Get Windows 10 on an unactivated 8.1 system.
Get Windows 10 on an unactivated 8.1 system.
You're just starting out and feeling confused. Upgrading from Windows 8.1 to Windows 10 using the official tool requires a product key, but many websites don't ask for one and claim you can get it for free. I understand this is frustrating, especially since your Windows 8.1 might stop working within about 30 days without a fix. Please let me know if you'd like guidance on possible alternatives or steps to resolve this issue.
From Windows 8 onward, the product key may be saved within the motherboard's BIOS settings.
Open the activation panel in the corner, and once the trial finishes, only the background turns black with a "please activate windows" message appearing at the bottom.
This message explains that upgrading won't work if you begin your PC using Windows installation media. It advises removing the media and restarting before installing a new copy, then proceeding with the setup.
Access Windows via your hard disk and execute the media creation utility or setup.exe from any location you're currently using.