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Windows 8.1 Pro is an upgraded version of Windows 8, which includes advanced features and functions. This operating system is designed mainly for professional users, and it comes with enhanced security features, advanced backup tools, and many other advanced features. However, like other versions of Windows, Windows 8.1 Pro requires activation, and if you do not activate it, you may face some restrictions.
Activating Windows 8.1 Pro can seem daunting, but this article will guide you through different methods to activate Windows 8.1 Pro using CMD. CMD or Command Prompt is a powerful tool in Windows that helps users run programs and execute commands quickly. So, let’s dive into the different methods of activating Windows 8.1 Pro using CMD.
Video Tutorial:
The Challenge of Activating Windows 8.1 Pro Using CMD
Activating Windows 8.1 Pro using CMD can be a bit tricky for those who are not familiar with the working of the Windows operating system. It requires typing specific commands in CMD, and a single mistake in the command may result in failure or delays in the activation process. However, the process is not impossible, and with the correct guidance, you can activate your Windows 8.1 Pro using CMD with ease.
Things You Should Prepare for
Before we begin the process of activating your Windows 8.1 Pro using CMD, ensure you have a few things to enhance your experience. Ensure that your system is connected to a stable internet connection before you start the activation process. Also, ensure that your copy of Windows 8.1 Pro is legal and genuine. You can purchase a product key from a licensed dealer or directly from Microsoft. Having a legal and genuine product key guarantees the success of the activation process.
Method 1: Activate Windows 8.1 Pro using CMD
This is the most popular method of activating Windows 8.1 Pro using CMD. Here are the steps:
1. Open the Command Prompt by pressing Win + X and selecting Command Prompt from the list or search for "Command Prompt" in the search bar.
2. Right-click on the Command Prompt and select "Run as administrator" to give the required permission.
3. Type "slmgr /ipk xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx" and hit Enter. Replace xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx with your genuine product key. For instance, "slmgr /ipk 12345-67890-12123-45678-90123."
4. Wait for a message "product key installed successfully."
5. Type "slmgr /skms kms8.msguides.com" and hit Enter.
6. Wait for the message "successfully" to appear.
7. Type "slmgr /ato" and hit Enter.
8. Wait for the message "activating windows(R) 8 Enterprise, xxxxx…Successfully message.
Now, you have successfully activated your Windows 8.1 Pro using CMD. Here are the Pros and Cons of this method:
Pros:
– Quick and easy to execute
– You don’t need any additional software, third-party tools, or programs
– This method works with any version of Windows 8.1 Pro, making it flexible.
Cons:
– This method only works with genuine product keys and not pirated keys.
Method 2: Activate Windows 8.1 Pro using a Batch file
This method involves creating a batch file, which is a simple text file with an extension ".bat". This file automates the process of activating your Windows 8.1 Pro using CMD. Here are the steps:
1. Open a blank Notepad file.
2. Copy and paste the following code into the Notepad file:
@echo off
setlocal
set KEY=xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx
set SERVER=kms8.msguides.com
if defined KEY (
cscript //nologo slmgr.vbs /ipk %KEY% >nul
)
cscript //nologo slmgr.vbs /skms %SERVER% >nul
cscript //nologo slmgr.vbs /ato >nul
Note: Replace xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx with your genuine product key.
3. Save this file with a name and extension ".bat" (For instance, "activate-windows.bat").
4. Right-click on the batch file and select "Run as administrator."
5. Wait for the message "Product activated successfully."
Congratulations, you have successfully activated your Windows 8.1 Pro using CMD with a batch file. Here are the Pros and Cons of this method:
Pros:
– This method is fast and convenient.
– It is easy to use and automates the activation process.
– This method works with all versions of Windows 8.1 Pro.
Cons:
– You need to create a new batch file for every product key; otherwise, it may not work.
Method 3: Activate Windows 8.1 Pro using KMSPico
KMSPico is an activation tool that simplifies the process of activating Windows 8.1 Pro using CMD, and it has been widely used. Before proceeding with this method, you must ensure that you download KMSPico from a trusted website. Here are the steps:
1. Download and install KMSPico from a trusted website.
2. Run KMSPico.
3. Click on the red button, "Activate Windows."
4. Wait for the process to complete.
Congratulations, you have successfully activated your Windows 8.1 Pro using KMSPico. Here are the Pros and Cons of this method:
Pros:
– This method is fast and convenient.
– It is easy to use and automates the activation process.
– This method works with all versions of Windows 8.1 Pro.
Cons:
– The use of this method violates Microsoft policy.
– It is not safe as it contains malware that may harm your computer.
Why Can’t I Activate Windows 8.1 Pro Using CMD?
Activating Windows 8.1 Pro using CMD may not work due to several reasons, and some of these reasons include:
1. You have entered an incorrect product key
To fix this issue, double-check and ensure you have entered the correct product key.
2. Incompatibility
If you upgraded to Windows 8.1 Pro or installed a patch, and it is already activated, activating it with CMD may not work. To solve this issue, disable the automatic activation feature.
3. DNS issues
The wrong DNS settings may hinder the activation process. To fix this issue, enter a valid and correct DNS address.
Q1: Can I Activate Windows 8.1 Pro using CMD without an internet connection?
A: No, you need an internet connection for the successful activation of Windows 8.1 Pro using CMD.
Q2: Is using KMSPico legal?
A: No, using KMSPico violates Microsoft’s policy, and it is not recommended.
Q3: Can I activate windows 8.1 pro without a product key using CMD?
A: No, you need a genuine product key to activate Windows 8.1 Pro.
Q4: Can I activate Windows 8.1 Pro using CMD on multiple devices?
A: No, using a product key on multiple devices violates Microsoft’s policy.
Q5: Can I reverse the activation process?
A: No, once you activate Windows 8.1 Pro, you cannot reverse the process.
Additional Tips
– Always ensure you have a stable internet connection before proceeding to activate Windows 8.1 Pro using CMD.
– Always ensure you have a genuine product key. Activating Windows 8.1 Pro using fraudulent keys violates Microsoft’s policy.
– Be careful when using third-party tools or software to activate Windows 8.1 Pro. Some of these tools may contain malware that may harm your computer
– Do not share your product key with anyone to avoid misuse or piracy.
In Conclusion
Activating Windows 8.1 Pro using CMD can seem daunting, but the different methods highlighted in this article offer the right guidance to start and complete the activation process. Always ensure you have a genuine product key, use a stable internet connection, and follow the given steps to activate Windows 8.1 Pro successfully. The more familiar you are with the process, the easier it becomes to execute.