Unable to upgrade Windows 8.1 version using MSDN Subscriber Product Key
I've just purchaed a new HP Laptop which comes with Windows 8.1. I'd like to use my MSDN subscriber key to upgrade this to 8.1 Enterprise without carrying out a new install or re-format. When I enter my new product key upon request into Windows, I simply get a message saying "This key won't work. Check it and try again or try a different key". The place i'm entering my new key is titled "Add features to Windows 8.1". Is there a way I can overcome this to upgrade to Enterprise? (A way which doesn't involve creating a windows.old directory ideally)
April 18th, 2015 6:34pm

M,

I hope your laptop comes with Windows 8.1 Single Language, please do understand Windows 8.1 Enterprise can't be upgraded from Windows 8.1 Single Language OEM Edition. You can only upgrade from the following editions,

  • Windows 8 Pro
  • Windows 8 Pro with Media Center
  • Windows 8 Enterprise
  • Windows 8.1 Pro


Please refer the following article

https://technet.microsoft.com/en-in/library/jj203353.aspx?f=255&MSPPError=-2147217396

Thanks,
prathaprabhu


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April 19th, 2015 10:18am

Thanks for responding prathaprabhu.

When I view my version of Windows via Control Panel -> System then it merely says "Windows 8.1". No indication of it being the Single Language OEM Edition.

I had a look at the link you provided, that page seems to suggest I could upgrade to 8.1 Pro, and then from 8.1 Pro you can upgrade to Enterprise. Not quite sure how that works mind when MS now provide a single key for all Editions.

Anyhow, cheers for the guidance.

Mark

April 20th, 2015 2:18pm

Mark,

I suppose you have Windows 8.1 Retail / OEM Edition pre-installed but not Single Language. 

Can you please tell me why you want to upgrade to Windows 8.1 Enterprise, because Windows 8.1 Enterprise is used in the Corporate environment, I am certain that if you upgrade to Windows 8.1 Pro, it will suit your needs.

Thanks
prathaprabhu

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April 20th, 2015 6:58pm

This is really a windows question, not an MSDN question, becuase its mostly about the upgrade path for Windows.  I recommend you post in a Windows forum on the technet social discussion forums in addition to your post here.

Also, your MSDN Subscription does not license you to do anything with MSDN Software other than software development, test, demonstration, and support.  If you use your MSDN license to run windows on your laptop, any use of that laptop that isn't one of those uses will put you in violation of the MSDN license.  Make sure you've read the MSDN Subscriptions Licensing page and the whitepaper that is linked from it: https://msdn.microsoft.com/subscriptions/cc150618.aspx.

Thanks,
Mike

April 29th, 2015 3:17pm

You need to perform an upgrade installation, not use add features. Put the MSDN installation media in the drive and run Setup.exe from in your current Windows 8.1 environment to start the upgrade.

Brandon
Windows Outreach Team- IT Pro
Windows for IT Pros on TechNet

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May 12th, 2015 8:48pm

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