How to Change the Product Key in Windows 8

Windows 8 activation got you down? Trying to activate the wrong key or the wrong kind of key? Use the Software License Management Tool and these easy steps to get your install activated.

From the Windows 8 Start menu, right click on the background, click All apps, right click on Command Prompt, and select Run as administrator.

If you get a UAC prompt, click Yes.

At the Command Prompt type slmgr.vbs –ipk <product key>

Where <product key> = your 25 character product key.

Press the Enter key.

Click OK to acknowledge that your product key was installed successfully.

Back at the Command Prompt type slmgr.vbs –ato

Press the Enter key to activate Windows.

Click OK to acknowledge that your installation of Windows 8 has been activated and you're done.