What You Need to Know About Windows 8.1 Pro Dummy Key and How to Get One
Windows 8.1 Pro Dummy Key: What Is It and How to Use It
Are you looking for a way to install or activate Windows 8.1 Pro on your computer without paying for a license? If so, you might be interested in using a dummy key. A dummy key is a temporary or fake product key that allows you to bypass the activation process and use Windows 8.1 Pro for free. But what exactly is a dummy key, how can you get one, and how can you use it to activate Windows 8.1 Pro? In this article, we will answer these questions and more.
Windows 8.1 Pro Dummy Key
Introduction
Windows 8.1 Pro is an operating system developed by Microsoft that was released in October 2013 as an update to Windows 8. It offers many features and improvements over its predecessor, such as better performance, security, customization, and compatibility. Some of the notable features of Windows 8.1 Pro include:
A redesigned Start screen with more tiles and options
A new Start button that takes you to the desktop or the Start screen
A new search function that integrates Bing and Cortana
A new snap feature that allows you to run up to four apps side by side
A new SkyDrive app that syncs your files and settings across devices
A new PC Settings app that gives you more control over your system
A new Internet Explorer 11 browser that supports touch and HTML5
A new Windows Store that offers more apps and games
A new Workplace Join feature that allows you to connect to your corporate network
A new BitLocker feature that encrypts your data and protects it from theft
To use Windows 8.1 Pro, you need to have a valid product key that matches your edition and version of the operating system. A product key is a 25-digit code that verifies that your copy of Windows is genuine and not pirated. You can get a product key by purchasing a license from Microsoft or an authorized retailer, or by upgrading from a previous version of Windows.
What is a dummy key?
A dummy key is a product key that is not genuine or authorized by Microsoft, but can still be used to install or activate Windows 8.1 Pro temporarily or permanently. A dummy key can be either generic or specific, depending on how it was generated and what it can do.
A generic dummy key is a product key that is publicly available and can be used by anyone to install any edition or version of Windows 8.1 Pro. However, a generic dummy key cannot be used to activate Windows 8.1 Pro online or by phone, as it will be detected as invalid by Microsoft's servers.
A specific dummy key is a product key that is privately generated and can be used by only one person or device to install and activate a specific edition or version of Windows 8.1 Pro. A specific dummy key can be used to activate Windows 8.1 Pro online or by phone, as it will not be detected as invalid by Microsoft's servers.
Why would you need a dummy key for Windows 8.1 Pro?
There are several reasons why you might want to use a dummy key for Windows 8.1 Pro, such as:
You want to try out Windows 8.1 Pro before buying a license
You want to test the compatibility or performance of Windows 8.1 Pro on your device
You want to use Windows 8.1 Pro for educational or research purposes
You want to use Windows 8.1 Pro for personal or non-commercial purposes
You want to save money on buying a license for Windows 8.1 Pro
However, using a dummy key for Windows 8.1 Pro also has some risks and disadvantages, such as:
You might violate the terms and conditions of Microsoft's software license agreement
You might expose your device or data to malware or viruses
You might experience errors or glitches in the functionality or performance of Windows 8.1 Pro
You might lose access to some features or updates of Windows 8.1 Pro
You might face legal consequences or penalties from Microsoft or other authorities
Therefore, using a dummy key for Windows 8.1 Pro is not recommended or supported by Microsoft, and you should do it at your own risk and responsibility.
How to get a dummy key for Windows 8.1 Pro
If you still want to use a dummy key for Windows 8.1 Pro, there are two main options that you can choose from: using a generic product key or using a third-party software.
Option 1: Use a generic product key
A generic product key is a product key that can be used by anyone to install any edition or version of Windows 8.1 Pro without requiring any verification or activation from Microsoft's servers.
List of generic product keys for Windows 8.1 Pro
Here are some examples of generic product keys for different editions and versions of Windows 8.1 Pro:
Edition/Version Generic Product Key
Windows 8.1 Professional GCRJD-8NW9H-F2CDX-CCM8D-9D6T9
Windows 8.1 Professional N HMCNV-VVBFX-7HMBH-CTY9B-B4FXY
Windows 8.1 Professional WMC 789NJ-TQK6T-6XTH8-J39CJ-J8D3P
Windows Embedded Industry Professional NF32V-Q9P3W-7DR7Y-JGWRW-JFCK8
Windows Embedded Industry Professional E NH7GX-2BPDT-FDPBD-WD893-RJMQ4
Windows Embedded Industry Professional N NKB3R-R2F8T-3XCDP-7Q2KW-XWYQ2
Windows Embedded Industry Professional E N NK96Y-D9CD8-W44CQ-RKV6T-VH9V6
Windows Embedded Standard Professional FNFKF-PWTVT-9RC8H-32HB2-JB34X
Windows Embedded Standard Professional E FNFKF-PWTVT-9RC8H-32HB2-JB34X
Windows Embedded Standard Professional N FNFKF-PWTVT-9RC8H-32HB2-JB34X
Windows Embedded Standard Professional E N FNFKF-PWTVT-9RC8H-32HB2-JB34X
How to use a generic product key
To use a generic product key to install Windows 8.1 Pro, you need to follow these steps:
Download the Windows 8.1 Pro ISO file from Microsoft's website or a trusted source
Burn the ISO file to a DVD or a USB flash drive using a tool like Rufus or Windows USB/DVD Download Tool
Insert the DVD or the USB flash drive into your device and boot from it
Follow the instructions on the screen to select your language, keyboard layout, and time zone
When prompted to enter a product key, choose one of the generic product keys from the list above that matches your edition and version of Windows 8.1 Pro
Accept the license terms and choose the type of installation (upgrade or custom)
Select the partition where you want to install Windows 8.1 Pro and click Next
Wait for the installation to complete and restart your device
Congratulations! You have successfully installed Windows 8.1 Pro using a generic product key. However, you still need to activate Windows 8.1 Pro using a different method, as explained in the next section.
Option 2: Use a third-party software
A third-party software is a software that is not developed or authorized by Microsoft, but can generate or provide specific dummy keys for Windows 8.1 Pro that can be used to install and activate the operating system.
List of third-party software for generating dummy keys
Here are some examples of third-party software that can generate or provide specific dummy keys for Windows 8.1 Pro:
KMSpico: A popular tool that can activate Windows 8.1 Pro by emulating a Key Management Service (KMS) server on your device
KMSAuto Net: A similar tool that can activate Windows 8.1 Pro by connecting to a KMS server online or offline
Microsoft Toolkit: A multifunctional tool that can activate Windows 8.1 Pro by using either KMS or EZ-Activator methods
Windows Loader: A classic tool that can activate Windows 8.1 Pro by injecting a custom bootloader into your system
Windows Activator: A simple tool that can activate Windows 8.1 Pro by applying various patches and cracks to your system
Note: These tools are not endorsed or recommended by Microsoft, and may contain malware or viruses that can harm your device or data. Use them at your own risk and responsibility.
How to use a third-party software
To use a third-party software to install and activate Windows 8.1 Pro, you need to follow these steps:
Download the third-party software of your choice from a trusted source
Disable your antivirus or firewall software temporarily, as they may interfere with the activation process
Extract the downloaded file to a folder on your device and run the executable file as administrator
Follow the instructions on the screen to select your edition and version of Windows 8.1 Pro and generate or apply a specific dummy key
Restart your device and check the activation status of Windows 8.1 Pro in the PC Settings app
Congratulations! You have successfully installed and activated Windows 8.1 Pro using a third-party software.
How to activate Windows 8.1 Pro with a dummy key
If you have installed Windows 8.1 Pro using a generic product key or a third-party software, you still need to activate it to enjoy its full functionality and features. Activation is the process of verifying that your copy of Windows is genuine and not pirated.
If you do not activate Windows 8.1 Pro within 30 days of installation, you will face some limitations and restrictions, such as:
You will see a watermark on the bottom right corner of your screen that says "Activate Windows"
You will receive periodic reminders and notifications to activate Windows
You will not be able to access some features or settings of Windows, such as personalization, updates, or support
You will not be able to use some apps or services of Microsoft, such as Office, Skype, or OneDrive
You will risk losing your data or access to your device if Microsoft detects that your copy of Windows is not genuine
To avoid these problems, you need to activate Windows 8.1 Pro as soon as possible using one of these methods: online activation or phone activation.
Method 1: Use the online activation service
The online activation service is the easiest and fastest way to activate Windows 8.1 Pro with a dummy key. It works by connecting your device to Microsoft's servers via the internet and verifying your product key automatically.
Steps to activate Windows 8.1 Pro online
To activate Windows 8.1 Pro online with a dummy key, you need to follow these steps:
Make sure that your device is connected to the internet and has enough battery power
Go to the PC Settings app and click on Activate Windows under Update and recovery
If you have installed Windows 8.1 Pro using a generic product key, enter a specific dummy key that matches your edition and version of Windows 8.1 Pro (you can get one from a third-party software)
If you have installed Windows 8.1 Pro using a third-party software, skip this step as your product key should already be applied
Click on Activate and wait for the process to complete
If the activation is successful, you will see a message that says "Windows is activated"
If the activation fails, you will see an error code that explains why (you can search for it online or contact Microsoft for help)
Congratulations! You have successfully activated Windows 8.1 Pro online with a dummy key.
Pros and cons of online activation
The online activation service has some pros and cons that you should consider before using it:
Pros Cons
- It is easy and fast - It requires an internet connection
- It does not require any human interaction - It may not work with some dummy keys
- It does not require any additional software - It may be detected or blocked by Microsoft
- It does not require any phone call - It may be illegal or unethical
</t Method 2: Use the phone activation service
The phone activation service is an alternative way to activate Windows 8.1 Pro with a dummy key. It works by calling a toll-free number and providing your product key and installation ID to a Microsoft representative or an automated system.
Steps to activate Windows 8.1 Pro by phone
To activate Windows 8.1 Pro by phone with a dummy key, you need to follow these steps:
Make sure that your device is not connected to the internet and has enough battery power
Go to the PC Settings app and click on Activate Windows under Update and recovery
If you have installed Windows 8.1 Pro using a generic product key, enter a specific dummy key that matches your edition and version of Windows 8.1 Pro (you can get one from a third-party software)
If you have installed Windows 8.1 Pro using a third-party software, skip this step as your product key should already be applied
Click on Activate and wait for the process to start
If the online activation fails, you will see an option to activate by phone
Click on Activate by phone and choose your country or region from the list
You will see a toll-free number that you can call and an installation ID that you need to provide
Call the toll-free number from another phone and follow the instructions on the screen and on the phone
You will be asked to enter your installation ID using your phone keypad
You will be asked to confirm that you are using Windows 8.1 Pro on only one device
If the verification is successful, you will receive a confirmation ID that you need to enter on your device
Click on Enter confirmation ID and type the confirmation ID that you received on your phone
Click on Activate and wait for the process to complete
If the activation is successful, you will see a message that says "Windows is activated"
If the activation fails, you will see an error code that explains why (you can search for it online or contact Microsoft for help)
Congratulations! You have successfully activated Windows 8.1 Pro by phone with a dummy key.
Pros and cons of phone activation
The phone activation service has some pros and cons that you should consider before using it:
Pros Cons
- It does not require an internet connection - It is time-consuming and tedious
- It may work with some dummy keys that online activation does not - It requires human interaction or voice recognition
- It may not be detected or blocked by Microsoft - It requires additional software or hardware (phone)
- It may be legal or ethical - It may not be available in some countries or regions
</t r Conclusion
In this article, we have explained what a dummy key is, how to get one, and how to use it to install and activate Windows 8.1 Pro. We have also discussed the pros and cons of using a dummy key for Windows 8.1 Pro, and the risks and disadvantages of doing so.
A dummy key is a temporary or fake product key that allows you to bypass the activation process and use Windows 8.1 Pro for free. You can get a dummy key by using a generic product key or a third-party software. You can use a dummy key to activate Windows 8.1 Pro by using the online activation service or the phone activation service.
However, using a dummy key for Windows 8.1 Pro is not recommended or supported by Microsoft, and may violate their software license agreement. You may also expose your device or data to malware or viruses, experience errors or glitches in the functionality or performance of Windows 8.1 Pro, lose access to some features or updates of Windows 8.1 Pro, or face legal consequences or penalties from Microsoft or other authorities.
Therefore, if you want to use Windows 8.1 Pro legally and safely, you should buy a genuine product key from Microsoft or an authorized retailer, or upgrade from a previous version of Windows.
We hope that this article has been helpful and informative for you. If you have any questions or feedback, please feel free to leave them in the comments section below.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about Windows 8.1 Pro dummy keys:
Q: How long does a dummy key last?
A: A dummy key lasts as long as it is not detected or blocked by Microsoft's servers. However, if you use a generic product key, you will need to activate Windows 8.1 Pro within 30 days of installation, otherwise you will face some limitations and restrictions.
Q: How can I check if my copy of Windows 8.1 Pro is activated?
A: You can check if your copy of Windows 8.1 Pro is activated by going to the PC Settings app and clicking on Activate Windows under Update and recovery. You will see your activation status and product key information there.
Q: How can I change my product key for Windows 8.1 Pro?
A: You can change your product key for Windows 8.1 Pro by going to the PC Settings app and clicking on Activate Windows under Update and recovery. You will see an option to change your product key there.
Q: How can I upgrade from Windows 8.1 Pro to Windows 10?
A: You can upgrade from Windows 8.1 Pro to Windows 10 by downloading the Media Creation Tool from Microsoft's website and following the instructions on the screen. You will need a valid product key for Windows 10 to complete the upgrade.
Q: How can I uninstall Windows 8.1 Pro from my device?
A: You can uninstall Windows 8.1 Pro from your device by going to the PC Settings app and clicking on Update and recovery under Recovery. You will see an option to remove everything and reinstall Windows there.