Upgrade to Windows 8.1 Pro or revert to a previous version if needed.
Upgrade to Windows 8.1 Pro or revert to a previous version if needed.
Hi everyone, I have a Windows 8 Home laptop and a Windows 8 Pro license from when it first came out. I upgraded to Pro using that key, but now I’m planning to build a gaming PC. To save money, I’m considering keeping the original OEM key on the laptop while using the Pro key for the upgrade. Would it be feasible to get two Windows 10 upgrades with this setup? Thanks in advance, Daniel
This might depend on your configuration. First, what type of key does your Windows 8 Pro key have? If it's an OEM license, it will now link to your laptop. You could reset it by reaching out to Microsoft since your device is OEM-licensed, though it may not work on another machine right now. If it's a retail license, it should transfer properly to a new PC. Secondly, do you have the OEM recovery disc that came with the laptop? Having it will let you reinstall without issues. Other third-party OEM media should function with Windows 8, but they must match the correct SKU (Windows 8 Pro). Because the Windows 8 OEM license is stored in the BIOS, you won't be able to restore it unless you have an authentic OEM DVD. Good luck, and feel free to ask for more assistance if needed.
The Windows 8 Pro key is a retail key, which should work smoothly. Since your laptop lacks recovery media, you can generate one using the software that came with your PC. If you want to downgrade without erasing everything, a clean installation using the OEM key might be the best option.
Unfortunately, Microsoft doesn't permit downgrading your license, only upgrading it. You'll need a valid OEM media to activate the Windows 8 key from the BIOS, though you might be able to use any OEM disks with Windows 8. If you can't find a friend who has the right disk, visit a local PC repair shop—they should be willing to assist without charging much.
You'll need to perform a full installation. I installed Windows 8 from an original manufacturer's Windows 8 Home ISO two years ago, and it's now running Windows 10.
Revert your laptop to its original settings, returning it to the Win8 Home version. Ensure there is a separate factory partition dedicated for that purpose. Check your user guide for instructions on accessing it. Then, install Win8 Pro on your new device. Since it’s a retail license, you’re permitted to move it to any number of computers, provided it remains active on just one at a time.