Windows 8 PCs are moving to on-chip product keys finally.
There are many changes in Windows 8 such as the Start Screen, Charms Bar, faster boot times and a touch UX that is ahead of any older version of Windows. Windows 8 also changes the landscape of the PC hardware, with UEFI getting to touch screens and main boards. Some of the PCs have a feature that is not known to everyone: a product key of Windows that is saved inside the firmware. Microsoft finally gives PC OEM’s a choice to slap a license sticker at the external part of their creation.
Consumers should be benefitted from this change in several ways. With the product key saved in the firmware of the computer, there would be no need to type lengthy alphanumeric sequences when a Windows is reinstalled. If Microsoft does not provide the key, an end user can see that the installer is programmed to internally look for that key and proceed if it is found.
That would hold true for upgrades too. If a Windows 8 PC is bought and the owner wants to switch to Windows 8 Pro, then he should perform the installation process without any hassle that is if the system has the integrated key.
The greatest benefit is to reduce the cost of the Windows’ future versions. A product key that is integrated makes it more difficult for untrustworthy PC vendors to steal keys. PCs running the older Windows versions are shipped with a product key of Windows on their cases and are activated using a license key. That means the key can activate a whole different system.