Windows 8 $14.99 Upgrade Code is Now available

By FaiKee
in Microsoft (Windows)

 Share

Recommended Posts

Grand Master

forster

Posted
Posted

Interesting, didnt ask me - I've just upgraded Win7 and it went flawlessly, I've seen a few vids of the 'learning curve' people have to go through, and Im quite enjoying the experience.

Grand Master

Noir Angel

Posted
Posted

But is the ISO bootable? if Yes it's simple you can do a clean install altough there is FAQ on Microsoft support site for windows 8 that says:

You upgraded to Windows 8, but didn't have a previous version of Windowsinstalled (error 0xC004F061)

If you see error 0xC004F061 when you try to activate Windows 8, it means that you're using a product key for an upgrade version of Windows 8 and a previous version of Windows wasn't on your PC when Windows 8 was installed. To install an upgrade version of Windows 8, you must already have Windows 7, Windows Vista, or Windows XP installed on your PC.

If you formatted the drive before the upgrade version of Windows 8 was installed, you won't be able to use your upgrade product key to activate Windows 8. To activate Windows 8, you'll need to install your previous version of Windows, and then reinstall Windows 8. For help with the activation process, contact support.

Did you get that error with the 14.99 upgrade or the 24.99 upgrade? I hear the 14.99 upgrade has more limitations than the normally priced upgrade

Experienced

benthebear

Posted
Posted

btw, if anyone is interested in the $39.99 upgrade from XP/vista/win7 to win8 Pro(+WMC), he can try with the Windows Upgrade Assistant, download link: http://go.microsoft..../?LinkID=262205

Sweet, I thought it was pointless to make people who want to download it wait another day (I know, first world problems), and the upgrade assistant let me buy it for $39 and it's downloading now.

Grand Master

Hum

Posted
Posted

It's for people who just bought a PC with Windows 7 (I think in like the last month or two). They get the $14.99 upgrade.

If you bought a Windows 7 PC months ago you can still get the upgrade but it'll cost you $39.99.

So people are paying once for Windows 7, then the very cheapo price of $15 for 8 -- I did not misunderstand then. :laugh:

Proficient

Cask1

Posted
Posted

Was anyone already running Windows 8 able to buy using the upgrade assistant...it should be available in my country but I keep getting the Not available in your region message. probably the issue is that I am already running Windows 8, but want to purchase a legit key.

Veteran

scaramonga

Posted
Posted

Seems the ?14.99 key is 'upgrade' ONLY! It will let you install from any ISO image, but will NOT activate if it was a clean install!! You need Win7 installed first. :(

Windows 8 has a 'reset your pc' option where it cleans your whole system but maintains the activation, so it will be just like a clean install, I suppose.

Enthusiast

scorpian007

Posted
Posted

Was anyone already running Windows 8 able to buy using the upgrade assistant...it should be available in my country but I keep getting the Not available in your region message. probably the issue is that I am already running Windows 8, but want to purchase a legit key.

Also having this issue. Trying to buy another key for my HTPC but I've already got Win 8 Pro on my main machine :(

Veteran

scaramonga

Posted
Posted

Well, good news :) The old method of installing from upgrade disk as clean install works, same method as for Win7 ;)


Change the following registry key before activating:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE/Software/Microsoft/Windows/CurrentVersion/Setup/OOBE

Change "MediaBootInstall" from "1" to "0"

Then type "slmgr /rearm" into a command prompt, wait for conformation prompt.

Restart the PC.

Activate.
[/CODE]

Confirmed 100% working :)

  • +InsaneNutter
  • Like 1
Proficient

Cask1

Posted
Posted

Also having this issue. Trying to buy another key for my HTPC but I've already got Win 8 Pro on my main machine :(

Got it to work, just run the upgrade assistant in Windows XP Service Pack 3 compatibility mode. It will give you your key that way. Was able to activate my installation that was activated using a fake KMS server last August.....and it is a clean install!

Grand Master

Joni_78

Posted
Posted

Good question, I think it lets you pick. Download this yesterday and installing this now. Will let you know shortly. I need the x64 so hopefully x64 and 32 in the same iso.

6 minutes left to see what it downloaded. Keys should work on MSDN & TechNet discs too, incase it downloads just 32-bit media.

Contributor

Neowon

Posted
Posted

6 minutes left to see what it downloaded. Keys should work on MSDN & TechNet discs too, incase it downloads just 32-bit media.

Installed x64. I guess it downloads whatever version you have as an update?

It looks really crist tbh and IE10 looks surprisingly good. Time to play around a bit and see. First thing first windows update!

Download is painfully slow!

lol it download within 30 mins for me. Then again I dl it yesterday.

Grand Master

Joni_78

Posted
Posted

It downloaded 64-bit, I was running 64-bit when running the upgrade assistant.

However it downloads just the install files "C:\ESD" (hidden folder) and comparing the original 64-bit disc from TechNet, there is alot of differencies. 64-bit for Technet is 3.33 GB and this is 2.61 GB, this doesn't have install.wim, it has install.esd which is 1.96 GB, install.wim from Technet is 2.68 GB. I guess install.esd has some skus removed.

Just tested and the key works fine when doing a clean install from Technet disc :)

Grand Master

Jan Veteran

Posted
  • Veteran
Posted

It downloaded 64-bit, I was running 64-bit when running the upgrade assistant.

However it downloads just the install files "C:\ESD" (hidden folder) and comparing the original 64-bit disc from TechNet, there is alot of differencies. 64-bit for Technet is 3.33 GB and this is 2.61 GB, this doesn't have install.wim, it has install.esd which is 1.96 GB, install.wim from Technet is 2.68 GB. I guess install.esd has some skus removed.

Just tested and the key works fine when doing a clean install from Technet disc :)

Is there any way to get the 64 bit install media whilst on 32 bit?

Grand Master

Joni_78

Posted
Posted

Is there any way to get the 64 bit install media whilst on 32 bit?

Dunno, it didn't give any choice on 64-bit. Did you try upgrade assistant on 32-bit OS? Also there is a lot of places to get the untouched original disc as .iso image, just check that the SHA-1 is the same as stated on TechNet and MSDN.

This is from Microsoft TechNet

Windows 8 (x64) - DVD (English)

File Name: en_windows_8_x64_dvd_915440.iso

Languages: English

SHA1: 1CE53AD5F60419CF04A715CF3233F247E48BEEC4

Windows 8 (x64) - DVD (English-United Kingdom)

File Name: en-gb_windows_8_x64_dvd_915412.iso

Languages: English

SHA1: 79ED9958CF1690DD8A60A0B1B15F5DCC76C8E625

Grand Master

Jan Veteran

Posted
  • Veteran
Posted

Dunno, it didn't give any choice on 64-bit. Did you try upgrade assistant on 32-bit OS? Also there is a lot of places to get the untouched original disc as .iso image, just check that the SHA-1 is the same as stated on TechNet and MSDN.

This is from Microsoft TechNet

Windows 8 (x64) - DVD (English)

File Name: en_windows_8_x64_dvd_915440.iso

Languages: English

SHA1: 1CE53AD5F60419CF04A715CF3233F247E48BEEC4

Windows 8 (x64) - DVD (English-United Kingdom)

File Name: en-gb_windows_8_x64_dvd_915412.iso

Languages: English

SHA1: 79ED9958CF1690DD8A60A0B1B15F5DCC76C8E625

Would the upgrade activation code work? Or would I need the full version of Windows 8?

This topic is now closed to further replies.
 Share
Go to topic listing

  • Posts

    • Linux 7.1 arrives with an NTFS overhaul and major hardware performance boosts

      By Max Norris · Posted

      Nice, hope they *finally* fixed the issue with the NTFS driver where the system would completely brick during large file copies using the built in driver. It's been broken for years requiring me to use the older, slower, NTFS-3G FUSE driver.
    • Windows 11 KB5094126 BSODing, freezing, forcing BitLocker lockout, breaks OneDrive, and more

      By hellowalkman · Posted

      Windows 11 KB5094126 BSODing, freezing, forcing BitLocker lockout, breaks OneDrive, and more by Sayan Sen Microsoft released Windows 11 KB5094126 and KB5093998 last week as the latest Patch Tuesday updates. Following that the company also published the accompanying dynamic updates under KB5094149, KB5095971, and KB5094156. While Microsoft has so far not acknowledged any major problems with the release, some users online are running into problems. These range from OneDrive and Dropbox access issues, BitLocker recovery lockouts, to blue screens and BSODs. The most common one seems to be happening with HP systems wherein affected users say they hit 0xc0430001 BSOD (blue screen of death) error code after the KB5094126 update. We wonder if this could be related to the recent bug we covered on HP devices wherein the ongoing Secure Boot certificate updates are leading to similar issues. While we are not certain, users affected by this issue likely need to ensure that the boot.stl file is included on the installation media (such as a USB installer or ISO), if the above-mentioned dynamic updates are deployed. If this file is missing, computers may fail to boot from the installation media and could display the error 0xc0430001. This STL file is used by Secure Boot to verify that the boot files are trusted, so it must match the same Windows version and system architecture. To ensure the file is included, Microsoft recommends using the Update WinPE script, which automatically updates the image and handles the required files. Alternatively, you can manually copy the boot.stl file from the Windows\Boot\EFI folder on a Windows device and place it in the matching folder on your installation media before deploying the updated image. Aside from blue screening some users also note their systems have been freezing following the update. This could be happening to Lenovo PCs specifically. In the case of the OneDrive and Dropbox access issues, a user figured out that there could be a conflict with UAC. He explained: "Okay, so I did some digging, and in our environment KB5094126 breaks OneDrive and Dropbox in Explorer. I went through all our GPOs and found out that the combination of disabling UAC and having my user being a local admin breaks OneDrive in Explorer. ... If I enable UAC again, then it works, even with KB5094126 still installed." Hopefully, Microsoft will look into these issues. Source: Microsoft forum (link1, link2, link3, link4), Reddit (link1, link2, link3, link4)
    • Here is how I fixed Windows 11 not booting after clean installation

      By rseiler · Posted

      It is when it's a desktop in my house though for a PC that's lightly used and not really important when it is. If it was a laptop, it would be a different story. The real solution is varied and begins starting at post #22 in that thread.
    • Microsoft hides these secret Windows 11 performance boost settings available on every PC

      By hellowalkman · Posted

      well that's the plan
    • Win11Debloat 2026.06.14

      By Copernic · Posted

      Win11Debloat 2026.06.14 by Razvan Serea Win11Debloat is a lightweight, easy to use PowerShell script that allows you to quickly declutter and customize your Windows experience. It can remove pre-installed bloatware apps, disable telemetry, remove intrusive interface elements and much more. The script also includes many features that system administrators and power users will enjoy. Such as a powerful command-line interface, support for Windows Audit mode and the option to make changes to other Windows users. All changes made by Win11Debloat can be easily reversed, and most removed apps can be restored via the Microsoft Store. A full guide on how to undo the changes is available here. Win11Debloat features: Below is an overview of the key features and functionality offered by Win11Debloat. Please refer to the wiki for more information about the default settings preset. Remove a wide variety of preinstalled apps. Click here for more info. Disable telemetry, diagnostic data, activity history, app-launch tracking & targeted ads. Disable tips, tricks, suggestions & ads across Windows. Disable Windows location services & app location access. Disable Find My Device location tracking. Disable 'Windows Spotlight' and tips & tricks on the lock screen. Disable 'Windows Spotlight' desktop background option. Disable ads, suggestions and the MSN news feed in Microsoft Edge. Hide Microsoft 365 ads on the Settings 'Home' page, or hide the 'Home' page entirely. Disable & remove Microsoft Copilot. Disable Windows Recall. Disable Click to Do, AI text & image analysis tool. Prevent AI service (WSAIFabricSvc) from starting automatically. Disable AI Features in Edge. Disable AI Features in Paint. Disable AI Features in Notepad. Disable the Drag Tray for sharing & moving files. Restore the old Windows 10 style context menu. Turn off Enhance Pointer Precision, also known as mouse acceleration. Disable the Sticky Keys keyboard shortcut. Disable Storage Sense automatic disk cleanup. Disable fast start-up to ensure a full shutdown. ...and more. Once you’ve downloaded the Win11Debloat file (Get.ps1), just follow these quick steps: Locate the Get.ps1 script file. Right-click the file and select Run with PowerShell from the context menu. If prompted by User Account Control (UAC), select Yes to grant the script the necessary administrative permissions. Win11Debloat 2026.06.14 changes: This is a minor release that hopefully addresses the false positives in Windows Defender and Bitdefender that prevented users from downloading and/or running Win11Debloat. Refactor Get-RegFileOperations.ps1 to address false positives by @Raphire in #626 Add logging around WinGet app retrieval and increase timeout to 20s by @Raphire Download: Win11Debloat 2026.06.14 | Open Source View: Win11Debloat Home Page | Screenshots 1| 2 Get alerted to all of our Software updates on Twitter at @NeowinSoftware

  • Recent Achievements

    • Week One Done
      Jeroen Wilms earned a badge
      Week One Done
    • Week One Done
      rolfus earned a badge
      Week One Done
    • One Month Later
      Leroy Jethro Gibbs earned a badge
      One Month Later
    • Conversation Starter
      flexorcist earned a badge
      Conversation Starter
    • One Month Later
      AndreaB earned a badge
      One Month Later

  • Popular Contributors

    1. 1
      +primortal
      508
    2. 2
      +Edouard
      198
    3. 3
      PsYcHoKiLLa
      138
    4. 4
      ATLien_0
      90
    5. 5
      Steven P.
      81
    Show More

  • Tell a friend

    Love Neowin? Tell a friend!