A word of warning: peddlers of dodgy versions of Windows 8.1 licenses have successfully managed to position themselves high on Google's search engine result pages for a vast number of keywords. Buying from them doesn't mean that you've got yourself a bargain, it means that you have landed the equivalent of a virtual paperweight.
Also note, we have asked Microsoft for clarification over the recent surge in interest regarding a Microsoft Swap programme on a very popular user generated content website that promises to deliver product keys for most Microsoft applications (including Windows 8.1) at rock bottom prices.
If you are in the UK and the prices are displayed in US dollars, or if you notice that they offer a download-only option or if the site is poorly designed, has pictures of Microsoft logos without any links and contains a fair amount of grammatical errors, then proceed at your own risk; you've been warned.
The majority of counterfeit product keys being sold are likely to come from Microsoft's MSDN network which usually provides developers and IT professionals with a healthy amount of free Microsoft software. The keys will activate the target Windows OS but will more than likely end up with the buyer getting a limited copy of Windows if Microsoft identifies it as an illegal copy.
We would also urge you to avoid getting Windows 8.1 stickers or so-called DVD discs with a COA product key. While they will definitely work on the target computers, they usually violate the terms and conditions of the original OEM – the OS is usually tied to the product it came on (i.e. when activated) and cannot be transferred.
Reinstallation Windows DVDs (like the ones from Dell or HP) clearly stipulate that they can only be distributed with a new PC from the respective companies; not a refurbished, second hand one or a PC from a different brand. Many eBay resellers get around that by selling the discs with one piece of the original computer (usually the motherboard).
This is a grey area, one where Microsoft has been reluctant to act forcefully, perhaps out of fear that it might impact negatively on the brand. While consumers will probably get away with it, businesses are always at risk of being hit with a surprise audit with heavy fines for culprits and even the risk of prison.
