Windows 8.1 Pro downgrading to core and product activation?

Lapiz · Jan 19, 2014

Hello,
Few days ago my laptop had to be formatted and therefore the windows was re installed. I didn't do it my self so i have windows 8.1 Pro instead of Core and want to downgrade since i don't have a product key for Pro version. Is there any other way to downgrade other than clean install? and if I downgrade to windows 8.1 Core will it be activated or do i have to do it manually? I heard windows 8 activation key is tied to motherboard.

USAFRet · Jan 19, 2014

1. Windows 8 is NOT tied to any particular motherboard. That was a concept with Win7 and earlier.

2. Windows 8 Core? I have never heard of such a designation. Windows 8, Windows 8 Pro, Windows 8 Enterprise, Windows 8 Embedded.
No "Core"

3. There is no automagic downgrade from Win 8 Pro to Win 8, other than a reinstall.

Lapiz · Jan 19, 2014

By core i mean Windows 8 and if it is not tied to motherboard does that mean I still have to buy windows 8.1 activation key?

USAFRet · Jan 19, 2014

Lapiz :

If you have a valid key and install media for Windows 8, install that. Upgrading to Windows 8.1 is free.

Lapiz · Jan 19, 2014

My windows 8 was pre installed on the laptop so I don't have a key or any install media.

USAFRet · Jan 19, 2014

Lapiz :

OK, so it was originally Win8, and then it got upgraded to 8.1 Pro? Whoever did that should give you the 8.1 Pro key.

AS far as installation media, I've been looking for a solution to that, and have not really found anything concrete yet.

Lapiz · Jan 19, 2014

It was originally windows 8. Then I upgraded to 8.1. After that it was formatted and windows 8.1 Pro installed.

USAFRet · Jan 19, 2014

Lapiz :

Whoever did the Pro install/upgrade should give you the Pro key.

Lapiz · Jan 19, 2014

So, that means there is no way to get the windows 8 key my laptop came with?

USAFRet · Jan 19, 2014

Lapiz :

Unknown.
Is it printed on the bottom? Or possibly contact the manufacturer.

Lapiz · Jan 19, 2014

It is not printed on the bottom because windows 8 has new OEM 3.0 or something like that.

USAFRet · Jan 19, 2014

Lapiz :

Right. Preinstalled Win8 often has the key embedded in the BIOS or registry.
This has been on my radar for a while, and I've not yet found an actual solution for 1. Finding the key, and 2. Creating the actual installation media.

Still looking...

Lapiz · Jan 19, 2014

I tried to create bootable USB drive for windows 8 but I needed to get the windows 8 ISO file and to get that i needed to know my product key which i didn't know how to find.

USAFRet · Jan 19, 2014

Lapiz :

Right. Unlike Win7, MS has not made it easy to get a Win8/8.1 ISO for use with an existing activation key. Or even to find the key on a preinstalled system.

Lapiz · Jan 19, 2014

I found programs which can give windows 8 product key on the machine. One of them is Bolarc Advisor which gives the key under "Software Licenses" sub heading. I am unsure if the key it gives me is the original key that came with windows 8 or the key that is on the windows 8.1 Pro right now which is going to expire.

USAFRet · Jan 19, 2014

Lapiz :

That would almost certainly be whatever version is currently installed. I've used Belarc Advisor many times.

Lapiz · Jan 19, 2014

Then that means i will still have to buy the windows 8.1 anyway even if i downgrade to 8?

USAFRet · Jan 19, 2014

Lapiz :

Not necessarily. You might be able to get (purchase) the restore disk set from whoever made the laptop. Some small sum.
Which will be regular Win 8. Then the upgrade to 8.1 is free.

Lapiz · Jan 19, 2014

Do you know if HP provides those restore disks? if not what if i provide my manufacturer a product number will they be able to do anything about it?

USAFRet · Jan 19, 2014

Lapiz :

I don't know specifically. You'd have to contact them and see.

Lapiz · Jan 19, 2014

I found out that it's only available for people in the US or Canada. Is there any other way other than recovery disk.

Tobias Neumann · Feb 17, 2014

Hi,

First: You can use any Win8.0/Win8.0 Pro Installation media as it's the same for both versions. Win8 Enterprise won't work!
The setup reads the product key from your UEFI/BIOS and selects the correct version for you automatically.
Afterwards you can install the Win8.1 update via store and your product key will continue working.

Second:
If you want to install Win8.1 directly - that is possible too! But you have to know if the product key in your UEFI/BIOS if for Win8 or Win8Pro. Use any Win8.1/Win8.1 Pro Installation media and use a generic product key - use the key according to your version. After installing Windows you can read the product-key from your UEFI/BIOS MSDM table with tools like Windows Product Key Viewer (pkeyui.exe) and use it for the activation.

hope this helps..

ayyappa95 · Jul 27, 2014

Lapiz :

download the Microsoft toolkit and select product keys tab under windows and click check and it shows your installed windows keys

Windows 8.1 Pro downgrading to core and product activation?

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