So with Windows 8.1 being released I'm was wanting to ask if I have a legal windows 8, and I obtain a Windows 8.1 iso. Would I be able to upgrade and not have to activate? since I was already legal? or do you have a product key to do an upgrade to 8.1? I know that sounds confusing but I haven't really messed with windows 8 in quite some time. :|
You can upgrade from Windows 8.0 to 8.1 without needing to re-activate. Genuine Windows 8.0 retail serial keys can activate Windows 8.1 on a clean install.
The short answer is NO....if this is a clean install. You can use the ISO to upgrade, as if you were going through the upgrade the MS store. The only benefit with the ISO as it stands now is, if you need to repair the upgrade install of 8.1, then you have it to do so.
Obtained an ISO, cleaned installed with generic key, then changed the key to my retail pro key and blam activated. Its just as I thought simple, I have to say 8.1 is quite a but nicer.
I did the same as Linktopower but there is one more step involved where you have to get the secret code from Microsoft by phone or e-mail. It's one more Microsoft Pain In The Ass to have to go through.
What? there is another step, I figured it was over after I used the change product key in the PC Settings, when it checked my key it took a few moments and it activated just fine.
Weird. Legit keys activate normally, no worries. MAK keys need to be still not blacklisted for a phone activation, and KMS uses none of those activation techniques. What method are you using? He already has a Win 8 license, and an ISO of 8.1. Saves him the pain of having to download through the store (which holds a risk of downloading corrupted files), but otherwise there's no tangible benefit.
Get the iso from the repository, install with generic key and once done replace with your original key, simple as that