Parallels 9 and Windows 8.1 Preview

Today I bought and installed Parallels 9. I also downloaded and installed Windows 8.1 Preview through the Parallels wizard. I can't find a product key anywhere for this version of Windows. Without it how can I purchase an upgrade version of Windows 8.1? If I buy the full version of Windows 8.1 will it install properly over Windows 8.1 Preview now installed. Help please!

 

Hi KenAsh,

You can download the full version of Windows 8.1 pro and install it by following the link below;

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-in/windows-8/update-from-preview

Thanks,

Manoj D

 

Thank you Manoj D.

 

I don't see how going here (http://windows.microsoft.com/en-in/w...e-from-preview) will help me. I never see the notification pop-up so I can't tap/click the Get Windows button. Contrary to what the note also says my Windows is not restarting automatically every 2 hours. And the links below Updating to Windows 8.1 and Returning your PC to its previous O/S don't seem to apply to me. I installed Windows 8.1 Preview via the Parallels 9 wizard. This is the only instance of Windows I have on my iMac. Now what? Help please.

 

Hi KenAsh,

Please follow the steps below to install a full version of Windows 8.1:

1. Purchase a license key for Windows 8.1 from the Microsoft store:

http://www.microsoftstore.com/

2. Once the purchase completes you would receive a email with the product key and a download link for Windows 8.1.
3. Start the existing Windows 8.1 Preview Virtual Machine and download the file provided by Microsoft.
4. Run the set up file on the Windows 8.1 Preview Virtual Machine.
5. Follow the onscreen instructions and Windows 8.1 would install over your existing Windows 8.1 Preview Virtual Machine.

Note: You might need to re-install applications that were downloaded on Windows 8.1 Preview Virtual Machine.

Thanks,
Looran

 

Hi Looran.

Having been a Mac user for quite some time now I'm no longer familiar with all of the Windows nuances. But reading the Windows store page it says "Windows 8 upgrade is for Windows Vista or XP users only" and "Windows 8.1 full version is for Windows 7 users only" and "If you're already running Windows 8 you can upgrade for free to Windows 8.1". There is no mention anywhere about Windows 8.1 Preview. SO, is it the 8.1 full version for Windows 7 users I purchase OR something else?

Forgive me for my ignorance. As I said, I'm no longer familiar with all the flavors of Windows, thankfully.

KenAsh

 

Hi KenAsh,

You'll most probably need the Windows 8(.1) System Builder which is a full version license since Preview is not a commercial version.

Thanks,
Manoj.