Upgrade your Windows 8.1 to Windows 8.1 Professional version.
Upgrade your Windows 8.1 to Windows 8.1 Professional version.
Before Windows 10 arrived, I planned to obtain the pro edition of Windows 8.1 from my Dreamspark account (intending to get the pro version for Windows 10...). Despite being a bit foolish, I mistakenly selected the Windows 8.1 Professional N version. Apparently, this means everything remains unchanged except for the absence of the Windows Media Player, thanks to a court ruling in the EU. I should have opted for the none N edition since that’s what I currently possess, which allows for upgrades within the operating system. Now I’m encountering an error stating I can’t use the key or need to verify it or purchase a replacement. EDIT: This doesn’t work with “Add features to Windows.” My thought is whether I could transfer the ISO I received with the key from Dreamspark onto a flash drive and then select the upgrade option during boot from USB, rather than performing a clean install—would that still function properly? My main concern is whether all my installed programs and games would remain intact. I’d prefer not to reinstall everything. Anyone has any insight on whether this approach would succeed? I’ve seen some sites suggest installing Windows 8.1 Pro from Windows 7, noting that programs and features would need reinstallation. But since 8.1 and 8.1 Pro are quite similar, I wondered if the process might differ?
You simply click add features, input the 8.1 pro key, and it will upgrade automatically. You're not 100% certain if adding an N key works, but it should still be a smooth process taking about ten minutes. The Pro version includes many extra useful features beyond just 8 and 8.1.
Yes, it can appear in the section labeled "Add features to Windows" within the control panel.
That's what you mentioned, but it doesn't apply because it's an N key...
I see, the issue is with the N key. It seems you need to switch to a different key. Let me know if you'd like further help!
The only solution was a reinstall, which was disappointing because I ran out of keys. If I could, I’d have provided one. So please do a reinstall or find a cheap key elsewhere.
You can't apply the update through "Add features to windows" since the required key differs for that version. Instead, start with the Windows 8.1 Pro installation and perform an upgrade similar to moving from Windows 7 to 8, but this time targeting Windows 8.1 to Windows 8.1 Pro. Almost all your applications and files will be moved along with them. Make sure you switch from a 32-bit system to a 64-bit one if needed.
It could be the optimal choice after all. I intend to perform a complete reset on Windows 10, but I’d like to verify I had a professional license beforehand. Still, it makes sense to go ahead now and clean up my system so future installs are straightforward and fresh. Thanks!