How to install windows 8.1 on new PC

omminnoremac · 4 Dec 2013 at 21:07

Microsoft seem to have completely forgotten about people who want to build their own computer, and have not made clear if the 'full version' of windows 8.1 (http://www.microsoftstore.com/store/msuk/en_GB/pdp/productID.288532600) can be installed on a computer with no operating system.

I do not want to use the OEM version, as I hear this locks to your motherboard, correct me if I'm wrong!

Another thing, there is no option on the 'full version', between 32 and 64 bit. Are both versions included on the disk?

Thanks!

Orcvader · 4 Dec 2013 at 22:18

omminnoremac said:
I do not want to use the OEM version, as I hear this locks to your motherboard, correct me if I'm wrong!

Starting with 8, OEM is the same as retail, nothing gets locked down. Hence I would just buy the OEM version from OcUK as it's cheaper.

linktoinsanity · 5 Dec 2013 at 10:32

Orcvader said:
Starting with 8, OEM is the same as retail, nothing gets locked down. Hence I would just buy the OEM version from OcUK as it's cheaper.

This. It was that case with Windows 7 and before that OEM was tied to the motherboard, but not anymore.

omminnoremac · 5 Dec 2013 at 22:44

Thanks to both of you for the help!

elJarmen · 6 Dec 2013 at 09:53

I could confirm the full version installs on a computer with no OS and that it includes both 32 and 64 bit. I just installed it last night on my new rig

Kobi · 6 Dec 2013 at 11:01

Wait so oem versions aren't locked to the motherboard??

robinbredin · 6 Dec 2013 at 13:26

Dell and others no longer supply win 8.1 disc's with their systems, so OcuK versions can be loaded onto a new rig.

demonix · 6 Dec 2013 at 15:52

Kobi said:
Wait so oem versions aren't locked to the motherboard??

Only with 8 and 8.1 (as has already been mentioned) as MS scrapped retail versions starting with windows 8, but the windows 7 OEMs will still lock to the motherboard.

Kobi · 6 Dec 2013 at 22:50

demonix said:
Only with 8 and 8.1 (as has already been mentioned) as MS scrapped retail versions starting with windows 8, but the windows 7 OEMs will still lock to the motherboard.

That's good to know, cheers. Just bought windows 7 earlier in the year. But with a recent upgrade I had to go 8.1.