Windows 8.1 Clean Install vs Update

Is there any benefit to doing a clean install of Windows 8.1 versus doing the platform upgrade from windows update, such as better performance, etc?

 

I don't see the point in doing an upgrade to the preview version (unless if you're testing how well it updates or something). While your data and settings are retained, you can't update it to the final version. There is also an expiry date too, so it'll be unfunctional (restart every hour, etc) after the final version comes out. If you really want to use it, I recommend doing a dual boot or virtual machine. Either way, it's your choice.

 

Until you can BUY Win 8.1 (neither Amazon nor Newegg still shows it for sale just yet), no one can say with absolute certainty.

In the past, with Win7 XP etc etc, it has ALWAYS been better to do a clean install.

Perhaps others can correct me, but my own impression of Win8 is that it has been harder (impossible?) to freely download an .iso image of the Win8 install disk; which is something that you can easily do with Win7 (see my sig).

When Win8.1 is openly for sale on Amazon and Newegg (next week?) is the earliest that you're likely to start seeing meaningful input on the topic.

 

If you presently have Windows 8.0 Core or Pro installed you can upgrade to the Windows 8.1 Preview through the Windows 8 Store.You will first need to Sign In to the store using you Microsoft ID and downloading an app.

There's presently no upgrade from Windows 8 Enterprise.

There's no upgrade from Windows 7 or prior OS so a clean install using the ISO unpacked to a DVD or USB flash drive is the only option.

I installed from a USB 3.0 SanDisk Extreme flash drive having unpacked the ISO onto it using the MS USB/DVD Tool.

Installing from the USB 3.0 flash drive was extremely fast.

When the Windows 8.1 RTM and Final versions are available they can be activated using Windows 8.0 keys.

 

My understanding is that full disk encryption will be enabled by default for new WIndows 8.1 installs. I have a WIndows 8 Laptop which will of course get the free upgrade, but I don't think full disk encryption will automatically be setup, or even be available to me. I don't even mind wiping out my laptop if there is a way to do a clean install of 8.1 with the 8.0 + free upgrade...

Does anyone have any ideas?? I am perplexed.

 

Microsoft worked on the upgrade process so it trims the fat, unlike previous versions that left a bloated system. At least that is what MS said. But I would just upgrade.

Maybe you guys didn't hear, but Dreamspark has the final Windows 8.1. So some can get it now. As promised, Windows 8.1 RTM now available for DreamSpark subscribers | WinBeta

And you can upgrade from Windows 7, but it only transfers your user files across. So not much of an upgrade. But for Vista and before have to do a clean install, and MS has said they don't recomend installing it.

Microsoft Announces Windows 8.1 Pricing & Upgrade Info

 

My problem is that I THINK that if I upgrade, then the Full Drive Encryption won't and can't be enabled. If I do a fresh install, it is enabled by default. I just don't know if 8.1 would be installed, if I did a restore from windows 8.1 that was upgraded from 8.0. I am thinking that it would resetup 8.0.

 

I was responding to the OP...