DbLH3liX Posted May 23, 2021 Share Posted May 23, 2021 Backstory: I was gifted three desktops so long ago that I don't remember their history. Today: I dug out these desktop towers which have all had their HDD's removed, but have win7pro key stickers on their cases. Would I be able to use those keys to activate either Win8.1 or Win10 pro? The only hardware that will change in their current setup will be the addition of a HDD to install the OS on. I know SSD's would be better but that's an option for a later time (ie I dont' have a spare laying around). I have Win8.1 on a laptop - I like it more than win10 but not as much as XP . However Win10 seems to be a necessary evil to run specific software, now that I'm into VR but I'd like to install win8.1 on at least one of the desktops. Also, since my Win8.1 is on a laptop I don't have the install media (it's a Lenovo laptop). Would someone be so kind as to link me to offline installation media (iso) for 8.1 please, since I'm sure it's out there, I'm just having trouble finding it. Offline install is preferred due to my limited data allowance, so that I can make an install dvd and then of course keep for any future reinstall/repair. (Pretty sure they don't have wifi cards atm either.) Thanks in advance Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jaguarek62 Posted May 23, 2021 Share Posted May 23, 2021 You can download 8.1 here: https://www.microsoft.com/cs-cz/software-download/windows8 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tripredacus Posted May 24, 2021 Share Posted May 24, 2021 There was a time when a retail Win7 Pro key would work to install the Windows 10 that you were able to download from MS during the "free upgrade" period. I do not know if that still works. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sunryze Posted May 24, 2021 Share Posted May 24, 2021 I believe it still works, I am not sure though. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nokiamies Posted May 24, 2021 Share Posted May 24, 2021 If key has not been previously used you should be working still to Windows 10 upgrade. Just enter key during fresh install of Windows 10. I did it bit over month ago to one and it worked still with win7 starter key so it very likely still works Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DbLH3liX Posted May 24, 2021 Author Share Posted May 24, 2021 Thank you for the replies So if they key is for win7 professional, which equivalent version of win8.1 and win10 would they be? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nokiamies Posted May 24, 2021 Share Posted May 24, 2021 2 hours ago, DbLH3liX said: So if they key is for win7 professional, which equivalent version of win8.1 and win10 would they be? Windows 8.1 none since can upgrade only to win10 for free. And on Windows 10 Windows 10 professional Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mcinwwl Posted May 24, 2021 Share Posted May 24, 2021 Using win7 pro key works, tested on december. You just need to install without providing key and activate later via Control panel. Also, update from 7 or 8/8.1 via their service also works: https://thewincentral.com/free-upgrade-to-windows-10-from-windows-7-8-1-still-working-confirms-microsoft-employee-10037/ 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DbLH3liX Posted May 25, 2021 Author Share Posted May 25, 2021 So I can't do a clean install and use the win7pro key? These pc's don't have their original HDD's. Unless I can install win8.1 with the 7pro key I'll have to hunt down a win7pro iso then. Thank you @Mr.Scienceman2000 and @Mcinwwl for replies and being for patient Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nokiamies Posted May 25, 2021 Share Posted May 25, 2021 55 minutes ago, DbLH3liX said: So I can't do a clean install and use the win7pro key? all you need is Windows 10 install medium. I have done clean install to ssd without preloading Windows 7 or 8.1 using win7 key Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DbLH3liX Posted May 25, 2021 Author Share Posted May 25, 2021 Awesome! Thanks @Mr.Scienceman2000 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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