Solved Upgrading To Windows 8.1 Without a Microsoft Account

I am helping to set up a new Toshiba laptop for a friend who only has a gmail account. Is it possible to upgrade to Windows 8.1 without using a Microsoft account?

Kind Regards
Chris

Hello Chris, and welcome to Eight Forums.

No worries. If your friends likes, he/she can use their Gmail address to create a Microsoft account with when setting it up in Windows 8.1.

Microsoft Account - Sign up for and Create - Windows 7 Help Forums

Microsoft accounts - Microsoft Windows

You can use Windows 8.1 without a Microsoft account, and only use a local account. However, if you must be signed in to Windows 8.1 with a Microsoft account to be able to install apps from the Store, and use any apps (ex: SkyDrive, Mail) that use a Microsoft service.

Hope this helps,
Shawn

Hi Chris,

You can link you gmail account to you Microsoft account.


Also With a Product key you will be able to follow this and download a Windows 8.1 ISO:

http://www.eightforums.com/tutorials/18309-windows-8-windows-8-1-iso-download-create.html

From one of the last steps you will be able to choose to download and install from the desktop or you could download and create a bootable USB or DVD

To Create a bootable USB or DVD

http://www.eightforums.com/tutorials/2227-create-bootable-usb-dvd-windows-8-iso.html

From that you can use the boot up media you have created to upgrade you Windows 8 to 8.1


Edit: just noticed Shawn has posted some good information regarding linking your account

Cheers Harry

Thank you very much Brink and Harry. I followed the advice to create the Microsoft account and have successfully upgraded to Windows 8.1.

Kind Regards
Chris

You're most welcome. Glad we could help.