Should I upgrade from Win7 to 8.1 Pro?

[Diablik]

Im a PC gamer and was wondering if I should upgrade to windows 8.1.

My brother just got a Hp Elitebook 840, which came with a windows 8.1 pro disk.

I have 2 questions;

1) Should I upgrade and why?

2) Can I upgrade easily from windows 7 home premium without losing data?

Thanks!

 

[Dark Lord of Tech]

You need a new license key.

Here's more info.

Windows 8.1 will also receive Direct X updates.


With windows 7 OEM the license is tied to the first motherboard it's installed on.With Windows 8.1 you can move it to another build when you are done with this one , but only one computer at a time.With Windows 8.1 you can change all the hardware you want including the motherboard.

OEM versions of Windows 7 are identical to Full License Retail versions except for the following:

- OEM versions do not offer any free Microsoft direct support from Microsoft support personnel

- OEM licenses are tied to the very first computer you install and activate it on

- OEM versions allow all hardware upgrades except for an upgrade to a different model motherboard

- OEM versions cannot be used to directly upgrade from an older Windows operating system

Microsoft.com ^


OEM vs. Retail

OEM Windows 7 comes preinstalled on computers. This is the cheapest way to buy windows. Large PC manufacturers like Dell, HP etc. (collectively called royalty OEMs) install windows on millions of such PCs. The main characteristics of such systems are:

The license agreement and support agreement is between you and the PC makes.

Activation by the end user is not required. Windows is preactivated at the factory by the OEM using images and standard SLP keys.

Your copy of windows is locked to that PC. The license is not transferable.

OEM system builder is what you get when you buy from say Newegg or from a local "white box" vendor. It too has the characteristics of Royalty OEM windows. Although it is possible for an individual to buy a System Builder copy, the license requires that the software be installed using the OPK (OEM preinstall kit) and then resold.

Retail version is what you buy from a retailer like Amazon or Bestbuy. Its a full price version that comes packaged in a retail box with a retail product key. It has to be activated online via MS servers using the key on the box, it is not tied to the PC it was first installed on, though it can only be used on a single computer at a time. And, MS directly provides the support for it. It is also more expensive than OEM copies.

As far as functionality is concerned, theres no difference between any of the versions above, given any specific edition (i.e. between OEM pro and retail pro, or between OEM ultimate and retail ultimate).

sevenforums.com

Windows 8 is a whole different ballgame.

License agreement for the transfer of a Windows 8 license
http://personaluselicense.windows.com/en-US/default.aspx

 

[TechyInAZ]

Yes you need to buy windows 8.1 if you want to use it for your computer.

Only upgrade to window 8.1 Pro if you want:

1. You will use the pro features
2. You like windows 8.1
3. You have more than 16GB of RAM.

If 1. is No then buy the regular version of windows 8.1.

 

[USAFRet]

1. You can't use that HP Win 8.1 Pro license in a different PC.

2. If you currently have Win 7, there is little reason to buy 8.1 and install it.
If you were building new, there is little reason not to get 8.1.

 

[Diablik]

Thanks for the rapid responses folks, I've decided to stay with windows 7. As USAFRet pointed out, there really isn't any need or requirement for me to purchase 8.1 and upgrade. I was just wondering if there were any performance based benefits of upgrading and how hassle free upgrading actually is. I'm certain there will be a time for me to upgrade, just not now.

 

[Dark Lord of Tech]

I like 8.1 , changed all 5 of my machines.

 

[Tom Tancredi]

Thanks for the rapid responses folks, I've decided to stay with windows 7. As USAFRet pointed out, there really isn't any need or requirement for me to purchase 8.1 and upgrade. I was just wondering if there were any performance based benefits of upgrading and how hassle free upgrading actually is. I'm certain there will be a time for me to upgrade, just not now.

1) It has been repeatedly shown (google Windows 7 vs 8 gaming) Win8 works faster and better for games simply because it is using the newest code, Windows 7 is not.
2) Windows 7 is NO LONGER CONSUMER SUPPORTED. While there is EXTENDED support, this is for Corps to pay M$ a hefty charge to look at a issue (my driver doesn't work, okay well that will be $15K Up front for us to have a Engineer to 'look' at the issue, a actual solution can be anywhere from $25K to Million+ depending on the complexity, time needed etc. - Note: when CITICORP is doing 100Billion in transactions a day, a Million dollars to fix a driver for all its computers is chump change)
3) Now that Win8 been out in the 'wild' for a while, numerous hardware is starting to show up (as per normal) as Win8 driver enabled or 'fully functional' only. NO WIN7/Vista support. So... this is getting to be a pain in the butt.. as usual.
4) Wait a few more days the BIG show is about to come out with the Consumer Edition Prerelease of WIndows 10. Many rumors exist, but the most persistent is Win10 may finally capitalize on what Win8 started with is the move to SaaS. That is Windows as a OS is meaningless, like it is on your 'Android' or Apple products, all you / me /joe-jane care about are our APPS we have to pay for, so the OS is 'FREE' with the 'device'. As this edition of Windows 10 is supposed to be capable enough to know it is on a Tablet, Laptop, Desktop or Phone, and during installation only put in what is necessary for that device (i.e. NOT installing touch screen METRO interface on a Desktop) so it is plausible that as part of the 'to investor plans to eliminate Windows from the OS' this may be the edition to do so.

 

[USAFRet]

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1. There is little reason to change from a currently running Win 7 install.
As said earlier - for a currently running Win 7 system, there is little reason to change.
For a new system, there is little reason to not go with 8.1.

2. Win 7 will continue on Extended Support until 2020. Security updates, etc.

3. He has a currently running Win 7 system. No issue with looking for non-existent Win 7 drivers for a new Win 8 system.

4. Windows has been seen by consumers to be 'free' for 20 years. Buy a PC...it comes with Windows. You just don't see it as a line item on what you buy. It's there, and you pay for it....but no one notices.