win 8.1 fresh install from previous upgrade?

thenewoc · 20 Jan 2015 at 16:58

As with many people who updated to Windows 8 when it came out from a previous version of Windows, in my case XP Pro retail edition, what is the correct process to achieve a Win 8.1 fresh install?

Can I just use the Windows Media Creation Tool to create W8.1 install and supply it with my existing W8 upgrade key, or does it need something relating to XP too?

lsg1r · 20 Jan 2015 at 18:39

You can just 'reset' windows from advanced settings (right side bar, pc settings, general) without needing the disc's (in most cases). I've just had to do a laptop like this. It will set you back to windows 8 though and then it's about 5gigs of updates to 8.1.

You could also grab an 8.1 iso and start over.

KIA · 20 Jan 2015 at 21:16

thenewoc said:
Can I just use the Windows Media Creation Tool to create W8.1 install and supply it with my existing W8 upgrade key

Yes.

thenewoc · 22 Jan 2015 at 10:57

KIA said:
Yes.

A placeholder key may be required during installation.

Core: 334NH-RXG76-64THK-C7CKG-D3VPT
Pro: XHQ8N-C3MCJ-RQXB6-WCHYG-C9WKB

Thanks for this

When I have the time, I have the media ready now on USB so will give this a try with my W8 Pro Upgrade key first. Hopefully MS know my key has already been validated as a legitimate upgrade from XP without having to chain re-install them all.

ED209 · 22 Jan 2015 at 11:37

thenewoc said:
Thanks for this

When I have the time, I have the media ready now on USB so will give this a try with my W8 Pro Upgrade key first. Hopefully MS know my key has already been validated as a legitimate upgrade from XP without having to chain re-install them all.

yeah, try it with your key first, if it doesn't work use the placeholder key and then change once installed and should be good to go

i used the tool to download 8.1 and then done the same thing which worked using my key

KIA · 22 Jan 2015 at 13:23

thenewoc said:
Thanks for this

When I have the time, I have the media ready now on USB so will give this a try with my W8 Pro Upgrade key first. Hopefully MS know my key has already been validated as a legitimate upgrade from XP without having to chain re-install them all.

Ignore the bit about the placeholder key. It won't be required if you use the latest version of the Media Creation Tool. You should be able to use the upgrade key to activate Windows without any major hassle.