Windows 8 Install Media - Does it let you install any version?

[Kezu]

If I remember correctly, with Windows 7 the install discs could be used to install any version and it was completely dependent on the product key to determine which version it would allow you to activate.

Is that the case with Windows 8?

I ask because I purchased a full version of Windows 8 Pro for my desktop, then I got a new laptop with Windows 8 on it. I really want to do a clean install of Windows 8 on the laptop since there is just so much crap on it but not sure if the disc I have will work.

 

[smakme7757]

If I remember correctly, with Windows 7 the install discs could be used to install any version and it was completely dependent on the product key to determine which version it would allow you to activate.

Is that the case with Windows 8?

I ask because I purchased a full version of Windows 8 Pro for my desktop, then I got a new laptop with Windows 8 on it. I really want to do a clean install of Windows 8 on the laptop since there is just so much crap on it but not sure if the disc I have will work.

Are you "not sure" if the disc will work or have you tried it and you know the disc doesn't work?

If you haven't tried it yet, try it 😛.

I can't see any reason why it wouldn't work, it will be interesting to see how it works out for you.

 

[Kezu]

I found my old Xbox HD-DVD drive so I could give it a shot as the laptop doesn't have an optical drive.

It works!

A full Windows 8 Pro disc was able to install using the OEM Windows 8 standard product key that was in the BIOS for this machine. I read about how some Windows 8 machine have the key in the BIOS so the sticker on the bottom doesn't have it on it which is kind of why I thought it might not work.

 

[ViRGE]

A standard disc can install any Core/Pro version, both retail and volume license. However Enterprise requires its own disc this time around.