I'm going to buy Windows 8 pro and...

Venom1991

Venom1991

Venom1991

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... I've seen, (not on this site), Windows 8 Pro x64 and Windows 8.1 Pro x64 for radically different prices.

I want 8.1 as it's newer, and presumably better, and etc etc etc. And after a quick google search found out that you can upgrade from 8 to 8.1 for free with the regular windows updates. My question is, why is it possible to buy both? What is the advantage of buying 8.1 for a lot more (£70-ish) when 8 can be upgraded after installing? Why release 8.1 for sale at all?

So is there an advantage to buying 8.1 that I'm not seeing, or should I just get 8?
 
Advantage starts and ends with to install 8.1 from 8 you have to install windows run all updates then install 8.1 from the store as you cant install 8.1 directly from an 8 key. So buying 8.1 will save you some time and bandwidth but that's it I think.
 
You can install 8.1 using a placeholder key and then activate using you legit Win 8 key.

You do not install 8 then update to 8.1 ideally as a clean install is best and in a few days Win 8.1 Update 1 will be out to public with .ISO's to follow.
 
Venom1991 said:
... I've seen, (not on this site), Windows 8 Pro x64 and Windows 8.1 Pro x64 for radically different prices.

I want 8.1 as it's newer, and presumably better, and etc etc etc. And after a quick google search found out that you can upgrade from 8 to 8.1 for free with the regular windows updates. My question is, why is it possible to buy both? What is the advantage of buying 8.1 for a lot more (£70-ish) when 8 can be upgraded after installing? Why release 8.1 for sale at all?

So is there an advantage to buying 8.1 that I'm not seeing, or should I just get 8?
Click to expand...


Probably old stock of Win8 left,yes you can upgrade to 8.1 for free via 8 (like most of us have).

I guess the main advantage of buying Win8.1 its a cleaner install so less chance of issues that a few may have from going via Win8 to 8.1 upgrade path.

Either will get you to Win8.1 so your call end of the day.
 
jh30uk said:
You can install 8.1 using a placeholder key and then activate using you legit Win 8 key.

You do not install 8 then update to 8.1 ideally as a clean install is best and in a few days Win 8.1 Update 1 will be out to public with .ISO's to follow.
Click to expand...


That's what I did when my HD died on my Win8, I grabbed a Win8.1 ISO and installed it on my new HD with the placeholder key,then use my purchased upgrade Win8 key to activate it,no issues for myself doing it this way.
 
@ OP buy the cheapest you can find, wait a week or so, grab a Win 8.1 Update 1 .ISO and install it with placeholder key then activate with your own key.
 
windows 8 pro upgrade costs around 60 quid and you must have an xp/vista/7 license to qualify. also, you cannot then use that xp/vista/7 license for anything else. it's "spent".

with 8.1, there is no upgrade option. you can only buy a full version and there is no discount if you have an earlier version of windows. this is roughly 75 for 8.1 standard or 100ish for 8.1pro.

as mentioned above, if you buy the 8pro upgrade, just use the 8.1 ISO to install. all you want from the 8pro package is the key.
 
+1 to buying the 8 key and using an 8.1 ISO, it's the cheapest way yet also allowing you to do a fresh install without any possible problems an upgrade might bring.
 
Well thanks everyone, I think I've got my answer. Although as I've never done that process before, could you tell me how to do that install of win 8.1 Pro .ISO, or win 8.1 Pro update 1 .ISO (when it comes out)?

I've burned an .ISO to, and installed from a disk before (Linux), but where do I get the 8.1 Pro .ISO and placeholder key? And when during the installation would I need to use that placeholder key?
 
I will help you when a Win 8.1 Update 1 appears to public, no point in installing clean to then update again.

There are leaks but not allowed to discuss.
 
Venom1991 said:
Well thanks everyone, I think I've got my answer. Although as I've never done that process before, could you tell me how to do that install of win 8.1 Pro .ISO, or win 8.1 Pro update 1 .ISO (when it comes out)?

I've burned an .ISO to, and installed from a disk before (Linux), but where do I get the 8.1 Pro .ISO and placeholder key? And when during the installation would I need to use that placeholder key?
Click to expand...

Placeholder keys you use when you install from the ISO/DVD near start it will tell you,once W8.1 fully installed you then change the key with your legit purchased one for activation ie click on "System" as in the one in Control Panel, one that says "change product key".

Windows 8.1 Generic Placeholder keys(for installation only,not activation).

Core(non Pro): 334NH-RXG76-64THK-C7CKG-D3VPT

Professional: XHQ8N-C3MCJ-RQXB6-WCHYG-C9WKB
 
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