How To Activate Windows 8 after an Installation Or Hardware Upgrade

To have access to every feature in Windows 8, you need an online activation with Microsoft. If you’re installing Windows yourself or upgrading your PC’s hardware, you have to re-activate Windows.

Don't forget to check out our site howtech.tv/ for more free how-to videos!
youtube.com/ithowtovids - our feed
facebook.com/howtechtv - join us on facebook
plus.google.com/103440382717658277879 - our group in Google+

Step # 1 - Go to PC settings

You can activate Windows from the “PC settings” app.To do so press “Windows Key” + “C” or swipe in from the right to open the charms bar, choose “Settings”, and click on “Change PC settings”.

Step # 2 - Press the Activate button

You’ll see an “Activate Windows” option if Windows isn’t yet activated. Use it to try to automatically activate your Windows installation with Microsoft over the Internet. If an error is preventing Windows from activating, you can see the details in “Error details”.

Step # 3 - Call Microsoft

If you can’t activate Windows online, you can try calling Microsoft to activate it by phone. They’ll provide you with a code you can enter on your PC to re-activate Windows.
If you don’t see the “Activate by Phone “option, press “Windows Key” + “R” to open the Run dialog. Type “Slui 4 “into the Run dialog and press “Enter”.

Choose your country and Microsoft will provide you with a local phone number and an installation ID.

Step # 4 - Change your product key

In some cases you many need to change your installed product key. To do so, go to “PC and devices” and click on the “PC info” option. You’ll see the “Change product key” option. Click on it.

Keep in mind that this button may not always appear. Press Windows Key + R to open the Run dialog, type “Slui 3” into the Run dialog, and press “Enter”. You’ll see a window where you can enter the product key.

And that’s it!

Result: Congratulations! You’ve just learned How To Activate Windows 8 after an Installation or Hardware Upgrade.