Windows 8.1 key Used on Windows 10

[MrRob0t]

So I've obtained a windows 8.1 key through the Dreamspark's student software program.

I was wondering if I can use that key to activate windows 10 directly, or will I have to upgrade to windows 8.1 from windows 7Ult (which I obtained less legitimately) and then upgrade further to W10?

 

[USAFRet]

So I've obtained a windows 8.1 key through the Dreamspark's student software program.

I was wondering if I can use that key to activate windows 10 directly, or will I have to upgrade to windows 8.1 from windows 7Ult (which I obtained less legitimately) and then upgrade further to W10?

You need to install 8.1, activate it, and then upgrade that.
You don't use the 8.1 key to activate 10, you Upgrade from an existing, valid, activated, installation.

 

[MrRob0t]

Thanks I figured as much, I just wanted to make sure before I trapped myself in a gimped install of Windows 10

 

[USAFRet]

Thanks I figured as much, I just wanted to make sure before I trapped myself in a gimped install of Windows 10

Which would have happened if you tried to use your current Win 7 to upgrade to 10.

Clean install of Win 8.1, then upgrade to 10.