Windows 8 Pro Key not working in Windows 8.1?
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So I downloaded the Install for windows 8.1 Pro and it opened up but when I enter the key I got from the $14 thing way back when MS was offering it I get a messages that says this product key didn't work. Check it and try again. So Do I have to install windows 8 and then Windows 8.1? or what. Seems like a windows 8 key should work fine.
I'm using the ones on this page: http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-8/upgrade-product-key-only
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Looks like the only official path is to install windows 8, then upgrade to 8.1 using the store. That's kinda lame.
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MS did put out completely new keys for Windows 8.1, so I'm not surprised you have to start from 8.0 and upgrade.
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@Dashrender Wonder why? It's suppose to be just like a service pack update. Guess it keeps the cracks down some.
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@thecreativeone91 said:
Looks like the only official path is to install windows 8, then upgrade to 8.1 using the store. That's kinda lame.
Yes and I hated the store update...in theory, a good idea but man, it was a chore...and SLOW!
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8 and 8.1 are like Vista and 7. I would be really surprised if an 8 key would work on 8.1.
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@scottalanmiller said:
8 and 8.1 are like Vista and 7. I would be really surprised if an 8 key would work on 8.1.
Agreed, it's a service pack only in name - I think there are some pretty huge under the hood changes, yet another reason for the key change.
We'll have the same issue most likely if MS decides to give Windows 9 away.
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@Dashrender said:
@scottalanmiller said:
8 and 8.1 are like Vista and 7. I would be really surprised if an 8 key would work on 8.1.
Agreed, it's a service pack only in name - I think there are some pretty huge under the hood changes, yet another reason for the key change.
Not a service pack in name either. Even the name is a full, new name.
Windows 8 SP1 is the service pack. 8.1 is the next generation OS.
Under the good it went from 6.2 to 6.3 as well. Same difference as Vista to 7.
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@scottalanmiller It must not be completely a new OS it makes you download all the the windows 8 updates before you can upgrade to windows 8.1. If it was a completely separate OS the windows 8 updates wouldn't even matter.
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@thecreativeone91 said:
@scottalanmiller It must not be completely a new OS it makes you download all the the windows 8 updates before you can upgrade to windows 8.1. If it was a completely separate OS the windows 8 updates wouldn't even matter.
That's for the upgrade process, not an install.
It truly is its own OS. It's on par with Vista, 7 and 8.
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@scottalanmiller said:
@thecreativeone91 said:
@scottalanmiller It must not be completely a new OS it makes you download all the the windows 8 updates before you can upgrade to windows 8.1. If it was a completely separate OS the windows 8 updates wouldn't even matter.
That's for the upgrade process, not an install.
It truly is its own OS. It's on par with Vista, 7 and 8.
I have to give @scottalanmiller this one. Since it moved from 6.2 to 6.3 like Vista 6.0 to Windows 7 6.1, it's a full new OS.
As Scott said, MS just required you install all the Windows 8.0 updates before upgrading probably to ensure software programs had fewer issues, than the OS itself getting upgraded.
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@thecreativeone91 said:
So I downloaded the Install for windows 8.1 Pro and it opened up but when I enter the key I got from the $14 thing way back when MS was offering it I get a messages that says this product key didn't work. Check it and try again. So Do I have to install windows 8 and then Windows 8.1? or what. Seems like a windows 8 key should work fine.
I'm using the ones on this page: http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-8/upgrade-product-key-only
Install 8 first. Something about it will make it take the key. Mine wouldn't take the Windows 8 Pro key until I upgraded to 8.1 though. Really freaking weird...