Install windows 8 without activation key?

[benji87ftw]

I have a USB key ready with Win 8 on it. I do not have a product key and will not have one until next week. I want to install Win 8 though, is this possible?

 

[USAFRet]

No.
Win 8 requires the key as part of the install process. Windows 7 and earlier, you could put it in later. That has changed.

 

[hairystuff]

I managed to re-install Win8 for someone lastweek without using the key but it did ask for activation (they had forgotten the retail packaging containing the key at home).

 

[benji87ftw]

http://www.techmesto.com/install-windows-8-1-without-product-key/ - does this work

 

[USAFRet]

http://www.techmesto.com/install-windows-8-1-without-product-key/ - does this work

If you read the rest of the Microsoft link, you need to include the activation key in the PID.txt file. This procedure apparently just automates the process.

Use a Linux distro until your Win 8 disk shows up.

 

[zakirr]

I have a USB key ready with Win 8 on it. I do not have a product key and will not have one until next week. I want to install Win 8 though, is this possible?

 

[USAFRet]

I have a USB key ready with Win 8 on it. I do not have a product key and will not have one until next week. I want to install Win 8 though, is this possible?

Nope. It asks for the key early in the process.
Windows 7, you could enter the key later. Not so with Win 8.