Windows 10 Update Considerations

docj wrote:
Windows 8 moves to BIOS-based product keys

Gdetrailer wrote:

Docj's post is 100% incorrect.

The program Docj linked does not look into the BIOS for the key, it actually looks into WINDOWS that is installed on the PC.

That program is useful ONLY if your COA with the license key is missing or destroyed to the point you can not read it.

That link also states that the COA is not included with new PCs, that is not true either.. That would be a violation of the manufacturers OEM licensing agreement with MS if they do not include the COA sticker on each PC they load Windows..

Here's an article that explains that Windows 8 pc's do not come with product keys because that information is embedded in the BIOS. I was posting something that I had read in multiple sources. If you disagree with this article please provide your sources.

Windows 8 moves to BIOS-based product keys

To save you time here's the relevant quote:

"One of the improvements Microsoft is making to Activation 3.0 for newly built machines that come preloaded with Windows 8, you won't have a COA (Certificate of Authenticity) sticker attached to the machine anymore. Instead, this will be embedded in the BIOS. This will avoid product keys from being compromised and OEMs will buy what they need."

My Toshiba Satellite purchased last year did not come with a Windows sticker or any other authentication information.

I don't call "Cnet" a "reliable source.

MS may have made "allowances" to "omit" a physical COA on Win8 the KEYS which are the TWENTY FIVE DIGITS ARE NOT INSTALLED IN THE BIOS.

What Cnet is referring to is a SPECIAL SERIAL NUMBER CODE that ONLY OEMS are allowed to use are installed into the BIOS..

The OEMs use a special utility which is provided by MS only after they have agreed to all the requirements MS demands for this program.. The utility takes snap shot of the OS install and the hardware it is installed on and creates a serial number string..

This serial number then must be embedded into the BIOS of all the PCs the OEM builds. This LOCKS the OS to the PC manufacturer brand of hardware.

The OEM then builds their own restore disc which is locked to that serial number string in the BIOS..

I REPEAT, THE 25 digit license code IS NOT EMBEDDED INTO THE BIOS.

As long as you use the provided restore disc you will never need to enter the 25 digit license key OR activate the OS..

ONLY OEM PC builders like Dell, HP and perhaps a few smaller ones can skip the part of having the end user type in the 25 digit license key and the activation. For those it does make sense to allow no physical license to be attached.. OEMs MUST manage their own licensing through MS reseller account, they must also keep track of all the PCs they install the OS on in case MS decides to audit them..

IF you buy a RETAIL or AFTERMARKET OEM disc you WILL GET A COA with a 25 digit license key..

I know this since it is part of my job were I work to know and understand MS licensing for OEM embedded products..