Changing the product key that you used to install Windows with might be necessary if you find out that your current product key is... well, illegal, and you've purchased a new copy of Windows to solve the problem.
You can use the Windows Activation Wizard graphical user interface (GUI) or a Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI) script. The Activation Wizard method is easier, but if you must change the product key for multiple computers, the script method is better. Tip: Windows 7 and Windows 8/8.1 can be reinstalled without a product key provided that your existing Windows 7/8/8.1 installation has been activated. Whether you want to replace the generic product key with the original product key or want to change your existing key with another one, changing the product key in Windows 8/8.1 is fairly simple. When I click on the change product key (update&settings--->Activation---Product key) button the windows freezes. I've checked the keys using show key script as given below - Don't know how the installed key was installed.
While it's probably less common these days, many people still use product key generators or other illegal tools to get product keys that work to install Windows only to find out later, when they try to activate Windows, that their original plan isn't going to work out.
You could completely reinstall Windows using your new, valid key code, but changing the product key without reinstalling is considerably easier. You can change the product key manually by making certain registry changes or by using a wizard available in Control Panel.
Windows Serial Key Windows 10
The steps involved in changing your product key differ considerably depending on which Windows operating system you're using. See our article What Version of Windows Do I Have? if you're not sure.
How to Change the Product Key in Windows 10, 8, 7, and Vista
Since some versions of Windows use slightly different names for some menus and windows pay close attention to the differences that are called out in those steps.
Tap or click Close to close this window. You can now also close any other windows you opened in the above steps.
How Can I Change Windows LanguageHow to Change the Windows XP Product Key
A completely different process is required to change the Windows XP product key code because you have to make changes to the Windows Registry. It's important to take great care in making only the changes described below!
Where Can I Change Windows Serial Keys
It's highly recommended that you back up the registry keys you're changing in these steps as an extra precaution.
If you're uncomfortable making registry changes in order to change your Windows XP product key, using the popular free product key finder program called Winkeyfinder is another option. It's an excellent alternative solution to changing the Windows XP product key code manually.
Prefer screenshots? Try our Step by Step Guide to Changing the Windows XP Product Key for an easy walkthrough!
Where Is My Windows Key
The Windows Product Activation window that appears should say 'Windows is already activated. Click OK to exit.'
Click OK and you're done!
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