Solved Is there such a thing as an "In Place Upgrade" from W7 to W8.1?

[Mike Lynch]

If so, where is it available and how expensive is it?

 

[Brink]

Hello Mike, and welcome to Eight Forums.

If you like, you can still upgrade to Windows 10 for free without losing anything unless noted as a compatibility issue during the checking phase. If any compatibility issues are found, you will have the chance to cancel Windows Setup at this point before starting to install Windows 10.

Upgrade to Windows 10 from Windows 7 for Free

 

[Bree]

Yes, you can do an in-place upgrade from W7 to W8.1 but unlike the upgrade to W10 it is not free. You will need to use a valid W8.1 key. not sure where you could buy one now....

 

[Mike Lynch]

Thank you for your feedback.

 

[Mike Lynch]

I have found a Site to purchase W-8.0 and a Key from.
I have not found a Site to purchase W-8.1 and a Key from.
If what I have read is correct and I understand it correctly, W-8.1 with a Key is only available from Microsoft.
Is this correct?

 

[Bree]

I have found a Site to purchase W-8.0 and a Key from.
I have not found a Site to purchase W-8.1 and a Key from.

The update from W8.0 to W8.1 is free.

Windows 8.1 - Update to from Windows 8

 

[Slavic]

As far as I know (and saw in practice) the direct upgrade from Windows 7 to 8.1 isn't possible, you will have only an option to keep all user files, but not any program. To upgrade to 8.1 with keeping all software, need to use the intermediate upgrade to Windows 8.0, after that 8.0 to 8.1 is in-place upgrade without any loss. If you don't worry about installed programs, upgrade to 8.1 (which technically is a clear install with keeping %userprofile%) is the best choice. Otherwise you have two options: upgrade from 8.0 to 8.1 using ISO image / DVD or via Microsoft Store. I suggest to use ISO because Store upgrade requires preliminary installation of many 8.0 updates, which in fact are excessive and only take a lot of time.

So, the best option if you need to keep all is to upgrade to 8.0 directly using DVD or ISO and then to 8.1 the same way. Windows 8.1 image still can be downloaded from MS server, but 8.0 image is no longer available. You have to acquire DVD or look for ISO on the other websites, which isn't a simple task. However, some retail stores still can sell the outdated and unsupported Windows 8.0 DVD with the key, which is also good for 8.1. And it may be relatively cheap, esp. the upgrade version.

As for a key, it's possible to install 8.0 and 8.1 with a temporary non-suitable for retail activation key, like a KMS key, and then change it to a real retail key. Anyway the process will take less than 3 days, so non-activated system shouldn't be a problem

 

[Mike Lynch]

I found a Full Retail Version of Windows 8.1 online and ordered it.
It should arrive in about a week.

 

[erpster4]

although a non-activated Win8.0/8.1 system will not allow Personalization options (these are grayed out until properly activated with a legit key) and a watermark appears on the lower right hand corner of the screen

but Slavic has hit the most valid points about upgrading directly from Win7 to Win8.1

 

[Mike Lynch]

Does the Upgrade to Windows-8.1 provide any listing of what Programs will need to be reinstalled?

 

[Mike Lynch]

I am still unsure of how to do an In Place Upgrade from 7 Pro 64 to 8.1 Pro 64.
From the response I have received, I believe I should do the following:

1.) Use 8.0 Pro 64 to do an In Place Upgrade from 7 Pro 64 to 8.0 Pro 64.
2.) Use 8.1 Pro 64 to do an In Place Upgrade from 8.0 Pro 64 to 8.1 Pro 64.

I ordered 8.0 Pro 64 and it is due to arrive 01/13/2020.
I understand 8.1 Pro 64 is available from MS as a free download.

The need for an In Place Upgrade is most important to me.
Is my understanding of the process correct?

Thanks again for all the Feedback!

 

[Brink]

Hello Mike,

Correct, you can upgrade from Windows 7 to Windows 8 without losing anything.

Upgrade Install to Windows 8 or Windows 8.1

Afterwards, you can just update from Windows 8 to 8.1 via Windows update without losing anything.

 

[Mike Lynch]

Looks like I goofed!

I thought I could do an In Place Upgrade from 7 Pro 64 to 8.0 Pro 64.
The fine print appears to say otherwise.
I tried to go to the Site indicated however, it appears not to exist any more.
Does anyone read what the Packaging indicates any differently?

Please see the Attached Scan.

 

[Brink]

You could create a system image backup first to be safe, then go ahead and try upgrading to see if it may let you.

 

[Mike Lynch]

Brink,

I followed your advice and it allowed me to do an In Place Upgrade from W7 Pro 64B to W8.0 Pro 64B .

Thank you!

I will now attempt to do an In Place Upgrade from W8 Pro 64B to W8.1 Pro 64B.

 

[Mike Lynch]

Before down loading 8.1 , 8.0 wanted to apply some Updates.

I agreed and off it went, downloading and restarting several times.

Then, it said it was Restarting but has been 'restarting for about 18 hours now.'

I do not mean constantly restart over and over for 18 hours.

I mean that for 18 hours it hasn't completed a single restart, just the wheel going round and round.

Is this normal?

 

[Brink]

That is a lot longer than normal.

You could try restarting the computer to see if it may pick up where it left off, or may start over with the update.

 

[Mike Lynch]

Would I unplug the power to stop the Restart?
The screen only shows the word Restarting and the spinning dots.

 

[Brink]

You should be able to do a hard reboot by pressing and holding the power button until the computer powers off, then press and release the power button to power up.

 

[Mike Lynch]

I will give that a try.