Install RTM Windows 8.1 with OEM Windows 8.0 license key?

10
2014-05
  • sammyg

    I have this HP 655 with Windows 8.0 pre-installed. I want to install the Windows 8.1 mini upgrade. But it's not showing up in Store. I can see updates for various apps, but not what I'm looking for. There is a whole Microsoft support article on this, I know, I've been there, done the reading. As usual (referring to Service Packs) they ask you to get other updates first, but this computer has all the latest updates but still, no Windows 8.1 update is offered.

    Is it really necessary to have a Microsoft account to get Windows 8.1 for free?... Anyway!

    I asked HP to send me a RTM copy of Windows 8.1 but they said they could not do that. I was wondering if i could use the OEM key that came with the computer, get my own hard copy of Windows 8.1 and activate it using the OEM key? Will it blend?....

    Update:

    After scrolling up and down on the Microsoft support page and reading the wall of text, a link popped up on the page that directs to the Store and the Windows 8.1 upgrade (ms-windows-store:WindowsUpgrade). See the screenshot below.

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    If you're having the same problem, I suggest that you try running this line from the Run prompt. See if that brings up the Windows 8.1 upgrade for you. It should take you to the Store and show you the upgrade option and there will be a Download button. You might need to log in with a Microsoft account.

    • Answers
  • William Hilsum

    No, Windows 8 and 8.1 keys are not interchangeable.

    ...That being said, if you have a Windows 8 enable laptop from HP, Windows 8.1 may detect the HP Tags and just activate - I can't say for certain as I haven't had a chance to test.

    Also, you do need a Microsoft account... Also, please check that it is OEM you have and not VLK... If you do have VLK, I wrote a little guide here.


    • Related Question

    How to use Windows 8.1 RTM with 8.0 key?
  • user2154065

    This question already has an answer here:


    • Related Answers
  • Ramhound

    Is it possible to use the Windows 8.1 RTM Build from MSDN with an existing 8.0 Key?

    It is indeed possible but you have to use the generic Windows 8.1 key below to install Windows 8.1 ( i.e. upgrade Windows 8.0 with the installation media ). The Windows 8.1 installer from the ISO does not accept Windows 8 keys. You need to install the system with a generic key and then enter your Windows 8 key after installing.

    Core: 334NH-RXG76-64THK-C7CKG-D3VPT

    Professional: XHQ8N-C3MCJ-RQXB6-WCHYG-C9WKB

    Note to moderators: these are not usable Windows keys. They are embedded in Windows itself as a placeholder default key and do not let you activate.

    If you install the update through the Windows Store this isn't required. If you have Windows 8 Professional with Media Center you can also skip the step of having to basically downgrade to Windows 8 Professional then back to Windows 8.1 Professional With Media Center.

    In order to do this I was force to use a generic license key which are stored on the Windows 8.1 installation media. Once the installation was done I was able to use slmgr.vbs to change my product key to a Windows 8.0 Upgrade license.[Screenshot TBA]

    There have been mixed reports that using a non-generic Windows 8.1 license key in order to install Windows 8.1 will prevent you from using an Windows 8.0 Upgrade license key. Its not clear based on these reports if its possible to get around this state. These same reports indicate that changing a MSDN Windows 8.1 key to a Windows 8.0 MSDN key was possible.

    I suggest waiting until the upgrade can be installed through Windows Store if this is a critical system. Its clear based on the number of steps required to do this that, using a Windows 8.1 installation media, is not the ideal way to upgrade to Windows 8.1.

    I suspect this problem comes from the fact all Windows 8.1 license keys are "full" license keys and not upgrade license keys.