How Do You Update "Win 8 OEM Update" To 8.1

Marzipanogram · 27 Oct 2013 at 21:23

How Do You Update "Win 8 OEM Update" To 8.1 --- ** SOLVED **

Like a few people, I bought the Win8 OEM Update from MS when it was released. Because it was cheap.
But now I can't figure out how to update to 8.1

I've got the ISO file from MS (my key worked), I've burnt it to disk, but can't clean install or perform an update via the disk within Windows, my key isn't recognised.

If I search The Store (nothing in the Update section) or the standard Windows Update, I can't find any mention about 8.1.

I have altered some hardware since I originally installed Windows, but I'm usually not connected to the internet at the time of trying to upgrade, so I don't think it's being rejected because of that.

Thank you for any advice.

Edit: Sorted, please see post 14

Marzipanogram · 29 Oct 2013 at 09:05

Knock knock, anyone there ?

bad_ass_neil · 29 Oct 2013 at 09:51

you may not be able to. one thing that i never saw during all the 8.1 stuff was its not available as a free upgrade from volume licence customers. Just normal users, this may be the same for OEM upgrade as well.

you would have thought it would just be a simple anyone who has 8 can get 8.1 BUT noooo not microsoft.

oll3h · 29 Oct 2013 at 10:00

Should be on the windows store at least that's where I got mine from.

ukpete · 29 Oct 2013 at 11:04

I installed 8.1 from windows store yesterday, the option was there.
Have you tried going through action centre/get more features for windows? That might be an option.

Marzipanogram · 29 Oct 2013 at 11:35

Thank you very much for all the replies and advice.

I've just checked again at The Store, Action Centre and Win Update.
Jack Shizzle is showing up.

I think Neil is correct so far.

demonix · 30 Oct 2013 at 13:32

If you purchased the upgrade when it was released, then you should qualify for the upgrade to 8.1

Have you installed all the updates for windows 8 as there is one that must be installed before you can see the upgrade option in the store (it can be temperamental at times and not show the update information in the store even with the required update installed, but closing the store and opening it again might get it going).

ShakenNstirred · 30 Oct 2013 at 15:15

Do a search for one of MS win 8.1 install keys, use that to install it then change it to you're key after.
That's what I did

Posted from Overclockers.co.uk App for Android

Marzipanogram · 30 Oct 2013 at 17:00

demonix said:
If you purchased the upgrade when it was released, then you should qualify for the upgrade to 8.1

Have you installed all the updates for windows 8 as there is one that must be installed before you can see the upgrade option in the store (it can be temperamental at times and not show the update information in the store even with the required update installed, but closing the store and opening it again might get it going).

No I haven't downloaded all the updates.
The last time I updated was last year.
I don't usually bother with the updates, because they usually fail to install and most updates seem to fix all the crappy MS software (IE & Defender etc) which I'm not using.
I don't suppose you know which is "the one" ?

ShakenNstirred said:
Do a search for one of MS win 8.1 install keys, use that to install it then change it to you're key after.
That's what I did

Posted from Overclockers.co.uk App for Android

I have since installed 8.1 as a clean install on a separate drive (using another key), but I couldn't figure out how to change the serial back to my own.

I used the CMD prompt as Admin, then typed:
SLUI 3
But, when the box appeared to enter my own key, it didn't like my key.

Sighn · 31 Oct 2013 at 04:50

You can try this download link though I'm not sure what the case will be if your operating system isn't up to date:

ms-windows-store:WindowsUpgrade

copy paste into browser in order to update from Windows 8.0.

spoffle · 31 Oct 2013 at 05:22

Marzipanogram said:
Thank you very much for all the replies and advice.

I've just checked again at The Store, Action Centre and Win Update.
Jack Shizzle is showing up.

I think Neil is correct so far.

It's simply unavailable yet, rather than not at all.

ShakenNstirred · 31 Oct 2013 at 06:00

to change it to your key after install go to control panel/system
on the page that use to have your windows index score and its now just basic info, at the bottom of the page it has a link to change your key

Marzipanogram · 31 Oct 2013 at 14:44

Thanks for the extra suggestions.
But, still no luck, with the link or changing the key (there's nothing to click to change the key).

Marzipanogram · 31 Oct 2013 at 20:18

Just to update. I've got it working. A clean 8.1 install and activation using my OEM key

I managed to change the install key to my own by doing the following:

Open CMD (as admin)
Type the following into the dialog box:
slmgr.vbs -ipk <enter your key here, with the dashes between the numbers>

i.e. slmgr.vbs -ipk 12345-12345-12345-12345-12345

Then to activate Windows, connect to the internet and type the following into the same dialogue box:
slmr.vbs -ato

Hopefully it'll work for you too

ICEx21 · 2 Nov 2013 at 12:35

From reading your posts am I correct in thinking that you:

a) Have a windows 8 oem key

b) managed to do a fresh install of windows 8.1 using a generic key (if so which key?)

c) managed to change your generic key and activate windows 8.1 with your windows 8 oem key

The reason I'm asking is because I need to do a fresh install on a new ssd drive and I have a windows 8 oem key, but I'd rather just do a fresh install of windows 8.1 if possible.
This seems like the most clear cut way for me so would just like to confirm everything was ok on your end before I attempt it myself.

Marzipanogram · 2 Nov 2013 at 13:28

ICEx21 said:
From reading your posts am I correct in thinking that you:

a) Have a windows 8 oem key

b) managed to do a fresh install of windows 8.1 using a generic key (if so which key?)

c) managed to change your generic key and activate windows 8.1 with your windows 8 oem key

The reason I'm asking is because I need to do a fresh install on a new ssd drive and I have a windows 8 oem key, but I'd rather just do a fresh install of windows 8.1 if possible.
This seems like the most clear cut way for me so would just like to confirm everything was ok on your end before I attempt it myself.

Yes to all. All worked perfectly.
I used this key to install it: XHQ8N-C3MCJ-RQXB6-WCHYG-C9WKB
(which I saw posted here http://forums.overclockers.co.uk/showpost.php?p=25149335&postcount=17 they forgot to add the B at the end).

demonix · 2 Nov 2013 at 15:02

Marzipanogram said:
No I haven't downloaded all the updates.
The last time I updated was last year.
I don't usually bother with the updates, because they usually fail to install and most updates seem to fix all the crappy MS software (IE & Defender etc) which I'm not using.
I don't suppose you know which is "the one" ?

KB2871389.

Link to the information

Marzipanogram · 3 Nov 2013 at 13:25

demonix said:
KB2871389.

Link to the information

Thanks for the info

ICEx21 · 3 Nov 2013 at 14:28

Well I attempted to swap my hard drive over to an ssd drive this morning and I started off with trying to download the ISO file first, only to find out my OEM key doesn't allow me to download the iso file.
I may just have to install Windows 8 first and then go through the upgrade option.

VaderDSL · 3 Nov 2013 at 19:30

Just done this myself.

To download the 8.1 ISO I :

Followed This in order to get the ISO downloaded and onto a USB flash disk.
I started the 8.1 installer and used the 8.1 Generic key, which you can search for. This allowed me to proceed and activate with my Windows 8 key once the install was completed.

All went through without a problem.