When I was using the PID.txt the only Editions on the ISO were Home and Pro. And I wanted Pro so I never bothered with the ei.cfg. The PID.txt speeded things up as I didn't get prompted for a key, and didn't have to manually select Pro. ei.cfg is the way to go now though with all the Editions on the one ISO
Hi thereI like the change, some won't though. Makes it near impossible to download the wrong Edition. And Visual Studio Subscription (MSDN) has finally caught up with the MCT. Just the one ISO there too, well two if you count the VL ISO. It used to be one ISO for Enterprise, one for Education, one for Home and Pro etc. Now all I need are two thumb drives to handle every edition I might ever use. Assuming I only ever install 64 bit.
actually makes it nearly impossible to GET the write edition installed -- you get in most cases the HOME edition installed and it's not actually as easy as you think to get the right upgrade to W10 Pro etc.
Cheers
jimbo
The change I'm referring to is having all the Editions on the one ISO. Now I only need 2 ISO's instead of half a dozen or so. The auto detecting OEM embedded keys has been there from day one. This new ISO hasn't changed that. You must not have been installing on a PC with an OEM key until now? Or you would have already run into the auto selection of what edition is installed.
I disagree - it is easy once you understand how it works.
1) If pc has embedded bios key, ei.cfg solves issue IN ALL CASES. If PC does not have bios embedded key, no issue.
2) If pc previously had Pro but installed Home due to bios embedded keys, because you forgot ei.cfg
then
a) enter generic pro key, or
b) go to store, click on I have Pro key and enter Pro Key (7/8 keys work as well)
3) If you want to install Pro unactivated, and you installed Home due to bios embedded key, you have to use ei.cfg file (or create a Pro only iso).
Of course, above is not intuitive for users who do not know this.
There have been countless "Microsoft ripped me off" "Why did I get Home instead of Pro", etc posts on the forum. Basically since day one. They do their first clean install and then notice they got Home instead of Pro ,and had no option to install Pro. Some even did a second clean install trying to figure out what happened. It only happens if said PC came with Windows 8, 8.1 or 10 from the factory. If your clean installing on a PC you upgraded from Windows 7 you'll get the key prompt and selection menu. Windows 7 and earlier don't use OEM embedded keys.
What I personally would like to see happen is, only look for and use Windows 10 OEM Embedded keys. Ignore Windows 8/8.1 OEM keys. Or, prompt that one was found, and ask "do you want to use this key". The second option would probably please most people. Say no and then you get the selection menu to manually pick your Edition.
I was replying to your point saying it makes it virtually impossible - that is not the case, it is easy ONCE you know how.
In reality, majority of people who have a PC with embedded Home bios key DO NOT upgrade to Pro. So, if the installer always gave all options, you can bet your bottom dollar we would get loads of "How do I downgrade to Home" posts. It is not entirely unreasonable to expect Pro Users to be a bit more clued up.
What should really happen is an option should come up, saying "We are going to install Home - confirm yes, or hit no to choose another option".
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