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Using Windows 8 Key with Windows 8.1 ISO

windows-8-logoThe Windows 8 Pro key that my brother got from Dreamspark did not allow his copy to install the 8.1 update. In order to rectify that, he gave me a Windows 8.1 ISO and license and that was the end of it.

But that’s such a waste isn’t? We had a couple of Windows 8 keys that should still be valid but thanks to Microsoft’s ridiculous restrictions, we weren’t able to install their 8.1 update. There had to be better way and thus I searched for answers and I found a guide.

Here’s an excerpt:

1. Download the Windows 8.1 ISO
2. Create ei.cfg file in the sources directory with one of the following entries:

For Windows 8:

[EditionID]
Core
[Channel]
Retail
[VL]
0

For Windows 8 Pro

[EditionID]
Professional
[Channel]
Retail
[VL]
0

3. Install Windows 8.1 with the Windows 8 as normal.

That’s it and that should work. I haven’t tried the final step yet but I will report back as soon as I do.

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