Best option to go from Windows 8 Home to Windows 8 Pro?

[Virumo]

For disk encryption, I've decided Bitlocker is my best choice due to having a Crucial M500. Going this route requires me to get Windows 8 Pro, however. I have Home installed right now (OEM version on a Lenovo Y410P), and I can get this for $70. Will using it work on my Windows 8 install? Or will I need to downgrade to Windows 7, then upgrade? Or can I just format my drive and use it to perform a clean install? The Anytime Upgrade (no media) cost is $100, and OEM system builder disk is $130.

Also, if I go a route that nets an install disk, will prices be the same once Windows 8.1 rolls? In the event of a clean install, I'd prefer to use an 8.1 disk to lessen the number of updates needing to be downloaded.

If anyone is curious, I'm a financial professional, and encryption is required by my company.

 

[dave_the_nerd]

Windows 8 has an "Add Features" options:

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-8/add-features-frequently-asked-questions

You can use this to upgrade from your current edition to the new one. All you'll need to do is input your new upgrade key. The computer will chew, reboot, and boom, new edition of windows with unlocked features.

That's how it worked when I went from Win7Pro to Win7Ultimate, too, except it was called "Anytime Upgrade." It was pretty slick.

Are you actually a student?

 

[Virumo]

Well, I wouldn't ever fill student into occupation line on any paperwork, but I still take classes (mandatory continuing ed every year) and have a .edu Email address. The student option is cheaper and offers no apparent drawbacks. Apparent being the operative word. Is it less transferable or something?

 

[dave_the_nerd]

No, you just have to be a student to buy it, and I'm an Internet EULA Nazi. Comes with the GED in Law.

Otherwise the upgrade should be a piece if cake once you have the right product key. Let us know how it goes.