Windows 8.1 licensing question

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dpw

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#133908 7-Nov-2013 15:45

I'm on this forum because I have no idea where to start elsewhere. I am finally returning into the lap of Microsoft, after 7 years of being a Mac user. Having just taken delivery of my brand new Dell XPS 15 I noticed I only have Win 8.1, not the Pro version. Since I have a BizSpark subscription I tried to use the Win 8.1 Pro key I have to upgrade it to 8.1 Pro, first by changing the Product Key through the CP > System > Change Product Key screen, then through the "Add features to 8.1" screen. Both report my key as invalid.

Is this a licensing issue? When I had a VM on my Mac I was able to go from 8.1 to 8.1 Pro using the "Add features to 8.1" screen and my BizSpark key. What's different here?

Cheers,
D.

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nathan

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#928904 7-Nov-2013 16:33

Upgrade Windows 8.1 to 8.1 Pro uses a different key

if you don't have that key through your license, why don't you fresh install 8.1 Pro and use the key you have

jaymz

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#928914 7-Nov-2013 16:38

Awesome, i have just been through this exact process!

What you need to purchase in order to change Windows 8 to Pro is the Windows 8 Pro Pack.

This is not a windows 8 pro license, rather a upgrade pack license.

If you have a full windows 8 pro license it will not work to upgrade it using the add features to windows option, you only option is a fresh install.

dpw

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#929044 7-Nov-2013 19:48

nathan: Upgrade Windows 8.1 to 8.1 Pro uses a different key

if you don't have that key through your license, why don't you fresh install 8.1 Pro and use the key you have

I had a look at the number of drivers I need to download... it's huge!! I may go down that path yet.

Is there an upgrade path I can follow?

Android user, software developer, a semi-typical (not a gamer) geek, and a Bernese Mountain Dog nut!

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nathan

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#929045 7-Nov-2013 19:52

dpw:
nathan: Upgrade Windows 8.1 to 8.1 Pro uses a different key

if you don't have that key through your license, why don't you fresh install 8.1 Pro and use the key you have

I had a look at the number of drivers I need to download... it's huge!! I may go down that path yet.

Is there an upgrade path I can follow?

You can upgrade 8 to 8.1 from the Store

To upgrade to Pro you'll need a Pro upgrade key

No idea sorry if your Bizspark or whatever licensing programme has that key

dpw

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#929050 7-Nov-2013 20:04

nathan:
dpw:
nathan: Upgrade Windows 8.1 to 8.1 Pro uses a different key

if you don't have that key through your license, why don't you fresh install 8.1 Pro and use the key you have

I had a look at the number of drivers I need to download... it's huge!! I may go down that path yet.

Is there an upgrade path I can follow?

You can upgrade 8 to 8.1 from the Store

To upgrade to Pro you'll need a Pro upgrade key

No idea sorry if your Bizspark or whatever licensing programme has that key

I just had a look at the cost of the upgrade pack - yikes! I think I'm better off installing from scratch with my BizSpark product key. And no, I can't see an upgrade key in my subscription.

Thanks everyone.

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dpw

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#929280 8-Nov-2013 10:42

Ok, so I'm trying to install a new copy from scratch. The trouble is I'm not getting asked for a new key! I have even reformatted the main partition with no such luck. I am using the same Microsoft account to sign in, is that details somehow stored against that account? This is very frustrating - installing an OS should not be this difficult. I am going to try setting up with only a local account.

Boy oh boy... right now I'm really missing the simple world of OSX...

EDIT: It seems I can actually use my 8.1 Pro key in the "Add features" option since I installed from scratch using a download from my MSDN subs. Nothing to do with having a Microsoft account or not. The joys and intricacies of Microsoft licensing...

Android user, software developer, a semi-typical (not a gamer) geek, and a Bernese Mountain Dog nut!

http://savitarbernese.com | https://nz.linkedin.com/in/danywu