Windows 8.1 Full Retail version over Windows 8

refg5r4

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I purchased a full retail version of Windows 8.1 that comes on 32-bit and 64-bit DVD's. Will the retail version still ask for the Windows 8.1 product key when installing from the Windows 8 desktop? Does the retail version check for the BIOS embedded product key before asking for the product key?
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1
Hello Keith,

The Windows 8.1 installation will detect the Windows 8 product key embedded in your UEFI/BIOS firmware, but it will be determined as invalid since it's a Windows 8 product key and not a retail Windows 8.1 product key.

You will then be prompted as usual to enter your Windows 8.1 product key like in step 4 below.

http://www.eightforums.com/tutorials/2299-clean-install-windows-8-a.html

Hope this helps, :)
Shawn
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    64-bit Windows 10
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Custom self built
    CPU
    Intel i7-8700K OC'd to 5 GHz
    Motherboard
    ASUS ROG Maximus XI Formula Z390
    Memory
    64 GB (4x16GB) G.SKILL TridentZ RGB DDR4 3600 MHz (F4-3600C18D-32GTZR)
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS ROG-STRIX-GTX1080TI-O11G-GAMING
    Sound Card
    Integrated Digital Audio (S/PDIF)
    Monitor(s) Displays
    2 x Samsung Odyssey G7 27"
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    1TB Samsung 990 PRO M.2,
    4TB Samsung 990 PRO PRO M.2,
    8TB WD MyCloudEX2Ultra NAS
    PSU
    OCZ Series Gold OCZZ1000M 1000W
    Case
    Thermaltake Core P3
    Cooling
    Corsair Hydro H115i
    Keyboard
    Logitech wireless K800
    Mouse
    Logitech MX Master 3
    Internet Speed
    1 Gb/s Download and 35 Mb/s Upload
    Browser
    Internet Explorer 11
    Antivirus
    Malwarebyte Anti-Malware Premium
    Other Info
    Logitech Z625 speaker system,
    Logitech BRIO 4K Pro webcam,
    HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M477fdn,
    APC SMART-UPS RT 1000 XL - SURT1000XLI,
    Galaxy S23 Plus phone
I am sorry to ask, but since you say you have a bios embedded key, you must have an OEM install. Are the OEM's not offering you an update through their resources?

When I updated using the RTM, I had to supply the Windows 8 key and and the Media Center Key. When I installed through the Windows Store, it knew I had Windows 8 with Media center and never asked for a key.

It seems as far as Windows 8 vs. 8.1, Microsoft is treating it as a new OS. Too bad they did not put it our as a SP, as was done with Windows 7. Of course, maybe Windows 8 is to Windows 8.1 as Vista was to Windows 7.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 x64
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Home Grown
    CPU
    i7 3770K
    Motherboard
    ASUS P8Z77 -v Pro, Z87-Expert
    Memory
    16 G
    Graphics Card(s)
    EVGA GTX 680 Classified (2)
    Hard Drives
    Kingston SSD 240 GB
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