📎 AI Summary:
The thread discusses a user’s difficulty in finding the Windows 8.1 product key for creating installation media, as their existing key is for Windows 8 and does not work for Windows 8.1. The user attempts various methods, including Belarc Advisor and system commands, to identify the correct key, but encounters confusion because their system reports different Windows versions. Several contributors suggest possible solutions and share relevant links, but the user remains uncertain about how to retrieve their Windows 8.1 product key after a free upgrade. The overall tone indicates a technical challenge with key retrieval following an upgrade.

Michael Cullis

Honorable Member
Joined
Nov 26, 2013
Messages
12
Thread Author #1
I am trying to create an installation USB however the downloader doesn't recognize my product key. I have just noticed that my product key is for my Windows 8 and some time ago I upgraded to Windows 8.1. I have no idea what my Windows 8.1 product key is as I downloaded the upgrade from the web. How can I find out what it is?
 

Michael Cullis

Honorable Member
Joined
Nov 26, 2013
Messages
12
Thread Author #3
Further to the above, I ran Belarc Advisor which informed me that I have Windows 8 Pro. It also showed the product key (which was on my Windows 8 box). I ran winserv and learned that I have Windows Version 6.3 (build 9600). It told me that "The Windows 8.1 Pro operating system and its user interface...etc." which I take to mean that I have Windows 8.1. I still do not know how to find the Windows 8.1 key, only the one for Windows 8 Pro.
 

Michael Cullis

Honorable Member
Joined
Nov 26, 2013
Messages
12
Thread Author #6
Thanks again, Gavin. However, as I wrote previously, Belarc Adviror tells me that I have Windows 8 and gives me my Windows 8 product key. Running winver, on the other hand, tells me I have Windows 8.1 (Windows version 6.3 Build 9600). My Windows 8 product key won't let me create installation media (i.e. a USB) for Windows 8.1 but I have no idea how to determine my Windows 8.1 product key. I seem to remember that I upgraded to 8.1 over the internet at no cost.