Answer: Ah, the venerable Windows Product Key. That 25-digit alphanumeric prize that marks the difference between a legitimate copy of Windows, and one that Microsoft considers pirated. This little ...

Product keys for Windows 8 computers aren't printed on a sticker. They're encrypted in the BIOS. How might that affect you? Lance Whitney is a freelance technology writer and trainer and a former IT ...

One thing that has been common on notebook and desktop computers purchased at retail for years is a little sticker on the bottom or on the back of the machine that has the Windows product key. The ...

To protect its products and software, Microsoft strictly regulates the sale and use of Windows software by embedding a validation code, also called a product key, in every copy of Windows. Should you ...

Those purchasing Windows 8 PCs are noticing that the small "Certificate of Authenticity" that is normally home to the product key is missing, and instead a "Genuine Microsoft" label has replaced it.