windows 8 or 8.1 is in the recovery usb

[big8]

When the os was upgraded from Windows 8 to Windows 8.1, a recovery usb is made.

Which version of os is stored inside the usb?

 

[genet]

Quote from this post: link

> OPTION ONE <

If you have an OEM PC that came with Windows 8 preinstalled and you updated to Windows 8.1, then when you refresh or reset Windows, it will reinstall Windows 8 from hard drive recovery partition (recovery image location) or from the recovery USB flash drive. Afterwards, you will need to update to Windows 8.1 via the Store again.

Note: Sometimes it happens that after doing the upgrade to Windows 8.1, refresh and reset does not work anymore. Note: But all should be okay if you receive the following screen (see screenshot below) when you select: PC settings > Update and recovery > Recovery > click on the Get started button under the Refresh your PC without affecting your files section.

Note the following text: Go to the Windows Store to reinstall Windows 8.1 and your apps.



> OPTION TWO <

If you don't have an OEM PC that came with Windows 8 preinstalled and you updated Windows 8 to Windows 8.1, then when you refresh or reset Windows, it will reinstall Windows 8.1, but only if you have Windows 8.1 USB/DVD installation media.

Note: You must insert Windows 8.1 USB/DVD installation media. See this link: How to download Windows 8.1 installation media.

If you don't insert any installation media or if you insert Windows 8 USB/DVD installation media, then you receive the following error message: "Insert Media. Some files are missing. Your Windows installation or recovery media will provide these files." (see screenshot below).

 

[big8]

please correct me if I am wrong.

Instead of reinstall Windows 8 then update it to Windows 8.1, I can create a windows 8.1 installation usb, and use it to directly install Windows 8.1 on the computer.

 

[KYHI]

Yes you can install just 8.1 now.. No need to install 8

 

[Saltgrass]

Hopefully you have an 8.1 license lying around if you go that route...