I have installed windows 7 on my PC numerous times and i liked how it never asked for a product key during the installation process. For obvious reasons Microsoft has made it compulsory to provide a product key in order to install its latest operating systems such as windows 8 and 8.1. However thanks to a simple trick, you can easily skip the product key during the windows 8.1 installation process.
For those who want to skip the product key while installing windows 8 or windows 8.1, the following instructions will guide you through the entire process.
Note: Skipping the product key doesn’t means you get a fully activated windows installation. Once you skip the product key, your windows installation will be limited to a 30 days trial period and you will have to purchase a genuine windows 8.1 product key in order to activate your windows 8.1 installation.
How to Install Windows 8.1 without a Product Key
- Step 1: Follow the following guide to download a official copy of Windows 8.1 directly from Microsoft’s servers.
How to Download Official Windows 8.1 ISO images from Microsoft.
- Step 2: Once you’ve downloaded the Windows 8.1 ISO images, follow the guide below to create a Bootable Windows 8.1 USB Flash drive.
How to Create a Bootable Windows 8.1 USB Flash drive.
- Step 3: Once you’ve created a Bootable windows 8.1 USB Flash drive. Create a Text document and copy the following text in it.
[EditionID]
Core
[Channel]
Retail
[VL]
0
- Step 4: Save the text document in the Sources folder of the Bootable Windows 8.1 USB Flash Drive with the file name as ei.cfg and select Save as type as ALL Files.
That’s it. Now go ahead and boot from the Bootable windows 8.1 USB Flash drive. This time you will see a skip button when you are prompted to enter a product key.
Source: Microsoft
Dear lovejeet dont mind but your trick is fully wrong.
correct trick is first you open notepad then write as
Example..
[EditionID]
Professional
[Channel]
Volume
[VL]
1
Save the file using this particular label (case sensitive): ‘autoexec.cfg’ and place the file in the cstrikecfg directory
Then change the file name as EI and copy paste into the window setup file source folder and then make usb bootable image.
I tried this trick and it is working without any problem.for any window 8.1 edition
thanks
Thank you imam for bringing the error into my notice. I am sorry for the mistake and i have updated the article with the correct details.
Why you have so much spelling error in the comment but not in the post?
Seems like i was in a bit of a hurry. I have corrected it now though. Thank you.
No, you haven’t corrected. Your errors in the above comment:
mistage, teh, detaisl, artile
Hi,
How to create bootable dvd and bootable USB.Please give me full details and if any video please send me or give me address and link. very urgent.
plzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
where do i find ‘autoexec.cfg’?
Hi,
How to create bootable dvd and bootable USB.Please give me full details and if any video please send me or give me address and link.
Step 2 link is not working!
Does it work when you boot from BIOS screen
I did exactly the same and all is works! Thank you!
First i made bootable usb flash drive with Win 8.1 Core / Pro x64
I created ei.cfg file and there c/p:
[EditionID]
Core
[Channel]
Retail
[VL]
then i c/p ie.cfg file into Sources folder of Win 8.1 and that is all.
Who wants to make usb flash drive bootable use small app. Rufus.
Worked for me Thanks a bunch!