
After that, you should be able to do a clean installation of Windows 8.1 using the new product key and won’t have to worry about installing Windows 8 first and going the upgrade route. You can find that product key in a number of different ways and save it for the future. After you do the upgrade, Windows will assign the new product key to the installation. Instead, you’ll have to install Windows 8, then do a free upgrade to 8.1. And the product keys are different for Windows 8 and 8.1, so if you have a Windows 8 product key, you can’t just use it to install Windows 8.1. One caveat you should be aware of up front is that you can no longer download an ISO for Windows 8–just 8.1. RELATED: Where to Download Windows 11 ISO Images Legally The process for using the tool is largely the same for both versions of Windows, so we’ll be using the Windows 10 Media Creation Tool for our example. If you’ve got access to a Windows machine, the official method for downloading ISOs for Windows 8.1 and 10 is the Media Creation Tool. Download the Windows 10 or 8.1 ISO Using the Media Creation Tool The most important thing is that you have a valid license key.

If it won’t activate, you can always install and then call Microsoft to get them to straighten it out and allow your copy to activate. This is the only form of nag you’ll see - there are no pop-up windows, for example.Note: Depending on the OEM version of Windows that you are running, you might run into an issue using the OEM key with a retail version of Windows. Activate Windows now.” link at the bottom of the Settings app. You’ll also see a “Windows isn’t activated. First, you’ll notice a watermark in the bottom-right corner of your screen. Eventually, Windows will start nagging you a tiny bit. Initially, you won’t notice a difference. These days, Windows just complains at you in a few minor, cosmetic ways. With Windows XP, Microsoft actually used Windows Genuine Advantage (WGA) to disable access to your computer.

However, an unactivated version of Windows 10 doesn’t have many restrictions. RELATED: How Does Windows Activation Work?Īfter you’ve installed Windows 10 without a key, it won’t actually be activated. Whatever version you choose, Windows 10 will install normally.

When you select this option, you’ll be able to install either “Windows 10 Home” or “Windows 10 Pro.” Bear in mind that, if you plan to pay to upgrade to the paid version later, it’ll be cheaper to upgrade to Windows 10 Home, so you may want to install the Home version.
