Windows 8 update to Windows 8.1

[big8]

Is Microsoft still supporting Windows 8.1?

If I recover my desktop to Windows 8, can it still be updated to windows 8.1?

 

[wiganken]

Windows 8.1 will be supported until January 2023. Yes you can update from Windows 8 to 8.1 free and easily. See How to Upgrade to Windows 8.1 and https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/15288/windows-8-update-to-windows-8-1

 

[mrjimphelps]

If you should decide to do a clean install of Windows 8.1, you can activate 8.1 with your 8.0 activation code.

 

[big8]

My device is an oem product and I don‘t have an activation code.

What shall I do?

 

[TrustMe]

If your computer came with Windows 8 or 8.1 the activation code (product key) is stored in the BIOS. Windows will automatically read the key in the BIOS and install the correct version (Core or Pro). It will activate once you go on the internet.

If Windows asks for a product key while it’s being installed, you are using the wrong edition. You have to download the the correct edition that matches your key. If your computer came with Windows 8 Core (Home) and you downloaded Windows 8.1 Core N or Single Language, it will not activate.

The Windows 8.1 iso now accepts Windows 8 Keys. It will activate Windows 8 as long as you downloaded the correct edition of Windows 8.1

If you’re not sure what edition your computer came with, download ShowKeyPlus. It will read the key in the BIOS and show you what edition to download.

ShowKeyPlus - Windows 10 Forums

You can download Windows 8.1 from here.

Download Windows 8.1 Disc Image (ISO File)

 

[mrjimphelps]

My device is an oem product and I don‘t have an activation code.

What shall I do?

Look for a sticker on your computer. It will have the activation code (also called an install key). It will probably have "OEM" somewhere on the sticker.

 

[big8]

In my desktop came with Windows 8, there is no sticker showing activation code, the only Windows related sticker is a small square sticker with "Windiws 8" printed.

The variation might be due to region of sale.

 

[erpster4]

Look for a sticker on your computer. It will have the activation code (also called an install key). It will probably have "OEM" somewhere on the sticker.

no mrjimphelps - that was only true with pre-installed Vista & Win7, which used COA stickers. TrustMe is right - Win8.x OEM keys are embedded in the BIOS and no COA stickers are used with Win8.x & Win10 anymore