Installed Windows 8 and have some issues.

I had purchased Windows 8 some time ago and finally got around to installing it today. When it finished installing there were only four tiles on the start/metro screen - Desktop, Internet Explorer, File Explorer, and Store and assume there should be more tiles? Also tried to open a PDF file and it advised there was no application and suggested going to the store to download one. If I click on the tile on the start screen nothing happens. If you select to go to the store when it is suggesting downloading an app I get the message shown in the attached screen capture.

I also wondered if I should upgrade to Windows 8.1? It is an older computer and don't know if 8.1 requires more resources and if so would probably leave it at 8. or maybe should go to the new Windows 10 preview? This is not my main computer so if there were some issues it wouldn't be a big issue.

I also have a key for I believe it was media features or add-ons and wondered if I need to install these before I upgrade to 8.1, if in fact I do upgrade or whether they can be added after the upgrade?

There were a couple of other issues that I can't recall right now so will either edit this post or post a follow-up post to address the other issues.

Thank you

I would clean install window 8.1 there is a link in the tutorial to download the ISO, you probably have a better chance of 8.1 working than 8, as long as you have a 8 product Key it will activate 8.1

Yes I have a key purchased from Microsoft. Is it not possible to just upgrade it, although I guess I can't as I can't access the store?

I thought that 8.1 was a free upgrade from 8 but reading one of the stickys seems to contradict that and says the Windows 8 key will not allow an upgrade to 8.1 or am I misreading it? I thought this would be a fairly straightforward thing but apparently not.

Do you have any experience or any recommendations on upgrading to Windows 10?

Thank you

How to download and clean install Windows 8.1 -> link

Note: This Windows 8.1 installation media accepts Windows 8/8.1 product keys, both OEM and retail (for example, "Windows 8 Pro $15/$40 Upgrade Offer" product key).

Click to expand...

jackdup said:

Yes I have a key purchased from Microsoft. Is it not possible to just upgrade it, although I guess I can't as I can't access the store?

I thought that 8.1 was a free upgrade from 8 but reading one of the stickys seems to contradict that and says the Windows 8 key will not allow an upgrade to 8.1 or am I misreading it? I thought this would be a fairly straightforward thing but apparently not.

Do you have any experience or any recommendations on upgrading to Windows 10?

Thank you

Click to expand...

Since you are asking these questions you shouldn't try to install the current versions of Windows 10 it is not ready for ordinary user at this stage. Yes you can upgrade to 8.1 for Free. Better yet you can Clean install Window 8.1with the update for free also. Create installation media for Windows 8.1 - Windows Help

Is it unusual for a person to ask about the stability of a preview or beta version of a new OS before installing it?

jackdup said:

Is it unusual for a person to ask about the stability of a preview or beta version of a new OS before installing it?

Click to expand...

Well yes, its Beta not ready for prime time there working towards Stability to release it as RTM. It's the kind of thing if you have to ask, your probably better off not installing it. At this time they are still not recommending anyone install it as their main OS. For a direct answer to your question Windows 10 Forums