Windows 8 licensing

Janesy B · 2 Dec 2012 at 19:10

I installed Windows 7 Home Premium on my new build using a disk I had already, however I do not want to activate it yet as my other PC is using this licence. If I buy a full copy of Windows 8, can I run upgrade my existing installation to Windows 8 and validate it using the code from the copy I've purchased? I'm sure it will work but I wanted to run it by the forum first in case I'm missing something.

Antar Bolaeisk · 3 Dec 2012 at 12:13

Well, technically your shouldn't as it's in breach of whatever agreements you accept on install. I would say try it and see, I'd imagine it'll probably work.

Note: If it won't activate over the internet ring the number instead and, when asked by the nice microsoft lady, select 1 for number of installs.

the1gooner · 4 Dec 2012 at 18:33

So you want windows 8 on your new build but you want to get away with only paying the upgrade price whilst keeping the windows 7 license you have on another machine?

I would be surprised if it worked and really you shouldnt be doing it.

Good luck though.

gareth170 · 5 Dec 2012 at 10:53

if u buy a windows 8 oem then yes u can keep windows 7 also,

but if u buy a windows 8 upgrade then no u can't keep windows 7

windows 8 oem = is a full standalone license

windows 8 upgrade = is it takes over your previous license.

benjo · 5 Dec 2012 at 10:56

I think Windows 7 needs to be activated before you can run the upgrade assistant? Either way, I bought and upgraded my illegitimate Win7 to Win8 and it worked fine

gareth170 · 5 Dec 2012 at 12:06

benjo said:
I think Windows 7 needs to be activated before you can run the upgrade assistant? Either way, I bought and upgraded my illegitimate Win7 to Win8 and it worked fine

i think yes.

Speed · 5 Dec 2012 at 12:45

Not in my experience, purchased Windows 8 using an clean unactivated Windows 7 install. They might of changed it though.

Janesy B · 17 Dec 2012 at 20:22

the1gooner said:
So you want windows 8 on your new build but you want to get away with only paying the upgrade price whilst keeping the windows 7 license you have on another machine?

I would be surprised if it worked and really you shouldnt be doing it.

Good luck though.

I don't think you really read the OP - I installed with a Retail copy of 7 which I haven't activated and I wanted to just upgrade to Windows 8 using a full Retail licence. Anyway I just bought an OEM copy of 7 and activated it that way, decided against upgrading for the time being.