What should I do? (problems with activation of license for Windows 8.1)

[yeti_yeti]

For the past few days, I've been completely lost and unable to figure out what to do. I have built my pc 3 months ago. I installed a 90 day trial version of Windows 8.1 on it with a usb stick. The trial ended a week or so, ago and for some reason, I am unable to activate Windows 8.1. The first logical thing I did, when I saw, that my trial has expired, was clocking on PC properties and then "activate windows". This brought me to a windows In settings part, where is said "This version of Windows is expired. Install the latest version to activate". Under it, there was a little Text-Link, saying "Install the latest version of Windows", which opened Windows Store, where it said "Sorry this update isnt availible for your pc or you might be running an edition of Windows, that doesn't support updating from the store". From this point on I have no clue, what to do. It is starting to get really annoying, as my pc shuts off every 30 minutes or so. I guess the smrt thing would be to get Windows 10, however I have no idea, of how I am supposed to approach this situation. Will I need to buy Windows 10 or 8 from Internet? If so, where can I buy them (I live in Germany btw)? Can I upgrade to a free version of Windows 10 and wait 90 more days, before having to purchase license? If I will be upgrading to Windows 10. will I be needing to do anything with my SSD and stuff, that is on it? If yes how do I do it? I would like to apologize straight away for my not-so perfect spelling and my terrible knowledge on the subject. Any help would be greatly appreciated

 

[mbilal2]

You can download an ISO file for windows 10 here: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows10ISO
You can burn it to a disc or make a bootable USB to install it. Once the installation is complete, you will be promoted to enter an activation code. You can buy that from windows' website as well. You won't have to make any changes to your hardware.

You can follow this guide for detailed description:
https://www.howtogeek.com/244678/you-dont-need-a-product-key-to-install-and-use-windows-10/

 

[yeti_yeti]

You can download an ISO file for windows 10 here: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows10ISO
You can burn it to a disc or make a bootable USB to install it. Once the installation is complete, you will be promoted to enter an activation code. You can buy that from windows' website as well. You won't have to make any changes to your hardware.

You can follow this guide for detailed description:
https://www.howtogeek.com/244678/you-dont-need-a-product-key-to-install-and-use-windows-10/

Hey, thanks for helping me bud. I really appreciate.If you dont mind, I've got one quick question regarding activation of the software(windows 10 in this case).
https://www.amazon.de/Microsoft-Windows-10-Pro-64bit/dp/B010S3VOEO/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1501793083&sr=8-1&keywords=windows+10+key what differentiates this 5 euro key an amazon from this https://www.amazon.de/Windows-Home-Bit-Flash-Drive/dp/B010WMQGMQ/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1501793083&sr=8-7&keywords=windows+10+key 90 euor package. Will I be able to actiavate the software using a five euro key?

 

[mbilal2]

The WIN 10 pro provides more functions than the home version. I am not sure why the price is lower (except the fact the key is mailed). Make sure you read the comment for the pro version with the heading "Windows 10 Pro OEM license, easy for professionals, almost impossible for beginners." Other than that I would buy the pro version. If it's a scam, Amazon will reimburse you. Note you might have to wait for the key longer and make sure you download the 64-bit pro version from windows website.

 

[mjslakeridge]

Those cheap license keys are not legitimate. Windows may activate, but eventually Microsoft will discover the code you have is pirated/or purchased with stolen credit cards, and they will de-activate it. Buy the legitimate license key and it will be better in the long term. You might save a few euros buy buying an OEM key, since you are the builder of the computer.

 

[yeti_yeti]

Those cheap license keys are not legitimate. Windows may activate, but eventually Microsoft will discover the code you have is pirated/or purchased with stolen credit cards, and they will de-activate it. Buy the legitimate license key and it will be better in the long term. You might save a few euros buy buying an OEM key, since you are the builder of the computer.

They are sold by Microsoft, or at least thats what it says

 

[yeti_yeti]

The WIN 10 pro provides more functions than the home version. I am not sure why the price is lower (except the fact the key is mailed). Make sure you read the comment for the pro version with the heading "Windows 10 Pro OEM license, easy for professionals, almost impossible for beginners." Other than that I would buy the pro version. If it's a scam, Amazon will reimburse you. Note you might have to wait for the key longer and make sure you download the 64-bit pro version from windows website.

So, tomorrow, Im installing the verision from USB, then purchasing the 90 euro key/usb from amazon, to end up with a licensed version of Windows 10. Have I missed anything?

 

[mjslakeridge]

Just make sure the iso file you download from Microsoft is the same version (Home, Professional) as the license key you purchase from Amazon. I don't know if Windows 10 is even available in 32 bit versions, but a license key will work for either 32 or 64 bit versions. (Earlier this year I switched from Windows 8 Professional 32 bit to Windows 8.1 Professional 64 bit and typed in my license key for Windows 8 Pro 32 bit, and it activated with no issues).

 

[yeti_yeti]

Just make sure the iso file you download from Microsoft is the same version (Home, Professional) as the license key you purchase from Amazon. I don't know if Windows 10 is even available in 32 bit versions, but a license key will work for either 32 or 64 bit versions. (Earlier this year I switched from Windows 8 Professional 32 bit to Windows 8.1 Professional 64 bit and typed in my license key for Windows 8 Pro 32 bit, and it activated with no issues).

Hey man, thansk a lot for taking your time with a clueless noob like me, have a good day

 

[mjslakeridge]

You are welcome! Good luck with your new computer.

 

[James Mason]

They are sold by Microsoft, or at least thats what it says

Actually it doesnt:

 

[Danny_112]

You could also, get in contact with Microsoft support via chat, and they will
activate your Windows installation.
I did it many times for friends etc....

I asked nicely, saying that the installation crashed
they activated it, no charge.

 

[yeti_yeti]

You can download an ISO file for windows 10 here: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows10ISO
You can burn it to a disc or make a bootable USB to install it. Once the installation is complete, you will be promoted to enter an activation code. You can buy that from windows' website as well. You won't have to make any changes to your hardware.

You can follow this guide for detailed description:
https://www.howtogeek.com/244678/you-dont-need-a-product-key-to-install-and-use-windows-10/

I followed your steps and downloaded the "download tool". When I open it, It gives me choice of either upgrading my pc now or creating a bootable USB or DVD, when I click on "upgrade now" it says, "the language or the edition of Windows currently installed on this pc isn't supported by this tool"
Could you help me?

 

[Danny_112]

Make a backup of the files you want to keep, and wipe the partitions.
Install Windows 10 that you downloaded from Microsoft.
Activate with a purchased license code, or via chat with Microsoft themselves like I explained before.

 

[mjslakeridge]

I think you want to create the bootable USB or DVD and do a clean installation of Windows 10. The Media Creation Tool is used just for that. Then go into your BIOS and set the USB drive or CD/DVD drive as the first boot drive and save and exit BIOS. You should then be able to boot to the USB or DVD.