Yes it works. Starting with the November update, Windows 10 (Version 1511) can be activated using some Windows 7, Windows 8, and Windows 8.1 product keys. During the free upgrade, you can use a valid Windows 7, Windows 8, or Windows 8.1 product key to activate Windows 10 (Version 1511 or higher).
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. 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.
As part of Windows 10’s November update, Microsoft changed the Windows 10 installer disc to also accept Windows 7 or 8.1 keys. This allowed users to perform a clean install Windows 10 and enter a valid Windows 7, 8, or 8.1 key during installation.
While reading we ran into the question “Can I install Windows 8 Pro with a Windows 10 key?”.
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.
While researching we ran into the inquiry “Do I need a Windows 8 key to activate Windows 10?”.
We should see if we can figure it out. If you do have a Windows 8.1 key, you can still use it to activate Windows 10. So you could just as easily stay on Windows 10 for free. Absence makes the heart grow fonder, or distance just makes things blurry.
So, what is the difference between Windows 8 Pro and Windows 10 Pro?
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.
Can I downgrade from Windows 8 to Windows 10?
To even downgrade to Windows 8.1, you will need a valid key. Microsoft doesn’t sell Windows 8.1 keys, so obtaining one will be difficult. You can take a risk on cheap keys, but you might end up with a key that isn’t valid and won’t stay activated. If you do have a Windows 8.1 key, you can still use it to activate Windows 10.
The windows 8.1 system has never been upgraded to windows 10 before. No, it won’t work. That period has ended. If you want Windows 10 you need to buy a Window 10 key., and be quiet! That period has ended. If you want Windows 10 you need to buy a Window 10 key. Click to expand.
How do I Change my Windows 7 product key to 8?
Select the Start Start button icon button, then select Settings > Update & security > Activation.