{"product_id":"microsoft-windows-8-retail-5-pc","title":"Microsoft Windows 8 Retail [5 PC]","description":"\u003ch2\u003eWindows 8 — the Touch-First Desktop for Home Users\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWindows 8 is the release that introduced Microsoft’s touch-first operating-system design, broadly released on 26 October 2012. It pairs a full-screen Start screen of Live Tiles for touch and pen input with the traditional Windows desktop for mouse and keyboard, and ships with the first version of the Windows Store, Internet Explorer 10, and a tighter integration with Microsoft’s online services. The standard edition delivers the consumer experience without the business features added in Windows 8 Pro. A 5-PC pack of Windows 8 keys fits a household, a small studio, or a kiosk deployment that wants the touch-first Modern UI on a small fleet, and each key activates against Microsoft's standard activation service. Every key is sourced directly from Microsoft authorized channels, delivered to your account dashboard within seconds of payment, and backed by a 7-day replacement-or-refund warranty with a real-human support team on hand if activation hits a snag. 🪟\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis listing provides 5PC of Windows 8 as Retail product keys, each activating one device against Microsoft’s hosted activation service. The keys are perpetual, so once a device is activated it remains activated for the life of the hardware, even after a clean reinstall on the same machine.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhat Is Included and How Activation Works\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYour purchase provides 25-character product keys for Windows 8 together with step-by-step activation instructions. The installation media is obtained directly from Microsoft as an ISO download or as original recovery media, and the supplied key is entered during the first-run experience or afterwards through the \u003cem\u003ePC settings \u0026gt; Activate Windows\u003c\/em\u003e pane.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eActivation is performed online against Microsoft’s hosted activation service and completes within seconds once an internet connection is available. The operating system reports a permanent activation and the activation watermark is removed from the corner of the desktop. Telephone activation is available as a fallback when internet access is restricted.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEach key is bound to a single device. Reinstalling Windows 8 on the same hardware reuses the existing activation record automatically when the same edition and architecture are installed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eKey Features and Capabilities\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eStart screen with Live Tiles\u003c\/strong\u003e — a full-screen launcher for Modern apps, pinned websites, contacts, and calendar events, with live updates from the underlying services.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWindows Store and Modern apps\u003c\/strong\u003e — a built-in marketplace for Modern applications, including Mail, Calendar, Photos, Maps, and Skype where applicable.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSnap view\u003c\/strong\u003e — run two Modern applications side by side on displays wide enough to support it, with adjustable split between the two apps.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePicture password\u003c\/strong\u003e — replace text passwords with a sequence of gestures on a chosen photograph, supported on devices with touchscreens.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eInternet Explorer 10\u003c\/strong\u003e — the default browser with the Modern UI counterpart and the desktop version, sharing favourites, history, and settings between the two experiences.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRefresh and Reset\u003c\/strong\u003e — recover the operating system to a known-good state without losing personal files (Refresh) or perform a clean reinstall of Windows while keeping nothing (Reset).\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eConnected Standby\u003c\/strong\u003e — maintain email, instant messaging, and tile updates in a low-power state, so the system feels instantly responsive when the lid is opened.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSecure Boot with UEFI\u003c\/strong\u003e — the operating system can take advantage of UEFI-based secure boot when the firmware supports UEFI v2.3.1 Errata B with a Microsoft Windows certificate in the signature database.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWindows Update and Windows Defender\u003c\/strong\u003e — built-in update service and a baseline antimalware product that protect the system from the moment of first boot.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSkyDrive (now OneDrive) integration\u003c\/strong\u003e — sign in with a Microsoft account to synchronise documents, photos, and settings to the cloud, with offline access to the most recently used files.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWho This Edition Is For\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHome users\u003c\/strong\u003e who want the touch-first Windows 8 experience on a tablet, convertible, or all-in-one PC and do not need the business features of Windows 8 Pro.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eStudents and casual users\u003c\/strong\u003e with older x86 hardware that performs best on the standard edition and does not require BitLocker, Domain Join, or Remote Desktop host.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTouchscreen enthusiasts\u003c\/strong\u003e with first-generation touch devices released alongside Windows 8 that benefit from the Modern UI and Windows Store applications.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHouseholds deploying a single user account on multiple devices\u003c\/strong\u003e that take advantage of the consumer experience, Microsoft account integration, and SkyDrive (now OneDrive) synchronisation.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhere This Edition Sits in the Windows 8 Line-up\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003evs. Windows 8 Pro\u003c\/strong\u003e — the Pro edition adds BitLocker, BitLocker To Go, EFS, Remote Desktop host, Domain Join, Group Policy, Client Hyper-V, boot from VHD, and Windows Media Center functionality.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003evs. Windows 8 Enterprise\u003c\/strong\u003e — the Enterprise edition is sold only to Software Assurance customers and adds Windows To Go, AppLocker, DirectAccess, BranchCache, and Start screen lockdown.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003evs. Windows RT 8\u003c\/strong\u003e — Windows RT runs on ARM-based tablets such as the original Surface and includes Microsoft Office; Windows 8 is the x86 and x64 edition for traditional PCs and supports all third-party desktop software.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eSystem Requirements\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eComponent\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eMinimum (32-bit)\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eMinimum (64-bit)\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eRecommended\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eProcessor\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e1 GHz with PAE, NX, and SSE2\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e1 GHz with PAE, NX, and SSE2\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e2 GHz or faster dual-core\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMemory (RAM)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e1 GB\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e2 GB\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e4 GB or more\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eHard disk space\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e16 GB\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e20 GB\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e80 GB or larger SSD\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eGraphics\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDirectX 9 with WDDM 1.0 driver\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDirectX 9 with WDDM 1.0 driver\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDirectX 10 or 11, 128 MB VRAM\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDisplay\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e1024 × 768\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e1024 × 768\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e1366 × 768 or higher for snap\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSecure boot\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eUEFI v2.3.1 Errata B\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eUEFI v2.3.1 Errata B\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eUEFI with Microsoft certificate\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTo use touch features, the device must have a tablet or monitor that supports multi-touch input. Access to the Windows Store and Modern applications requires an active internet connection and a Microsoft account. Some games and applications may require a DirectX 10 or later graphics adapter for optimal performance. DVD playback requires separate playback software. Some legacy peripherals may need updated drivers after the upgrade.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eActivation and Licensing Notes\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis listing is delivered as a \u003cstrong\u003eRetail\u003c\/strong\u003e product key covering 5PC of Windows 8. The keys activate against Microsoft’s hosted activation service during the first-run experience and are then permanently bound to those devices. A clean reinstall on the same hardware reuses the same activation record automatically.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRetail keys are non-transferable between organisations and remain tied to the original device. Moving the installation to a new motherboard generally requires reactivation through Microsoft support rather than re-using the original key on a second device.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMicrosoft’s mainstream support for Windows 8 ended on 9 January 2018, and the operating system reached end of support shortly afterwards. Microsoft Edge version 109 was the last browser version to support Windows 8.x, and Internet Explorer 10 support ended on the same lifecycle date. Customers with active security requirements should consider Windows 10 or Windows 11 for any new deployment.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eDeployment Tips and Best Practice\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBack up the target device before you begin. A clean install of Windows 8 reformats the system partition, so the operating system, applications, and personal files on that drive will be replaced. Use an external drive, a network share, or OneDrive to preserve anything that needs to survive the deployment.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDownload the official Windows 8 media from the Microsoft Software Download page using the assistant or the ISO downloader, or use the original recovery media supplied by the device manufacturer. The download is delivered as an ISO image that can be written to a USB drive with Rufus or to a DVD with the Windows Disc Image Burner. The product key works with both 32-bit and 64-bit installations — choose the architecture that matches the hardware you are deploying to.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDuring setup, choose \u003cem\u003eCustom (advanced)\u003c\/em\u003e installation to control the partition layout and to ensure a clean install rather than an in-place upgrade. After the first boot, sign in with a Microsoft account to take advantage of SkyDrive synchronisation and the unified Windows Store, then run Windows Update to obtain the latest security and reliability updates that are still applicable to Windows 8.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eGet Started With Windows 8\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAfter your key arrives, download the official Windows 8 installation media from Microsoft, create a bootable USB drive, and run setup. When the installation prompts for a product key, enter the 25-character code from your delivery email and complete the online activation. Within a few minutes you will have a clean, fully activated Windows 8 installation ready for everyday productivity and entertainment.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eRelated Products You May Also Consider\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eCustomers comparing Microsoft Windows 8 Retail [5 PC] often consider these related products before they check out.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/microsoft-windows-10-enterprise-mak-volume-1-pc\"\u003eWindows 10 Enterprise MAK Volume 1PC\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/microsoft-windows-10-enterprise-kn-mak-volume-20-pc\"\u003eWindows 10 Enterprise KN MAK Volume\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/microsoft-windows-10-enterprise-mak-volume-20-pc\"\u003eWindows 10 Enterprise MAK Volume 20PC\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/microsoft-windows-10-home-phone-activation-1-pc\"\u003eWindows 10 Home Phone Activation 1PC\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/microsoft-windows-10-home-oem-1-pc\"\u003eWindows 10 Home OEM 1PC\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch2\u003eMicrosoft Windows 8 Alternatives\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWindows 8 mainstream support ended in January 2016 and extended support ended in January 2023. Three migration paths are realistic for most environments.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWindows 10 (LTSC where available)\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eCompatible with most Windows 8 line-of-business apps and offers a far longer support window.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eWindows 11\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe current mainstream release. Best fit for hardware that meets Windows 11 requirements.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eLinux (Ubuntu LTS or Linux Mint)\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eFree and supported. Viable if your workload can move to a Linux-native or browser-based application.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow to choose:\u003c\/strong\u003e Move to Windows 10 LTSC for the closest compatibility. Move to Windows 11 for the longest support window on compatible hardware. Move to Linux only if your application stack is portable.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdetails\u003e\n\u003csummary\u003eWhat is the difference between Windows 8 and Windows 8 Pro?\u003c\/summary\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe standard edition covers the consumer experience: the Start screen with Live Tiles, the Windows Store, Internet Explorer 10, Refresh\/Reset, and Connected Standby. The Pro edition adds BitLocker, BitLocker To Go, Encrypting File System, Remote Desktop host, Domain Join, Group Policy, Client Hyper-V, boot from VHD, and Windows Media Center functionality.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003cdetails\u003e\n\u003csummary\u003eCan I upgrade from Windows 7 to Windows 8?\u003c\/summary\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. A clean install of Windows 8 is supported on any device that meets the minimum system requirements. In-place upgrades from Windows 7 to Windows 8 are possible using the official Microsoft upgrade assistant, although a clean install is the most reliable path on older hardware. Windows 8 also supports clean installation on bare metal, which is the recommended approach for new device deployments.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003cdetails\u003e\n\u003csummary\u003eDoes Windows 8 include Windows Media Player?\u003c\/summary\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. Windows Media Player 12 is included in the standard Windows 8 edition, along with the bundled Music, Video, and Sound Recorder Modern apps. N editions of Windows 8 are a separate product that excludes these media components in line with the European Commission ruling on bundled media software.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003cdetails\u003e\n\u003csummary\u003eWhat happens to my files when I install Windows 8?\u003c\/summary\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA clean install reformats the system drive and removes existing files. Back up all important data before starting the installation. Once Windows 8 is installed, SkyDrive (now OneDrive) integration makes it easy to keep documents synchronised to the cloud, and the Refresh\/Reset options provide a way to recover the operating system without losing personal files.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003cdetails\u003e\n\u003csummary\u003eCan I move the licence to a different device later?\u003c\/summary\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRetail keys are bound to the original device. Moving the operating system to new hardware is possible after a clean install, but the activation record must be reset through Microsoft support, who may decline if the licence has previously been transferred. Each new device should be allocated its own key from the 5PC included in this listing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/details\u003e\n\n","brand":"Microsoft","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":59850919575633,"sku":"MS-120-MICROSOFT-WINDOWS-8-RETAIL-5-PC","price":9.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1059\/0191\/6241\/files\/microsoft-windows-8-1-pro-n-retail-5-pc.webp?v=1784725632","url":"https:\/\/dotkeys.net\/products\/microsoft-windows-8-retail-5-pc","provider":"DotKeys","version":"1.0","type":"link"}