Replacing Hard Drive - How to install windows 8.1

Hi,
I have an HP Envy dv6 with a 1TB hard drive. The thing is that i'm thinking of buying a 256 SSD to configure as primary disk and the current HDD as second. My question is: when installing the SSD, how can I install windows 8.1 and use my original windows key?
I've searched in the battery and on the back of my laptop and I couldn't find the serial number. Some people says that is its embeded in the motherboard and when windows is installed it automatically recognize the serial. But my main concern is how can I get a Windows 8.1 version to install. Should I download an .iso from any internet site? how can I know that that version is compatible with my serial number?
Thanks a lot

Hi Jackcabad. Thanks for the answer. I think this solves most of my concerns but I still can't figure out where is my w8 serial number stored and how can i know it. Can you provide information on that?
Thanks!

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