As some of you know, until Jan 31, 2013, Microsoft is allowing computer users upgrade from Windows XP, Vista, and Windows 7 to Windows 8 for just $39.99. If you are running a genuine version of XP, Vista or Windows 7, you can follow the given below instructions to get your Windows 8 upgrade license.
As you may know, the upgrade key can also be used to do a clean install of Windows 8 by removing Windows 7, Vista, or XP.
Please note that only Windows 7 users can keep personal files, apps, and Windows settings during the upgrade. Vista users can bring along personal files and Windows settings, while XP users can keep only personal files.
In this guide, we are going to use the Windows 8 Upgrade Assistant to buy the upgrade license.
Procedure:
Step 1: Visit this page, download Windows 8 Upgrade Assistant.
Step 2: Run Upgrade Assistant on your Windows 7 machine that you want to upgrade to Windows 8. Click Yes for the UAC prompt.
Step 3: The upgrade assistant will start scanning your PC for all installed programs and devices. Within a few minutes, you will see the compatibility report. Click See compatibility details to see all compatible and incompatible programs and devices.
If you are asked to uninstall any program before the upgrade process, uninstall required programs. For instance, some antivirus software that aren’t compatible with Windows 8 must be uninstalled before starting the upgrade procedure.
Step 4: Click Next button. Here, you can select what to keep during the upgrade. If you’re upgrading from Windows 7, you can keep all installed programs (compatible programs), personal files and Windows settings.
Select Windows settings, personal files, and apps and then click Next button.
Step 5: In the following screen, you need to order your Windows 8 Pro upgrade license. Click Order button to proceed.
Please note that if you want to get a Windows 8 Upgrade DVD, you need to pay extra.
Step 6: In the following screen, select Windows DVD option if you want to purchase the upgrade DVD by shelling out extra, or simply click the Checkout button to continue.
Step 7: The Upgrade Assistant will connect to the Microsoft Store and will ask you provide billing address. Enter your name, address, email address and then click Next button. Make sure that the info you provide here matches the billing address for the payment method you’re going to use.
Click Next button to continue.
Step 8: In the following screen, select a payment method, enter required information, and then click Next button again.
Step 9: Check I agree to the terms and conditions box, enter promo code if you have one, and then click Buy button to get your Windows 8 upgrade product key. You are done! If you would like to print out the receipt, simply click View receipt and then click Print button.
To continue upgrading to Windows 8, click Next button. And if you have a Windows 8 installation media already and want to do a clean install of Windows 8 instead by removing Windows 7, simply close the Upgrade Assistant and use the product key during the installation.
To continue the upgrade procedure, click Next button.
Step 10: Upgrade Assistant will start downloading required files and then start upgrading to Windows 8. This might take few minutes to hours, depending on your internet connection speed.
Step 11: From here onwards, follow the on-screen instructions to complete the upgrade process.
BS says
Hi guys. I have successfully purchased and received the product key for windows 8 however it does not start the download – says unspecified error.
admin says
Yes, you can use Paypal as payment mode. I haven’t personally tried Paypal mode for upgrade but the option is available.
admin says
@Lokanath
Yes, towards the end of the process, you will see options to save the ISO or create a USB drive.
lokanath says
i have doubt about the upgrading how can install win 8 after the succeed installation. will get ISO image? can it write in DVD for feature uses? because some times i format my lap and after i installing a new version
Andri says
Can I use Paypal to pay? I see some posts in several forum saying they experience error and status pending after going with Paypal to pay.
admin says
@ Newton
This guide is only to upgrade your existing Windows XP, Vista or Windows 7 to Windows 8. We have clearly mentioned that in the title and also in the article. How did you procedure the product key? Can you explain a bit more so that we can help you. Did you format your Windows 7 installation and install Windows 8?
Newton says
Hi,
I have not been able to use this process to successfully activate a clean install of Win8 and Microsoft helpline insist it cannot be done? am I missing something?
The installation is perfect and accepts the purchased key fine but the activation requires it again and this fails.
Regards,
Newton