS).

8.1 installed fine, all drivers work great, but it still needs to be activated.

I thought crap, I don't have the key, I'm SOL.

WRONG!

just recover your key from the BIOS and copypasta when it says "Activate Windows". I just put my serial into the box asking for it and boom it worked!

I thought it would be way more complicated.

[Arkatakor]

Nehmia wrote:
You need to download the Windows 8.1 Single Language ISO not the retail ISO

Thanks for this. However, after doing some research on it I realize that there is no way I can get the Windows 8.1 Single Language RTM ISO officially. To state that i'm disappointed microsoft has not released an official ISO for OEM users would be a gross understatement.

[Nehmia]

Arkatakor wrote:
Thanks for this. However, after doing some research on it I realize that there is no way I can get the Windows 8.1 Single Language RTM ISO officially. To state that i'm disappointed microsoft has not released an official ISO for OEM users would be a gross understatement.

wrong again, I have the Microsoft Windows 8.1 ISO Single Language which I got through MSDN

[Arkatakor]

Nehmia wrote:
wrong again, I have the Microsoft Windows 8.1 ISO Single Language which I got through MSDN

Care to point out exactly where I can acquire it? I only found this link but am not sure which version I should be getting.

[erix_jansen]

you realize that only very few are MSDN suscribers? Thansk for the tips but a link to a list of legit iso's would be perfect! 🙂

[gazzacbr]

I never managed to find a windows 8.1 single language version but got a windows 8.
I clean installed (it automatically picks up the key from bios to activate), added Asus drivers ONLY (no utilities like power managers) and then upgraded to 8.1. there is only 1 key update, KB 2871389, you need to force the Micro$oft store to allow you to select the upgrade. Do not update any drivers from Micro$oft.
after that i turn off ALL updates.
i have had no problems with any Nvidia drivers and no crashes.
it works for me.

[erix_jansen]

thank you gazza, funny i have to read in a forum that the windows key of the ROG notebook with Windows, is inside UEFI. I like the idea, but I don't think this fact is well publized.

your idea of turning updates off, is weird, unless you mean, only prior to updating to 8.1

I have updated about 8 legit computers this week to 8.1 Update and it takes some days and nights 😉

[gazzacbr]

@erix_jansen@hotmail.com: not really weird.
as i said, clean install, update without drivers, turn off ALL updates. permanently.
that is the first thing i do after a clean install.
have you looked at the micro$oft updates: security fix, security fix, security fix, security fix, security fix, security fix, etc.
what does that say about the OS security?
i dont use the built firewall beacuse its pants (i use comodo) and defender is disabled because its pants (i only run malwarebytes as necessary)
i cannot remember the last time i had a virus (years ago). there only seem to be trojans now in some of the 'er, hmm' trial ware...

i also have no problems with windows 8, 8.1 and 7 on my laptop.

that means i dont need any micro$oft updates.
how much time do you think i have saved over the many years by not updating?
not really weird...

[access9]

erix_jansen@hotmail.com wrote:
thank you gazza, funny i have to read in a forum that the windows key of the ROG notebook with Windows, is inside UEFI. I like the idea, but I don't think this fact is well publized.

your idea of turning updates off, is weird, unless you mean, only prior to updating to 8.1

I have updated about 8 legit computers this week to 8.1 Update and it takes some days and nights 😉

I work in IS and can tell you that, from experience, the viruses and rootkits available nowadays run in such a way that you will never know you were infected until you find out someone stole your identity. Drive-by downloaded infections are a huge problem. You don't need to visit a "questionable" site. Many popular sites have become targets and without appropriate protection you will get compromised. Better be safe than sorry.

Anyway, thanks to the OP for the instructions on how to recover our product key.

[DeltaActual]

I've managed to find
Windows 8.1 Core Single Language with Update
Core? Is it it?

P.S. n/m, got it.

[erix_jansen]

ok i understand, but consider that thousands come hear to read and maybe....