Key change from 8.1 Embedded Industry Pro to 8.1 Pro

cheeseshake

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3
Hey guys,

I'm running a Dreamspark version of Windows 8.1 Embedded Industry Pro but it seems that this version is not entitled to a free upgrade to 10. I'd like to move to a retail 8.1 Pro and I was just wondering if I'd just be able to use the 'change key' feature without having to reinstall the operating system.

Cheers
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    windows 8.1 embedded industry pro
I did not know Dreamspark provided operating systems, I thought it was apps only. When you choose to upgrade within Windows does it give you the 8.1 Pro option?
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro 64-bit
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Acer V3 771G-6443
    CPU
    i5-3230m
    Motherboard
    Acer VA70_HC (U3E1)
    Memory
    8GB DDR3 PC3-12800 (800 MHz)
    Graphics Card(s)
    HD4000 + GeForce GT 730M
    Sound Card
    Realtek High Definition Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    17" Generic PnP Display on Intel HD Graphics 4000
    Screen Resolution
    1600x900 pixels
    Hard Drives
    Samsung SSD 850 EVO 250 GB
    ADATA SSD SP900 128GB
    PSU
    90 watt brick
    Mouse
    Bluetooth
    Antivirus
    Comodo
    Other Info
    Asus RT-AC56R dual-band WRT router (Merlin firmware). Intel 7260.HMWWB.R dual-band ac wireless adapter.
Thanks for the reply. Dreamspark does indeed offer some OS options.
Unlike retail versions, there's actually no upgrade option in this version of windows, only a 'change product key.' This is on the system information screen.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    windows 8.1 embedded industry pro
I would simply try it and see if it takes. It should reject if not compatible. I don't think it will work as pretty sure it is not up-gradable from what is a student/teacher licence. Will most likely have to fresh install 8.1 Pro.
No word on a 10 Dreamspark being released?
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro 64-bit
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Acer V3 771G-6443
    CPU
    i5-3230m
    Motherboard
    Acer VA70_HC (U3E1)
    Memory
    8GB DDR3 PC3-12800 (800 MHz)
    Graphics Card(s)
    HD4000 + GeForce GT 730M
    Sound Card
    Realtek High Definition Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    17" Generic PnP Display on Intel HD Graphics 4000
    Screen Resolution
    1600x900 pixels
    Hard Drives
    Samsung SSD 850 EVO 250 GB
    ADATA SSD SP900 128GB
    PSU
    90 watt brick
    Mouse
    Bluetooth
    Antivirus
    Comodo
    Other Info
    Asus RT-AC56R dual-band WRT router (Merlin firmware). Intel 7260.HMWWB.R dual-band ac wireless adapter.
Add Features on the System screen is how you would upgrade from 8.1 to 8.1 Pro or add Media Center to 8.1 Pro. I don't think change key will do anything for you. It will be looking for another 8.1 Embedded Industry Pro key and reject anything else. If you have the 8.1 Pro install media, boot from it and see if you get an upgrade option. Running the setup.exe on the install media from your current Windows install is another way to do it. I have my doubts that it will let you upgrade but there is nothing lost in trying. Just click cancel if you don't get an upgrade option.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 10 Education 64 Bit
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Asus
    CPU
    AMD Phenom II X4 980 Black Edition Deneb 3.7GHz
    Motherboard
    ASUS M4N68T-M V2 µATX Motherboard
    Memory
    8GB 4GBx2 Kingston PC10600 DDR3 1333 Memory
    Graphics Card(s)
    NVIDIA Geforce GT640 2 Gig DDR3 PCIe
    Sound Card
    VIA VT1708s High Definition Audio 8-channel Onboard
    Monitor(s) Displays
    22" LG E2242 1080p and 2 19" I-INC AG191D
    Screen Resolution
    1280x1024 - 1920x1080 - 1280x1024
    Hard Drives
    Crucial MX100 256 GB SSD and 500 GB WD Blue SATA
    PSU
    Thermaltake TR 620
    Case
    Power Up Black ATX Mid-Tower Case
    Cooling
    Stock heatsink fan
    Keyboard
    Logitech Wireless K350 Wave
    Mouse
    Logitech M570 Trackball and T650 TouchPad
    Internet Speed
    80 Mbps Down 30 Mbps Up
    Browser
    Internet Explorer 11
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
    Other Info
    HP DVD1040e Lightscribe - External USB2
No word on a 10 Dreamspark being released?
Nothing from Microsoft yet. I've been holding off on getting a retail 8.1 pro for this reason, but I think I'll just go ahead and get one to avoid future hassles.

. If you have the 8.1 Pro install media, boot from it and see if you get an upgrade option. Running the setup.exe on the install media from your current Windows install is another way to do it. I have my doubts that it will let you upgrade but there is nothing lost in trying. Just click cancel if you don't get an upgrade option.

Thanks for that. I'll prep a boot usb later on this week and give it a shot.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    windows 8.1 embedded industry pro
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