Can Windows 8 key be extracted from UEFI BIOS in case of hard drive failure?

[c627627]

Hey thanks for that wagex.

 

[c627627]

That would essentially make any UEFI key reader unnecessary.

However, can this be done *without* connecting to Microsoft servers?
Because if you use the same image on two laptops, well then you don't want to deactivate the key being used on the other laptop (the same key) from Microsoft servers...

You just want to deactivate the key from the machine itself.

 

[ATMINSIDE]

However, can this be done *without* connecting to Microsoft servers?

It's already done without talking to Microsoft, the key is read from the UEFI, not from Microsoft.
Do the activation process that wagex outlined offline and it will still work.

 

[c627627]

Yes. It will make a great experiment.

First I will use all programs you guys suggested to get the UEFI key.
Then I will physically disconnect my internet router. Then I will remove current Windows Key:

slmgr /dlv
Read displayed Activation ID.
slmgr /upk type-in-Activation-ID-here

Then I will reconnect internet and activate.

Then use Magical Jelly Bean Keyfinder to see which key is being used on activated Windows and compare it to extracted UEFI keys from step 1...

 

[c627627]

RESULTS:

It turns out that even Magical Jelly Bean as well as the programs you guys suggested display UEFI BIOS Windows key and *not* the key from the running Windows OS.