Install Windows 10 Pro using Windows 8 Pro key? (NOT 8.1)

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  1. Posts : 15
    Windows 10
       #1

    Install Windows 10 Pro using Windows 8 Pro key? (NOT 8.1)


    I have a Windows 8 Pro key that came on a plastic card with the Windows 8 DVD. I am pretty sure this is an upgrade version, but I don't know for sure because I don't have the original packaging. All I have is the DVD and the plastic card that has the activation code.

    I am wondering if there is a short cut to using this key to install Windows 10 Pro?

    Do I really have to install Windows 8, install it again (because it's probably an upgrade key), upgrade to 8.1, and then upgrade to 10?

    Is there some way I can just install Windows 10 directly?

    This will be installed on a new computer on a blank SSD.
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 18,424
    Windows 11 Pro
       #2

    Just install Windows 10, select "I don't have a product key", "skip", or "do this later" when asked for a Windows 10 product key. After it is installed go to settings, updates and security, activation screen, and change product key to the Windows 8 Pro product key to activate it.
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 15
    Windows 10
    Thread Starter
       #3

    NavyLCDR said:
    Just install Windows 10, select "I don't have a product key", "skip", or "do this later" when asked for a Windows 10 product key. After it is installed go to settings, updates and security, activation screen, and change product key to the Windows 8 Pro product key to activate it.
    So that will work even though my Win 8 Pro key is an upgrade key, not a full license key?
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 18,424
    Windows 11 Pro
       #4

    Yes.
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 51
    window 10
       #5

    ShowsOn said:
    So that will work even though my Win 8 Pro key is an upgrade key, not a full license key?
    You may upgrade to Win 8 Pro, then upgrade to Win 10 Pro with Win 10 free upgrade.
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 15
    Windows 10
    Thread Starter
       #6

    big10 said:
    You may upgrade to Win 8 Pro, then upgrade to Win 10 Pro with Win 10 free upgrade.
    I don't know what you mean. This will be for a new computer that won't have anything on it. Just a new SSD.
      My Computer


  7. Posts : 18,424
    Windows 11 Pro
       #7

    Upgrade from Windows 10 Home to Windows 10 Pro - Windows Help


    The only difference is that you will initially install Windows 10 Pro, but once you get it installed, the activation with the Windows 8 Pro upgrade pack key is the same as described in the article:

    After your device is upgraded to Windows 10 Pro, you'll need to activate Windows. Select the Start Start button icon button, then select Settings > Update & security > Activation.

    Select Change product key, and then enter your 25-character Windows 7 Ultimate, Windows 7 Professional, Windows 8 Pro, Windows 8 Pro Pack, Windows 8.1 Pro, or Windows 8.1 Pro Pack product key.

    Select Next to activate Windows 10 Pro.
      My Computer


  8. Posts : 1,463
    Windows 10 Pro 22H2 64 bit
       #8

    I used a Windows 8 Pro retail key and when asked for a key during W10 install I put in the W8 key and it auto activated.
    I used a 1511 version ISO for the install which had both Pro and Home versions and it installed the Pro version.

    This was a change when 1511 was released.

    Jim
      My Computer


  9. Posts : 15
    Windows 10
    Thread Starter
       #9

    Phone Man said:
    I used a Windows 8 Pro retail key and when asked for a key during W10 install I put in the W8 key and it auto activated.
    I used a 1511 version ISO for the install which had both Pro and Home versions and it installed the Pro version.

    This was a change when 1511 was released.

    Jim
    OK, I'll see what happens. I should have the parts by late this week.

    The idea of activating 10 Pro with an 8 Pro upgrade key seems too good to be true.

    It is an actual Windows 8 Pro Upgrade key designed to upgrade from Windows 7 (and maybe from Vista?). It isn't just to upgrade from 8 to 8 Pro.
      My Computer


  10. Posts : 18,424
    Windows 11 Pro
       #10

    The option to activate Windows 10 with a Windows 8 product key will only be free until July 29th.
      My Computer


 

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