How to install Windows 8.1 clean with your Windows 8 Upgrade Key

If you are like me, you got yourself a Windows 8 upgrade key for free or $15 during their promotion, if you bought a Windows 7 notebook get a free upgrade to W8 if you bought a notebook during a certain period or that glitch for 24 hours anyone could upgrade for free...

Here is how to use that key to activate Windows 8.1 and do a clean install:

Downloading Windows 8.1

- Go to: Upgrade Windows with only a product key - Microsoft Windows Help
- Choose Windows 8 and enter in your upgrade key.
- Once it starts downloading, cancel it. Click on the Windows 8.1 button from link above. It will download Windows 8.1
- Choose to create media and then save it as ISO for later. I don't know when MS will patch this or if they will just leave it. Save the ISO somewhere for safe keeping later.

Create your Windows 8.1 USB Bootup

- You'll need at least 3.7 GB on your USB. Some 4GB USB only have 3.65 GB, so just be safe, get one that is 6GB.
- Format it FAT32
- Either Mount the W8.1 ISO if you are in W8 or extract it with 7zip.
- Move all files over to USB drive. Done!

Installing Windows 8.1

- You have your BIOS setup with EFI and Secure Boot. Make sure it's setup correctly.
- Boot into USB and choose to install.
- Use generic key to install. XHQ8N-C3MCJ-RQXB6-WCHYG-C9WKB
- Please note, you cannot activate Windows with this key. This is just to install Windows 8.1. It's a generic key. That's it.

Activating Windows 8.1

- Go into elevated Command Prompt. Windows Key + X. Then A.
- slmgr -ipk XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX (XXXXX is your Upgrade Key!)
- Check in System Overview. Right click Windows Start button and choose system.
- If it is not activated just follow the instructions to activate over the phone. Reboot after doing phone method and it will work! Don't sweat it if the command above didn't work.
- Also note, once you activate once with the phone, you won't have to do it again. Usually the phone method is needed if you change a HDD or a SSD. Windows thinks you are installing your single key on multiple machines. As said, don't sweat it.

Disable annoying UAC!
RegEdit

Location: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\System
Key: EbableLUA
Value data: 0



Sources: MyDigitalLife and Google!

 

If my laptop came with W8 pre-installed, the key is embedded in the BIOS, right? Is there a way to find it or will it automatically be recognised by the installation?

 

do older, non-EFI machines need to format pen drives as NTFS? does it matter?

 

Yes. NTFS for USB drive without EFI. Microsoft has a USB drive creator to help with that.

http://images2.store.microsoft.com/prod/clustera/framework/w7udt/1.0/en-us/Windows7-USB-DVD-tool.exe

I'm not sure if your Windows 8 key will work with Windows 8.1, it may not. It may only allow you to upgrade W8 to W8.1. I'm not sure, but just in case you can find your Windows 8 key from below. A script, doesn't install anything. Right click it, run as command prompt. You can follow my method above and then activate with your key. Otherwise, if you're embedded key works, then no worries

http://www.eightforums.com/attachments/tutorials/23469d1372146501-product-key-find-windows-8-showkey.vbs

 

For activating Windows 8.1 with a Windows 8 upgrade key you can always use Activate Windows Option in Metro UI's PC Settings instead of going into command prompt, it's just more user friendly IMHO.

 

most important step. durp.

 

Hey guys, quick couple questions.

New laptop on the way, plan on scoring a ssd on black friday sales. Laptop is coming with Win8, can I put the ssd in 2nd bay, download this iso to it. Then format the hdd, power down and swap their places?

I have a 8gig thumb drive if the way noted in the OP is easier. Basically trying to figure out how to make this swap a month or so after owning the computer, so I can transfer vital documents/programs and mitigate data loss/recovery time.

 

SSDs are insanely fast. The file transfer slow down isn't in the read, but in the write. So just move your current HDD into secondary, put your SSD into primary. Do a clean install of W8.1 and transfer your files from your old install to your SSD. It won't take long.

I was able to do a clean install of W8.1, Office, Adobe suite, Steam, all drivers and all Windows updates in under 20 minutes.

During this month just start a folder with all your important files you want, your drivers, and installers. Organize it and you are ready to go.

You can also just start up some cloud storage like Dropbox or SkyDrive so your important files will just sync.

 

Thank you sir, sometimes when something seems that simple. Skeptical hippo is skeptical.

I could buy a 120 right now, but waiting for a 256 to go on sale.

 

Everything worked great. I did have to call into the automated service to transfer the license.

 

Backup Activation, install first .Net 3.5 then win updates.

 

Do you guys know what the automated service number is?

 

It's a toll free #. When you activate W8.1 it will provide you with the number on the screen and you can dial it at that point.

 

The number is listed if the automatic activation doesn't work. It will tell you what number to dial.

This usually required if you change hardware on your machine. Windows key is specific to machine, including hardware. I had to dial this number when I changed my main HDD drive from XT Hybrid to a SSD.

 

Hey guys, my windows 8 came preinstalled on my laptop. I upgraded through MS store to win 8.1.

But my laptop is all messed up now and neither factory restore nor pc refresh through windows settings options works.

So I thought I'd do this to install windows 8.1 fresh. But will my activation key embedded in my laptop really work for me? I did that thing someone posted above to find out what my current key number is. It's an 8.1 key number now since I already upgraded.

I'm afraid it won't work cause when I typed that key number in just to install windows 8.1 using that MS link, MS won't let me download the file. I have to use that generic number to download and run the software. Just afraid I'm going to mess up my laptop even more.

Thanks.

 

From what I understand, the "Activation Key" is different from the "Product Key" required to get the 8.1 download. The original poster has the "product key" because he paid for an upgrade, whereas you don't because windows 8 was pre-installed.

What you have to do is find a torrent of windows 8.1, use one of the "generic keys" up until the point that your activation key is required. There are more detailed instructions then that. I read that somewhere. Do a bit of searching and I'm sure you'll find it.

I think the 8.1 key will probably still work, but I can understand your hesitation.

It's very frustrating that Windows aren't offering a safe, easy way for people to do clean installs of 8.1. I have considered emailing them about it but it probably

 

generic keys

W8 core: 334NH-RXG76-64THK-C7CKG-D3VPT
W8 pro: XHQ8N-C3MCJ-RQXB6-WCHYG-C9WKB
W8 enterprise: MNDGV-M6PKV-DV4DR-CYY8X-2YRXH or FHQNR-XYXYC-8PMHT-TV4PH-DRQ3H

use a generic key for install, your product key to activate from within windows once installed.

 

I was trying to install 8.1 on my 8 computer but I can't use the generic keys to complete the installation because of my OEM key. Am I stuck installing 8.1 through the Windows Store?

Sent from my XT1049 using Tapatalk

 

Anyone have experience with the issue I mentioned?

Sent from my XT1049 using Tapatalk

 

do you have the W8.1 ISO "burned" to bootable media? the generic key is used to begin a fresh/clean install after booting from bootable media, not an install from within windows.

 

Yes. I have created a UEFI/Secure Boot compatible Windows 8.1 Installation Disk (FAT32 USB bootable media). This allows me to leave UEFI and Secure Boot enabled just like how all Windows 8, 8.1 PCs come from the factory.

The installation begins but at the part where it asks for my key, I've tried the 8 generic key, and it gives an error:

"The product key entered does not match any of the windows image is available for installation. Enter a different product key."


If I use my UPGRADE key from when I purchased 8 Pro, it works. It seems like this method provided here only works with UPGRADE keys, not OEM keys which are already in the UEFI from OEM Windows 8 PCs. I hope this helps.

Sent from my XT1049 using Tapatalk

 

Are you sure this does what you think it does? Every other resource on the internet says you can't do a Windows 8.1 clean install.

 

It works cause i've done it several times. Follow the instructions in the OP. You need to use the generic key for install. That is not the key you'll need to activate. You will need your Windows 8 key. You also have to input your key in the elevated command prompt. In most cases you will not need to call the Microsoft automated service.

When I was asked to call it activated my device with NO problems.

 

If I use my UPGRADE key from when I purchased 8 Pro, it works. It seems like this method provided here only works with UPGRADE keys, not OEM keys which are already in the UEFI from OEM Windows 8 PCs.

 

*checks thread title* . . . right. :hi2:

although i should mention that it works with my MAPS key -- and i'd assume with MSDN/technet keys too.

 

i have a windows 8.1 dvd, and my dell laptop came with windows 8.

i want to format and make more than one partitions (instead of just C:/).

i found out what my windows 8 key is by using a key finder (belarc advisor).

if i format my laptop using the windows 8.1 dvd, use the key that is provided in the first post of this thread to install it, and then enter my own dell windows 8 single language key, will it activate??

 

No this will not work. Its the exact same problem I was having. You can only use this method in the OP if you purchased a Windows 8 Upgrade key. Our OEM Windows 8 keys you extract from the UEFI do not allow this. Currently there is absolutely no way to clean install 8.1 on a PC that originally shipped with 8 and use the OEM key to activate. Upgrading to 8.1 through the Microsoft Store is the only way.

Feel free to correct me if I'm wrong.

 

Interesting,Upgrade Key needed. What will M$ think of next

Cheers
3Fees

 

slight correction -- and you may be able to circumvent that limitation by following this guide and using one of the generic keys.

 

What if you could manipulate the UEFI key for the installation then edit/reverse the procedure for activation. Sounds feasible! Would that work?

Edit: I'll give that PID.text file a try. Thanks!

Sent from my XT1049 using Tapatalk

 

it worked for me. we downloaded a windows 8.1 file from the internet, used a key from this thread to install, and then put in my own OEM key. it worked. had to just choose USB as first boot or something at the start, though.

you are wrong. you need to download "windows 8.1 single key" from the internet. at first my friend gave me her windows 8.1 pro dvd. it didn't work. so we downloaded "single key" version, tried my key, it worked flawlessly. even i could do it!

 

Forgive me ignorance but I cannot seem to find "windows 8.1 single key" download. Can you provide the download link where you got it from?

Very much appreciated,
David

 

So are you saying you used something like Magical Jelly Bean to extract the Win 8.1 embedded product key and do the upgrade that way and it didn't work?

 

One thing I wanted to add which makes this process a lot easier. Before activating W8.1 with your W8 upgrade key. If you are in a dual boot environment then skip this part. You need to change the media boot in you registry to tell Windows it's not an upgrade key. A simple Google search will tell you how.

*Do not connect to the Internet until you have rearmed and rebooted W8.1
Once you are ready to activate whether in single boot or dual config. You need to rearm the WPA activation by typing slmgr /rearm in the command prompt ( admin mode ), reboot. This should reset the general key you used during the installation. Now enable your internet connection and type in your upgrade key as noted in the OP. In command prompt (admin mode) type slmgr -ipk XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX (that's where you type your legit key. It should upload that key to the KMS server and it should activate W8.1

I forgot to rearm WPA and I got all kinds of screwy messages. Once I rearmed WPA it allowed for a quick activation.

PS: WingNut, I love your avatar, Happy New Year !

 

oops, i meant "windows 8.1 single language". you can get it from any website. that's what installed on laptops - "windows 8.1 single language".

 

My Acer v5-122p-0600 came with Windows 8 from the factory and I have successfully retrieved the OEM Key using Magical Jelly Bean. The ISOs from Microsoft ( the ones that can be downloaded directly from MS using this guide) have not worked for me as they are intended for Windows 8/8 Pro Upgrade Keys. I suppose I would need a clean "OEM" ISO (as in the ISO that Acer used, not the ISO that Microsoft offers to W8 users from their Store or the guide above). Not sure if that's whats considered "system builder" or simply OEM. Either way, I believe I'm on the right track.

Thanks for clarifying. I had no idea the Single Language version even existed. It was also left out of the list of installation keys.

I found the Windows 8.1 Single Language ISO (32 and 64 bit) at thepiratebay. I am dumbfounded as to why Microsoft has made it so difficult to attain these and other necessary ISO files. I asked for a link and was unable to find it from "legitimate" sources so I was left with little choice.

From what I understand now, Single Language does not allow the user to change the language within the operating system as you would with all other editions of Windows 8. You are stuck with a 'single language.' Since you already installed and i presume are using Windows 8.1 Single Language on your computer, can you go to your Control Panel, Language and try and add or change the OS Language? If what I've read so far is correct, you should not be able to. Correct?


As to the Windows 8.1 Single Language ISO, I was able to create a UEFI Secure Boot compatible FAT32 USB installation disk, added the "PID.txt" file into the "sources" folder with the key Y9NXP-XT8MV-PT9TG-97CT3-9D6TC (CoreSingleLanguage installation key) and finally made it past the part of the installation where it asks for the Product Key. It ignores the OEM Product Key in the UEFI. I can now format my SSD and install Windows 8.1 Single Language but have not done so because of other priorities. I suppose the only other thing left is to install and activate using my OEM Key as EricaL has describe doing earlier. I hope this helps others and sheds some light on the matter. I am not an expert at this stuff so I appreciate the patience and understanding from the group.

P.S - Ideally I don't want to use Single Language as I would like to have the ability to use other Languages but at this point i may not have any other choice from what I've discovered.

 

not correct. although now i'm confused as to why they've named it "single language"

here you go (Control Panel, Language and try and add or change the OS Language) - http://i.imgur.com/R1jNol9.png

and then here's a list of all the languages - http://i.imgur.com/uWtQGVi.png

i added "Afrikaans", and it was successfully added.

you can use more than one languages in this.

 

Oh wow! Hahaha thank you! That's what I wanted to know. I'll give "Single Language" a try now.

:thumbsup:

 

Does this also work in a win8.1(update 1) clean install

 

Single Language ISO didn't work for me. Finding the ISO is half the battle. So as long as you can find a W8.1 Update 1 ISO you should be able to use this installation method.

Sent from my XT1049 using Tapatalk

 

This worked great for me. I was lucky in that i had access to MSDN so I downloaded the "Windows 8.1 with Update" ISO and installed that. I followed through the steps in the OP but turned off my internet connection first. Then as Rodster recommended I rearmed the WPA, rebooted, reconnected my internet, and then activated with my upgrade key. Worked like a charm. Saved me the steps of installing WinXP then Win8 and then all the updates. This worked like a charm for a week until...

One caveat though. I had signed up for and received a free key from Microsoft for the Windows 8 media Center Pack back in 2013. Well I decided to re-install it. The system took my key with no problems, rebooted twice and all looked great. A day later i was notified by Windows that my key was invalid and activation was not set up. In the Activation panel I noticed the dubious key was my Media Center key. Without other options I called MS support. They verified my Win8 Upgrade key and that came back ok. With my media Center key they sent me to second tier support. What i found was that the Media Center key was a one-time install key...even on the same machine. One time installation period. So i explained to the rep as to why I wasn't notified of this when I entered my key. He talked to his supervisor and they gave me what i think is a retail key for the Media Center. After I entered the new key it all works with no problems.

~AGP

 

That's odd - I've re-installed the free media center key quite a few times without it borking on me......

 

That is odd. Both my upgrade key and media Center key are legit. So don't know what happened there but for sure it kept bugging me that activation had failed.

 

IRCC,

They invalidated all of those free MC keys if they haven't been activated prior on some date.

If you activated them before that date, you can activate those later on if you like reinstall.

I think they invalidated them since Feb 2013?.

One of the reason why? ... It was used circumvent activation with ease.

 

Yeah - I activated mine within the time period, which was as follows:

(Source: Get the Windows 8 Media Center Pack for free - but be prepared to wait - TechRepublic)

 

Hi,
I am looking for Windows 8.1 upgrade DVD, I have tried the steps provided but did not work for me.
I have Windows 8 Pro upgrade key, but is not working getting the W8.1
When I stop downloading the W8 and go to W8.1 option does not start downloading at all.
I really need the Windows 8.1 upgrade but it seems that there is no way getting it from.