A unique 25-character code governs your Window system. Your product key is worth a hundred dollars which is used to activate your copy of Windows. A valid license key is required to ensure that the Windows activation is done on a single computer and no one else is using its copy. A genuine copy of Windows 8.1 is of no use if the user doesn’t activate it using a valid Windows 8.1 pro product key. You may have found it frustrating if your product key and operating system didn’t play a ball. Fret not! This guide will explain everything you need to know about Windows activation and product keys.
Some basic terms related to product keys
Below we enlist some important terms that will help you better understand everything about license keys and Windows activation:
Product key or activation key:
this is a unique 25 character code that is required to activate a copy of Windows unless the user cannot use the full set of features of the operating system.
Retail license:
it refers to the license you acquire when purchasing a copy of Windows 8.1 from your local store or an online retailer. Users with Windows 8.1 retail product key can transfer the license key to another computer as long as they deactivate the old device.
OEM License:
this is the type of license that comes with the device you buy. The manufacturer installs an OEM license on new devices. In this case, the product key isn’t transferable, and it will not be used to activate another installation. However, you can reactivate the installation on the same computer anytime with the same license key.
Volume License:
the type of license is designed for large enterprises, educational institutions, and government agencies. Still, you can use this multiple times on different computers but with the same ownership. However, users cannot transfer it with the device out of the owner if that isn’t the part of the organization.
Why is it wiser to keep sticking with Windows 8.1?
Many of you still want to stick with Windows 7 or 8 even after Microsoft announces no upgrade support on these two versions. There are plenty of reasons why you may want to stick with Windows 7 or Windows 8 without upgrading to Windows 10:
Many new features will not work on machines with Windows 7 or Windows 8
There are many new features in the Windows 10 update that would never run on your old machine. These features require special screen size, memory, or other functionalities to work properly. If you want to benefit from new features, you need a fancy computer.
Privacy concerns are getting worse than better
Privacy is a major concern for all Windows customers. Microsoft has given a long list of web pages about its policies and procedures. However, they haven’t published a simple list of the policy stating the use of data they collect from the customers. This is the major concern users of Windows 10 are facing.
People with Windows 10 are still facing issues using OneDrive
The new Windows version of OneDrive has a lot of limitations. For instance, drag and drop won’t work unless you sign in and the app doesn’t prompt you to sign in while you drop in. these are minor issues users face as the list is very long.
Ads everywhere
You hardly get to see any ads on Windows 7 or Windows 8, but with Windows 10, you could be poked by advertisements all day. You may get ads on the lock screen, odd toaster notifications, and many more. However, you can easily disable the settings option to avoid unnecessary ads.
It will be interesting to see whether you will go for Windows 10 upgrade or activate your older Windows with a genuine Windows 8.1 pro product key. If you didn’t find the OEM key, buy reliable and genuine product keys from an accredited and trusted online store.
