How to activate Windows 8.1 for free

When you first purchase Windows 8.1 product key, you will need to enable it for a specific time period so you can continue using it.
Activation program is very simple, with the instructions and activation key already included in the package of the installer.
If you somehow lose the activation key, however, there are other ways to activate the operating system.
I Restore lost locks
1 Download the key retrieval program. Your Windows product key is buried in the registry, but it can easily be extracted using a free lockout program. Two of the most popular options are ProductKey and Key Finder.
Both of these programs are free and can be downloaded from the developer's website. Both offer paid versions, but your Windows key can be accessed with the free version.
2 Start the key retrieval program. You usually will not need to install the program. Simply run it and a list of available keys will be displayed. Find the "Windows" entry to find your key.
3 Write the key down or copy it. Your key will be listed as "Product Key" or "CD Key". The 25-character Windows product key is divided into five groups of five characters.
II Windows Activation 8.1
1 Open the Activation window. Open the Activation window by pressing ⊞ Win + R and type slui. 3. Press ↵ Enter to open the window.
2 Enter your product key. Enter the key that you recovered, get with your Windows purchase, or be attached to your computer on the sticker. You do not need to type dashes, as they will be added automatically. Windows will automatically try to activate as soon as the key is entered.
3 Try Command Prompt. If the above steps are not effective, you can try entering the key through the elevated command prompt. Press ⊞ Win + X and select "Command Prompt (Admin)".
+ Enter and press XXXXX with your product key. Be sure to include dashes. A window will appear saying "Successfully locked product key XXXXX" .slmgr.vbs / ipk XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX Enter
Type slmgr.vbs / atov and press Enter. A window will appear saying "Activate your Windows (R) Edition". After a while, if successful, it will say "Product successfully activated".
4 Call Microsoft if you still can not activate. If you still have trouble activating, you can call Microsoft's automated activation service. To find the number for your area, press ⊞ Win + R and enter slui. 4. This will open a window with your contact information as well as your installation ID.
Make sure to copy the settings ID, as you will need to enter the ID by phone. It's long, but necessary to identify your computer.