Reset laptop. Best route to update to Windows 8.1?

[Somnus]

I have a Toshiba laptop, fairly new that a Windows Update killed yesterday. So I've reset it with the factory software, and want to update to Windows 8.1 in the most efficient way possible.

 

What's the shortest path to take?

[Ian W]

I have a Toshiba laptop, fairly new that a Windows Update killed yesterday. So I've reset it with the factory software, and want to update to Windows 8.1 in the most efficient way possible.

 

What's the shortest path to take?

You did not specify which operating system you are using . . . I am going to assume that you are using Windows 8. If so, I believe the quickest way to upgrade to Windows 8.1 from a fresh installation of Windows 8 would be to download the update from the Windows Store.

[Shiranui]

Search the forums. This has been explained before.

[Noir Angel]

It helps to know what version you're currently using. My advice would be to do a clean install rather than an upgrade, recovery images are loaded with OEM crapware that might not be up to date.

[LittleNeutrino Veteran]

You did not specify which operating system you are using . . . I am going to assume that you are using Windows 8. If so, I believe the quickest way to upgrade to Windows 8.1 from a fresh installation of Windows 8 would be to download the update from the Windows Store.

 

This is essentially the easiest way to do it. If you already have Windows 8 installed. just go through the Windows updates that are available on your computer, and then once it is done with all that, go to the store and download 8.1 from the store and once again when finished go in an do more windows updates.

[Somnus]

Sorry, I am using Windows 8.

 

I was hoping to just install the OS that came with it, go straight to Windows 8.1, but it seems I have to do the 107 updates before I can do that.

 

It is so time consuming.

[spy beef]

Leave your laptop on overnight, and before you got to sleep start the update process. You should have Windows 8.1 running when you wake up.

[Ambroos]

If you ask me you're still better off doing a full clean install from a downloaded ISO. Your Windows 8 key will simply work (or just not be needed in case of a laptop bought with 8) and it's always a smaller and cleaner install.

[francescob]

You can install Windows 8.1 directly if you have the disc and a key valid for the install. You can then activate it with your current key you can obtain with nirsoft tools before formatting.

[COKid]

For the next time, Windows 8/8.1 does have the built-in capability to create full system images that can be used to restore your system. It's in File History in the Control Panel. Can really be a timesaver.

[francescob]

If you ask me you're still better off doing a full clean install from a downloaded ISO. Your Windows 8 key will simply work (or just not be needed in case of a laptop bought with 8) and it's always a smaller and cleaner install.

You can't install Windows 8.1 using Windows 8 key. The setup will refuse previous keys and will also ignore the one stored by the manufacturer in the bios. You can change the key to a windows 8 one and activate after installing though.

[Ambroos]

You can't install Windows 8.1 using Windows 8 key. The setup will refuse previous keys and will also ignore the one stored by the manufacturer in the bios. You can change the key to a windows 8 one and activate after installing though.

 

Exactly. Just install with some random key (I think there are trial ones online somewhere) and activate once you're inside Windows. Just make sure you get the right edition.

[goretsky Supervisor]

Hello,
 
If you want to keep the installed Toshiba-specific drivers and software, perform an upgrade through Windows Update and be sure to select the "preserve your settings" option (I don't recall the exact wording).  You may have a few pre-requisite updates that first need to be installed.  If so, install those first.
 
If you want to perform a clean install of Windows 8.1, you can follow these instructions to create a USB bootable installer for it.  If your existing product ID key for Windows 8.0 doesn't work, you can follow the instructions in this post on how to use a generic key from Microsoft TechNet to complete the install and then inject your own key after installation has completed.
 
Regards,
 
Aryeh Goretsky

[Gotenks98]

Sorry, I am using Windows 8.

 

I was hoping to just install the OS that came with it, go straight to Windows 8.1, but it seems I have to do the 107 updates before I can do that.

 

It is so time consuming.

Actually you only need 2 specific updates before it shows up in the store to download. You don't need the other 105 updates. Just do a google search for the kb numbers. I do what your asking on a daily basis at a college. All we do is reset it to factory settings, uninstall bloatware and av product trials, Install those 2 updates. Then do the store upgrade. Install any needed drivers. Install apps and update them and Windows.Tweak the Windows install just how you want it. Use recimg to create a new factory reset image. Use reagentc to set that as the reset image. Then you can go to the recovery app in the control panel to create new usb recovery media. Now when you recover or reset you wont have to go thru the store again. Above all else though a clean install with media is the best way to go but you cant download it with a oem key but you can activate with an oem key.