A Windows product key is a 25-character code used to activate Windows. It looks like this: PRODUCT KEY: XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX.

5 Reasons You Should Upgrade to Windows 8

• Faster startup.
• A whole new world of apps.
• SkyDrive integration.
• Better Security, Less-intrusive updates.
• First-class touch input, but still fine with keyboard and mouse.
• For more, see Windows 8 Is Too Big to Fail.

Windows 8, a major release of the Microsoft Windows operating system, was available in four different editions: Windows 8 (Core), Pro, Enterprise, and RT.

Support for Windows 7 ended on January 14, 2020. Support for Windows 8 ended on January 12, 2016, and support for Windows 8.1 has ended on January 10, 2023. Learn more.

A product key is a 25-character code that's used to activate Windows and helps verify that Windows hasn't been used on more PCs than the Microsoft Software License Terms allow.

Hi, Windows 8.1 does not come for free to use, unless you already have Windows 8 installed and Activated with a legit Product Key. You can download it for free, but you use it you have to buy a Product Key. Microsoft no longer sells Windows 8/8.1.

Interface changes

• Start screen: The main screen you'll use is called the Start screen, and it displays all of your apps as tiles.
• Live tiles: Some apps use live tiles, which let you see information without even clicking on the app.
• Hot corners: You'll navigate through Windows 8 by using hot corners.

Windows 8 features a redesigned user interface built upon the Metro design language, with optimizations for touchscreens. Metro-style apps can either run in a full-screen environment, or be snapped to the side of a screen alongside another app or the desktop; snapping requires a screen resolution of 1366×768 or higher.

Popular new features in Windows 8.1

• Your favorite Start button on taskbar.
• Start screen customization.
• Roam your favorite apps on 8.1 devices.
• Boot directly to the desktop.
• Drag App to another display.
• Multi-snap views.
• NFC has been enabled (for printing)
• In-box Support for 3D printing.

Below are some of the most helpful and notable features:

• Start Button: Windows 8 removed the Start button from the Desktop.
• Boot to Desktop: Rather than launching the Start screen when you turn on your device, Windows 8.1 now gives you the option to boot directly to the Desktop, much like older versions of Windows.

As a reminder, Windows 8.1 will reach the end of support on January 10, 2023. After this date, this product will no longer receive security updates, non-security updates, bug fixes, technical support, or online technical content updates. This includes the following editions of Windows 8.1: Enterprise.

As a reminder, Windows 8.1 will reach the end of support on January 10, 2023. After this date, this product will no longer receive security updates, non-security updates, bug fixes, technical support, or online technical content updates.

After you've installed Windows 10 without a key, it won't actually be activated. However, an unactivated version of Windows 10 doesn't have many restrictions. With Windows XP, Microsoft actually used Windows Genuine Advantage (WGA) to disable access to your computer.

Installing Windows without a license is not illegal. However, activating the operating system through other means without an officially purchased product key is illegal. If you plan to use Windows 10 at home but don't want to pay, it may be better to use the system without activation.

In Windows 8, apps installed from Store or modern apps always open in full screen. Unlike traditional desktop programs, they can't be resized. While in Windows 10, all the apps including programs installed from Store can be resized. And you can run as many as you like at the same time.

What are the main differences between Windows 8 and Windows 10?