Product keys and activation (Industry 8.1)
7/8/2014
Review the product keys and activation methods available for Windows Embedded 8.1 Industry (Industry 8.1).
Windows Embedded 8.1 Industry (Industry 8.1) product keys are used to:
- Determine the grace period or evaluation period of an image.
- Generate a product identifier (PID) to identify each unique installation of Industry 8.1.
A valid product key is required to install Industry 8.1. Evaluation images that are successfully activated with a 90-day evaluation product key will expire at the end of their evaluation period and cannot be reactivated or upgraded.
Product Key Summary
If a device is not activated and a grace period is not in effect, that device will enter a notification state and will start to exhibit different behavior. The behavior of a device in a notification state is determined by the type of product key installed. For example if an evaluation key is installed and the device enters a notification state, then a persistent watermark will be displayed in the lower-right corner of the screen indicating the system is not genuine, personalization options are blocked, and the device will restart every hour. If a non-evaluation product key is installed and the device enters a notification state, then a persistent watermark will be displayed in the lower-right corner of the screen indicating the system is not genuine and personalization options will be blocked, but the device will remain fully functional and will not periodically restart.
Key |
Evaluation period |
Grace period |
Unlicensed behavior |
Direct activation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Evaluation key |
90 days |
10 days |
Immersive watermark Personalization blocked Restart every 20 to 30 minutes |
Required |
Retail key |
0 days |
n/a |
Immersive watermark Personalization blocked |
Required |
OEM key |
0 days |
n/a |
Immersive watermark Personalization blocked |
Required |
Volume license key |
0 days |
n/a |
Immersive watermark Personalization blocked |
Required |
Important
Once you activate an evaluation image, you have an evaluation period of up to 90 days to use the software. You can track the amount of time you have left by opening Control Panel, then clicking Action Center and checking the Activation Details. If you fail to activate this evaluation image after installation, or if your evaluation period expires, the desktop background will turn black, personalization options will be blocked, you will see a persistent desktop notification indicating that the system is not genuine, and the software will shut down every hour without notice and with the possibility of losing unsaved work. Following the evaluation period, you will need to replace the operating system on your device and reinstall all your programs and data. It is not possible to upgrade the evaluation to a licensed working version of Industry 8.1. A clean installation is required.
Note
The Industry 8.1 setup process performs several verifications which rely on the device’s date and time settings. To ensure the verifications are accurate, confirm that the device is set to the correct date and time.
Product Key Requirements by Edition
Industry 8.1 is available in two editions: Windows Embedded 8.1 Industry Pro and Windows Embedded 8.1 Industry Enterprise. Product keys are unique to each edition and cannot be used interchangeably between editions.
Determine the License Details for Your Image
You can use the Windows Software Licensing Management Tool (SLMgr.vbs) to obtain details of the license in your for your image. Type the following command at an elevated command prompt on the device to obtain the device’s current license information:
Slmgr -dli
The information returned will include the last five characters of the product key used for the device’s image, the license status, and the length of time remaining until the license expires, if applicable. The contents of the License Status field will indicate whether your image is licensed or in a notification state.
Activation Process with OEM and Evaluation Product Keys
Each device must be individually activated. For more information on the activation process, see Activate a device.
Activation Process with Volume License Product Keys
Volume license keys for Industry 8.1 are available to qualifying volume license customers. For more information on volume activation, see Volume Activation Overview
KMS Client Setup Keys
If you are a qualifying volume license customer and if you are converting a device from a Key Management Services (KMS) host or Multiple Activation Keys (MAK) edition of Industry 8.1 to a KMS client, type the following command at an elevated command prompt to install the applicable setup key:
Slmgr /ipk <setupkey>
Replace <setupkey> with the appropriate key for your edition of Industry 8.1 from the following table:
Industry 8.1 edition |
Product key |
|---|---|
Windows Embedded 8.1 Industry Pro |
NMMPB-38DD4-R2823-62W8D-VXKJB |
Windows Embedded 8.1 Industry Enterprise |
FNFKF-PWTVT-9RC8H-32HB2-JB34X |