Setting up Windows 8.1 upgrade on a fresh system
Setting up Windows 8.1 upgrade on a fresh system
You're facing a common issue when upgrading systems. Since you're only upgrading rather than installing Windows 8.1, you should be able to use the product key on your new computer. The student version you purchased for $70 might still work if it's compatible with your hardware and the upgrade path is supported. Check the system requirements and confirm compatibility before proceeding. If unsure, contact Microsoft support for guidance.
You're looking to skip the hassle of setting up the outdated Windows version. Starting with Windows 7, Microsoft now offers an option to perform a clean installation using an upgrade disk, perfect for replacing your HDD/SSD or switching devices. Begin by installing Windows 8.1 as you normally would for a complete setup. After completion, activation may fail—this is normal. Access the registry via Start > Type: Regedit > Enter, then go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE/Software/Microsoft/Windows/CurrentVersion/Setup/OOBE/. In the center panel, locate MediaBootInstall and change its value from 1 to 0. This signals Windows that an older version was present. Next, refresh the activation system by opening Command Prompt as administrator (Win+X > Command Prompt (Admin)) and executing slmgr /rearm. You should see a confirmation shortly. Once done, your activation should function properly. Happy computing!
I already solved it but appreciate your assistance. I simply used the windowssetupbox tool, inputted my product, and made a bootable USB.