Dang windows.

[Tea1337]

So I built a new desktop, installed windows 8.1 pro but it isn't activated because I still need a windows activation code. Problem is, I can't connect to wifi, only ethernet. There aren't any options to choose a network, my question is does my windows need to be activated to be able to connect to the WiFi? This just doesn't seem right, and it doesn't help that my wifi adapter is broken, but would that actually prevent me from seeing wifi options?

[DarrenP]

Are the drivers installed? 

[Tech-Veg]

You should be able to activate it trough a ethernet cable, It's technicaly WIFI.

But you can buy a USB-WIFI stick or whatever its call, and connect to your wireless router trough USB2 OR 3.

 

I know yours just broke, but buy a new one, you'll never know when you need it

[Tea1337]

Are the drivers installed? 

Yes, I downloaded them and installed them, but there are still no wifi options.

[Tea1337]

You should be able to activate it trough a ethernet cable, It's technicaly WIFI.

But you can buy a USB-WIFI stick or whatever its call, and connect to your wireless router trough USB2 OR 3.

I can't activate it because I have no key, and I had one but it's broken, and no money for one as of yet.

[Tea1337]

Guy's, my question is does windows 8.1 have to be activated in order for me to get wifi options?

[Tech-Veg]

Guy's, my question is does windows 8.1 have to be activated in order for me to get wifi options?

I dont think so.

People in my school are running windows 8 ( not 8.1) withouth activating it for months now, and they can use WIFI.

[DarrenP]

Here use this key for now: XHQ8N-C3MCJ-RQXB6-WCHYG-C9WKB

It's a generic key and will get you going, than after you get Wifi working change the key within control panel. 

[Tea1337]

Here use this key for now: XHQ8N-C3MCJ-RQXB6-WCHYG-C9WKB

It's a generic key and will get you going, than after you get Wifi working change the key within control panel. 

Sadly I tried the generic key, and it didn't work . I should be getting a key in 5days or so.

[DarrenP]

Hmm... Shoulda worked. I'd say you have to wait than...

[FizzyFantom]

Have you installed the correct version of the drivers? Sometimes systems (especially laptops and external wireless devices) can have several different versions of wifi adapter. Also make sure you have the drivers for your OS (Windows 8.1) and the version (64-bit most likely), and if you're trying to use Windows 7 drivers make sure to install them in compatability mode. There is no reason that Windows not being activated should stop wifi from working. Good luck, I hope you find the problem and fix it

[Wano97]

The fact that your windows isn't activated has absolutely nothing to do with your internet not working

[Syntaxvgm]

Windows will not stop you from using it for not activating. Just messages on startup, removes your wallpaper sometimes, and gives a mean message in the corner. Besides that completely usable. Get the drivers you need for each of the devices that are missing them (control panel>system>device manager) from another computer and transfer them using a usb drive. Windows doesn't carry drivers except for common devices made well before the installation version or via windows update, which require working NIC drivers. 

[colonel_mortis]

You should be able to activate it trough a ethernet cable, It's technicaly WIFI.

But you can buy a USB-WIFI stick or whatever its call, and connect to your wireless router trough USB2 OR 3.

 

I know yours just broke, but buy a new one, you'll never know when you need it

It really ISN'T technically called WiFi. WiFi means "Wireless Fidelity" and I can assure you that ethernet has no wirelessness.

 

Guy's, my question is does windows 8.1 have to be activated in order for me to get wifi options?

Nope, I have used computers (laptops) running Win8(.1) that aren't activated using wifi. Either you have a hardware issue or a driver issue, most likely the latter. Open device manager and check that your wifi adapter shows up under Network Adapters, and isn't marked as having malfunctioned.