can you use the oem wersion of windows 8 to "upgrade"

jamiehavok · 26 Oct 2012 at 08:59

Hi, it seems this time around there is no full retail version of windows 8 so if you want to install with no os installed you will have to buy the oem version? since i cant be bothered to mess around installing windows 7 every time i install windows 8 i'd like to get an oem version. Only problem is i really cant be bothered reformating to install windows 8 right now so can you also use the oem version as an upgrade? Or am i mistaken and the retail packs will let you install on a system with no os?

Nutella33 · 26 Oct 2012 at 10:43

oem is the old retail now. so thats yes to the first question.

if you want to fresh install you have to use the 80 quid oem version.

the upgrade packs require a preexisting version of windows already on the harddrive and have various offers.

as to using a oem for a upgrade path this once. i would like to think so but its best asking that in the "install" thread where people might be doing it, but i dont think a lot of people will as the upgrade offer is damn cheap so most will be going for that i imagine.

sniperone · 26 Oct 2012 at 10:51

Is there not a registry hack to install the upgrade copy as clean install like windows 7 has ?

kmufc77 · 26 Oct 2012 at 10:51

Nutella33 said:
oem is the old retail now. so thats yes to the first question.

if you want to fresh install you have to use the 80 quid oem version.

the upgrade packs require a preexisting version of windows already on the harddrive and have various offers.

as to using a oem for a upgrade path this once. i would like to think so but its best asking that in the "install" thread where people might be doing it, but i dont think a lot of people will as the upgrade offer is damn cheap so most will be going for that i imagine.

So if you decide to buy the Digital upgrade pack from MS Online for £24.99, do you need to install windows 7 every time you want to do a fresh install of windows 8?

If so, i assume MS let you burn the windows 8 ISO on to a DVD for future resinstall's?

Mr Krugga · 26 Oct 2012 at 10:54

You don't have to install Windows 8 on top of any other system after the initial upgrade, AFAIK. Your key should be fully activated at that point and you should be able to proceed with a normal installation process.

Nutella33 · 26 Oct 2012 at 11:11

Mr Krugga said:
You don't have to install Windows 8 on top of any other system after the initial upgrade, AFAIK. Your key should be fully activated at that point and you should be able to proceed with a normal installation process.

so if you swap a mobo later on you can just go straight into win8? i thought a upgrade license was a upgrade license and thats it, otherwise there would be little point in the oem version no?

If so, i assume MS let you burn the windows 8 ISO on to a DVD for future resinstall's?

yes burning to iso is ideal, they actually charge you more if you want a disc from them.

do you need to install windows 7 every time you want to do a fresh install of windows 8?

thats how i understood it, although it seems like this may be different depending on mr krugga's next answer so i may actually be buying!

jamiehavok · 26 Oct 2012 at 14:28

ok thanks guys just got the upgrade for 25 quid so since i have my windows 7 dvd to hand dont think im that bothered for that price lol! ..and its the pro version!