Windows 8.1 to pro upgrade.

[kol12]

Hi. I want to buy Windows 8.1 but can't afford the pro version at this stage. If I buy the pro upgrade later will I have to completely re install or can the features be added?

Also is there a Windows 8.1 trial available for download? All I can find is the Windows 8.1 Enterprise and Windows 10 Enterprise technical but I'm not sure if they would be suitable..

 

[USAFRet]

1. There is little reason to buy Win 8.1 Pro, unless you are in a corporate environment. Performance is identical with regular 8.1
2. There is no 8.1 'trial'
3. You could upgrade to 8.1 Pro later, by just entering the license key....but why? It mostly serves no purpose outside of a corporate environment.

 

[kol12]

So just 8.1 is fine?

 

[JP7PlaysMC]

So just 8.1 is fine?

More than fine actually. What actually gave you the idea of upgrading to Pro, I'm curious.

 

[kol12]

I just thought it might have some features worth having. I've got a new computer and I'm about to install Windows 8.1 but it's a 4 day holiday here and I can't buy a copy from some of the computer retailers. The difference is $150 from the computer retailers and $200 from the Microsoft store.

Could I install one of the Microsoft trials in the mean time or would it be better to forget the price difference and install the full version straight away? I'm installing on to my new ssd that hasn't had anything installed on it yet..

 

[USAFRet]

So just 8.1 is fine?

Yes. Pro just gives extra corporate level features, that you will never, ever use.

 

[USAFRet]

I just thought it might have some features worth having. I've got a new computer and I'm about to install Windows 8.1 but it's a 4 day holiday here and I can't buy a copy from some of the computer retailers. The difference is $150 from the computer retailers and $200 from the Microsoft store.

Could I install one of the Microsoft trials in the mean time or would it be better to forget the price difference and install the full version straight away? I'm installing on to my new ssd that hasn't had anything installed on it yet..

There is no 'trial' except for 8.1 Enterprise. Which you do not want.

 

[kol12]

So it's better to go straight to the full version now?

 

[USAFRet]

So it's better to go straight to the full version now?

Regular Windows 8.1.
Buy, install.

 

[JP7PlaysMC]

So it's better to go straight to the full version now?

Indeed, the reply above says it all.

The only thing I can add is to buy the regular version, not the OEM.

 

[USAFRet]

Whoever told you that you need Windows 8.1 Pro...don't listen to that person again.

Unless of course, you are the CIO and are listening to your senior IT guy, and budgeting dozens of PC's in a corporate network.

 

[kol12]

Is this the regular version?
http://www.microsoftstore.com/store/msnz/en_NZ/pdp/Windows-8.1/productID.288538800?icid=Nav_links_Win_Win8.1

 

[USAFRet]

Is this the regular version?
http://www.microsoftstore.com/store/msnz/en_NZ/pdp/Windows-8.1/productID.288538800?icid=Nav_links_Win_Win8.1

Yes, that will work.