Have W8 serial, Will W8.1 accept my serial?

b22222c

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Jan 3, 2014
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Hi, will format my PC and i have W8 Serial, can i install W8.1 and insert my serial or i need to install W8 and then go to Windows Store and Choose the option "Upgrade to Windows 8.1 free". thanks
 

royalcrown

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It wont accept it unless you go to the windows store or microsoft and use the upgrade options. I think you can also download an upgrade.exe from MS and it'll take the 8 serial as well.

I mean to say that you can't just enter it in your install of windows 8 and it'll change itself to 8.1. you have to run the upgrade iso or go through the wizard that is at the store through the metro interface.
 

b22222c

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I was talking about installing Windows 8.1 from a dvd and then insert my serial to activate...
 

USAFRet

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No, it will not do that. With a Windows 8 license key, you must install Windows 8 first.
 

royalcrown

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I dunno, try it, keep us posted. I say it won't do it.



 

mrt3

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Yes you can install it using the same key
 

USAFRet

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how so? With Win 8 installed, then upgrade to Win 8.1, it becomes a whole different license key. They are not the same.
 

mrt3

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you can install windows 8.1 using windows 8 key
Go to: Upgrade Windows with only a product key - Microsoft Windows Help
- Choose Windows 8 and enter in your upgrade key.
- Once it starts downloading, cancel it. Click on the Windows 8.1 button from link above. It will download Windows 8.1
- Choose to create media and then save it as ISO for later.
 

USAFRet

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OK, that could work.
 

royalcrown

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Or since your DL an ISO anyhow, just don't cancel it in the 1st place and have more patience...that would work too.