Luckily, you could get around this limitation if you really want a fresh install of Windows 8.1.
It even comes with Update 1 integrated.
You also can’t load the original version of Windows 8 with a Windows 8.1 product key.
This normally makes sense, but Windows 8.1 isn’t really a different version of Windows.
Only people who purchase Windows 8.1 can install it fresh, not people who origianlly purchased Windows 8.
That’s the theory, anyway.
In reality, there’s a way we can get around this limitation.
We’ll just need to modify the Windows 8.1 installation media a bit.
You should then be able to change your key to your original Windows 8 key from the desktop later.
you’re able to’t normally download it with a Windows 8 product key.
Luckily, there’s yet another confusing trick we can use to get around Microsoft’s limitations.
First, visit theUpgrade Windows with only a product keypage.
nudge the install Windows 8 button to begin downloading Windows 8 installation media.
execute the downloaded tool and key in your product key.
After the download begins, end the setup tool.
Next, visit the Upgrade Windows with only a product key page.
smack the Install Windows 8.1 button and spin up the downloaded tool.
The Windows 8.1 setup tool won’t prompt you for a key, but will download Windows 8.1 normally.
Instead, we’ll need to modify the installation media before beginning in the installation process.
bring up the USB drive in Windows Explorer or File Explorer and navigate to the sources folder inside it.
Right-click inside the sources folder, create a new text file, and name it ei.cfg .
pop fire up ei.cfg file in Notepad or another text editor.
Copy-paste the following text into the text file and then save it.
You won’t be prompted for a product key while installing it.
After the installation process completes, you’ll see a product key prompt.
You now have a fully working Windows 8.1 system fresh-installed with only a Windows 8 product key.
Related:Why Have Most Windows 8 Users Not Upgraded to Windows 8.1?
Image Credit:KniBaron on Flickr
