How To Install Windows 8.1 Pro Without Product Key

How to Install Windows 8 without a Product Primal

Posted in Windows 8 by Steve Sinchak

For the first time since Windows XP, Microsoft is forcing users to enter a production key before Windows tin exist installed. This can be very annoying for legitimate users that simply want to install Windows 8 for testing. I find myself installing Windows 8 frequently and this is one of my primary annoyances while writing my new book on Windows eight.

It is non clear if this change was an attempt to cut downwardly on piracy or rather a simplification of the installation process. I would bet the latter since the aforementioned installation media is actually used for both the standard and pro editions of Windows viii. Depending on the product fundamental entered the correct edition is installed. I tin imagine at that place were users of Windows 7 that complained when they installed the wrong edition by mistake which they could not actuate with their fundamental and had to re-install windows and all their apps.

The enterprise edition already lets users install without a production cardinal since that version is configured for KMS activation servers. Yet, the standard and pro editions prompt for a product key as presently every bit y'all try to install. This guide volition aid you create a custom kick CD or USB device that volition brandish a edition selection menu similar to Windows 7 and also allow you to skip entering a product key during installation. One time Windows is installed, y'all will demand to enter a valid product key within 90 days.

Behind the scenes Microsoft used to rely on a file chosen EI.CFG to tell the installer what edition to install or to show a carte to permit users pick. The file was removed from the Windows 8 and Windows eight Pro editions but it can notwithstanding be used to alter the installer behavior.

To get started let's review the tools that are needed

Stock Windows 8 32-bit or 64-fleck ISO image. Typically called en_windows_8_x86_dvd_915417.iso or en_windows_8_x64_dvd_915440.iso.
WinRAR or other utility that tin extract the contents of an ISO image to a directory.
Install the Windows Assessment and Deployment Kit for Windows 8. Gratis download from Microsoft. More than details available here. Upon install y'all only demand the Deployment Tools selection checked.

Once all the prerequisites are completed, follow these steps:

Use WinRAR or some other tool to extract the contents of your ISO file to a folder. For this article I advise using C:\Win8ISO. I will presume that is where the files are for the remainder of this commodity. Using WinRAR, y'all can extract the files in the ISO past just right clicking on the ISO file and selecting Extract Files.
Next nosotros need to add a special EI.CFG file to the c:\Win8ISO\Sources directory. You lot can download a pre-modified file here or simply create a file called EI.CFG with the contents of:
[Channel]
Book

[VL]
1

One time y'all have the file make sure you copy it to C:\Win8ISO\Sources.
Now it is time to regenerate the ISO file just offset we need to create a new binder called Win8Temp at the root of C:\ to concord the new ISO file.
Open the Starting time Screen and search for "Deployment and Imaging Tools" and run the special control prompt environment.
Run the following control:
oscdimg.exe -lCustomWin8 -thousand -u2 -bC:\Win8ISO\boot\etfsboot.com C:\Win8ISO C:\Win8Temp\win8.iso
Burn or mount the ISO file in a virtual automobile and you will be able to install Windows 8 without a product central and also select the standard or pro edition.

When asked for a central at the end of the install y'all volition have the option to skip.

Source: https://tweaks.com/windows/65179/how-to-install-windows-8-without-a-product-key/#:~:text=Open%20the%20Start%20Screen%20and,the%20special%20command%20prompt%20environment.&text=Burn%20or%20mount%20the%20ISO,the%20standard%20or%20pro%20edition.

Posted by: leonardwourease.blogspot.com