Win 8 Enterprise upgrade?

Wayn0r · 22 Feb 2013 at 11:11

I picked up a copy of windows 8 enterprise from a work colleague to try.

Basic question is, do I have to format/start again with my new legit windows 8 pro key or is there a way around this?

marc2003 · 22 Feb 2013 at 11:39

you'll have to do a new clean install.

paradigm · 22 Feb 2013 at 11:41

Why not just install Pro without a key and use the grace period?

Wayn0r · 22 Feb 2013 at 11:42

The enterprise im on currently, grace period is almost complete. Hence the need to get it running properly! Just adding in a key would have been ideal but it seems that cant be done :/

zakblood · 22 Feb 2013 at 11:59

correct, you can't add a pro key to get a enterprise copy working, only option is to either buy one, or fresh install and use your own bought key

as enterprise is corp version, you can buy a key mind you, but the price may put you off

Wayn0r · 22 Feb 2013 at 12:09

thats fine thanks guys, i dont mind much doing the fresh install, just would rather have not had to

paradigm · 22 Feb 2013 at 14:09

It would appear that with a quick registry hack, you can happily do an "in place upgrade" install from the Professional DVD over the top of an Enterprise install.

HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion

EditionID needs to be changed to Professional

ProductName needs to be changed to Windows 8 Professional

I've just tried it in a VM.

Granted, it's not as quick as just using your product key to activate the Enterprise install, but it will at least keep apps/settings/etc so that you don't have to faff around doing everything else again!