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Microsoft Windows 8 Pro - Upgrade [Old Version]

Brand: Microsoft

Platform : Windows 8

2,461 ratings

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About this item

Running Windows 7, Windows XP or Windows Vista? Upgrade to Windows 8 with Windows 8 Pro
Once you install Windows 8, Windows 8.1 is available as a free update directly from Microsoft
Customize your Start screen with Live Tiles
Stay safer with Windows Defender
Encrypt your data with Bitlocker

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Product Description

Product description

Microsoft Windows 8 Pro (Upgrade)

Amazon.com

If you currently have a personal computer running Windows 7, Windows XP or Windows Vista then you can upgrade to Windows 8 Pro (Professional). With Windows 8 Pro, you can connect and share your files. Windows 8 Pro also adds enhanced features if you need to connect to company networks, access remote files, encrypt sensitive data, and other more advanced tasks.

The new Windows 8 start screen is your personalized home for items you use the most and can be customized according to your user preferences. Windows 8 Live tiles provide real-time updates from your Facebook, Twitter, and e-mail accounts. Along with the new Start screen, the lock screen now includes e-mail, calendar, and clock widgets.

To access your PC, Microsoft has replaced a standard PIN or password with a swipe gesture; unlock your PC by clicking or swiping preset locations you’ve selected on the lock screen. New functions also allow you to search for your favorite software programs, open, close, hide, resize, or run multiple apps simultaneously with the swipe of a finger or a swipe of the mouse.

Windows has also made changes to make your PC more secure by boosting its existing security features and adding "SmartScreen," which acts to prevent suspicious programs or apps from being installed or running on your machine. Finally, Windows 8 also gives you the ability to "refresh" itself to give users a new starting point and a cleaner version of Windows.

You can upgrade to Windows 8 from Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows XP, Windows 8 Release Preview, Windows 8 Consumer Preview, or Windows Developer Preview, but you might not be able to keep all of your files, software programs, and settings. The following table shows what you can keep during an upgrade, depending on the current version of Windows you are running. If you choose to boot from removable media, you won’t be able to keep your software programs, Windows settings, or personal files when you upgrade.

Upgrading from: What you can keep: Windows 8 Preview Personal files Windows 8 Developer Preview Nothing, but your old files will be saved in the "windows.old" folder Windows 7 Software programs; Windows settings; personal files Windows Vista Windows settings; personal files Windows XP Personal files

System Requirements

1 GHz processor
2 GB RAM
20 GB available hard disk space
1366 × 768 screen resolution
DirectX 9 graphics processor with WDDM driver

Additional Requirements to Use Certain Features

Internet access (fees may apply)
For touchscreen, you need a tablet or a monitor that supports multi-touch
Microsoft account required for some features
Watching DVDs requires separate playback software
Windows Media Center license sold separately
To access the Windows Store and to download and run apps, you need an active Internet connection and a screen resolution of at least 1024 x 768
To snap apps, you need a screen resolution of at least 1366 x 768

FAQ

Can I upgrade from a Windows operating system older than Windows XP?

If you want to upgrade from an earlier Windows operating system than Windows XP (for example, Windows 95 or Windows 2000), you'll need to purchase the Windows 8 System Builder. You won’t be able to keep any files, settings, or software programs when you install the new operating system.

Can I upgrade from a 32-bit version of Windows to a 64-bit version of Windows 8?

If your PC has a 64 bit-capable processor (CPU) but is currently running a 32-bit version of Windows, you can install a 64-bit version of Windows 8. You also won't be able to keep any files, settings, or software programs when you upgrade from a 32-bit to a 64-bit version.

If I upgrade and select "keep nothing," how can I restore my files after the upgrade?

If you're running Windows Developer Preview or Windows 8 Consumer Preview when you upgrade, or if you choose the option to "keep nothing" when you upgrade, your files won't come with you to Windows 8. However, you might still be able to copy your files over after you upgrade. If you don't reformat your hard drive during installation, your files are saved to the Windows.old folder, where you can retrieve them after the upgrade.

If I change my mind, can I uninstall Windows 8 and go back to a previous version of Windows?

Not exactly - To go back to your previous version of Windows, you'll need to format your hard drive and then reinstall the previous version of Windows from the recovery or installation media that came with your PC. Typically, this is on a DVD. If you don’t have recovery media, you might be able to create it from a recovery partition on your PC using software provided by your PC manufacturer. Check the support section of your PC manufacturer’s website for more info. After you install Windows 8, you won’t be able to use the recovery partition on your PC to go back to your previous version of Windows.

How can I tell if my devices (keyboards, mice, webcams) will work with Windows 8?

Windows 8 generally works with the same peripheral devices and apps that work with Windows 7. In some cases, a device or program might require an update. The best way to tell if your devices will work before you upgrade is to run Windows 8 Upgrade Assistant, a free program that scans your current hardware, software programs, and devices for compatibility.

Outer packaging for this item may vary

Product details

Is Discontinued By Manufacturer ‏ : ‎ No
Product Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 0.79 x 5.79 x 5.75 inches; 4.48 Ounces
Item model number ‏ : ‎ 3UR-00001
Date First Available ‏ : ‎ July 1, 2012
Manufacturer ‏ : ‎ Microsoft Software
ASIN ‏ : ‎ B008H3SW4I

Best Sellers Rank: #1,583 in Software (See Top 100 in Software)

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2 star		2%
1 star		8%

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Top reviews from the United States

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AbleTop Contributor: Coloring

Why did I think this was a good idea?

Reviewed in the United States on December 25, 2018

Verified Purchase

Product is not as represented.
It claims to update Windows XP, and includes both 32 and 64 bit versions... BUT it returns an error for updating XP Pro 64 that it requires SP3...
There is no SP3 for Windows XP 64.
Microsoft never released it.

So now, for having purchased the more expensive XP version, I'm stuck.

What was I thinking when I thought this amazon posting and the box text were legit?

UPDATE: I can't recommend dealing with this seller for any reason.
The package I received was not in its original shrink wrap... There was no holographic sticker assuring it's original factory issue condition. By itself, that isn't an impeachment of the seller. They have a legal right under Doctrine of First Sale, to dispose of their properly owned merchandise. However, they attempted to refuse to refund my money claiming that the package was open.
They knew or should have known that the claim that it would update Windows XP SHOULD HAVE been qualified by the condition that the software required Service Pack 3. They knew or should have known that the 64 bit version of XP never received a third service pack because Microsoft never released one. That makes this product utterly useless to anyone with the 64 bit XP OS.

Their refusal to refund my purchase under these conditions while accepting the return based upon it not being what it was represented to be, makes this willful in my opinion.
It does not seem to be a stretch of the imagination to conclude that this product package has been sold to an end user at least once previously.

As I said, Software Medua is legally entitled to sell their merchandise whether Microsoft approves or not.
They are not entitled to materially misrepresent their merchandise by claim, or ommission of substantial material fact.

This product should include a qualification explaining that it can not be used to update the 64 bit version of Windows XP, despite including a 64 bit version update disk.
While it is Microsoft's ommission of fact for failing to disclose this fact on their packaging, Software Media, has no excuse for perpetuating this ommission of fact.
In my opinion this is at minimum, negligence and at worst, willful exploitation.

3 people found this helpful

Helpful

Audiophile Headcase

The So-Called "UI" Designers at MS Get Paid for this Krappola?

Reviewed in the United States on March 12, 2014

Verified Purchase

Windows new GUI called Metro is a HORRID user interface for the desktop user. Even worse, when you figure a way to get back to a normal desktop -- the type you have been trained to use now for over 20 years -- MS decides on some sneaky way to throw you right back into the clumsy Metro interface! Indefensible, Microsoft.

If you thought Vista was bad, you'll find Windows 8 is much, much worse. It's clear to me that MS did little to no desktop user experience testing before sending this piece of software "krappola" out the door to make bundles of licensing cash. It also looks particularly sleazy of them to do this when you realize that modern, well designed OS interfaces like Linux Mint and the new Mac OSX "Mavericks" are totally free. Microsoft tries to rob you of over $100 for this ugly OS "upgrade" version and up to $200 if you want to go for the "full" install of the "Pro" version.

And if the horrid Metro UI isn't enough to scare you away, please realize the if you buy the "upgrade" Win8 OS package because you already have XP/Vista/Win7 on your system but then decided (smartly) to do a clean install of Win8 (because the install DVD gives you this option), you'll soon find out that the activation key provided by Microsoft in the "upgrade" DVD package DOES NOT WORK! Microsoft wants you to buy the "full" install DVD -- not the "upgrade" install DVD -- if you take the path of doing a clean install over your existing Windows system. Unacceptable!

Why the executives at Microsoft haven't all been fired for this OS disaster is beyond me. It's really is that bad. In summary, if you like the idea of being forced at almost every turn to use a ham-fisted, clumsy "XBox" style visual interface to control your PC, then you'll love Windows 8. Most desktop users will feel otherwise. Save your money and wait for Microsoft to fix this incredible mess with Windows 9. The fact the used copies of Windows 7 with valid product keys are now going for very high prices on EBay and at other retail sites should tell you something.

5 people found this helpful

Helpful

Maxx

It's ok despite Microsofts poor ethics

Reviewed in the United States on June 9, 2014

Verified Purchase

It's probably better than vista... but not by a whole lot.
Some features are really nice and work well... but goddamn Microsoft is dirty as hell. They made things REQUIRE apps... such as dvd movie playback... even if ya have a dvd drive... you are told by microsoft you have to get an app for it now... (even though you still have windows media player)...
Of course 99 percent of the windows dvd player apps don't work and are way expensive just so you can watch a dvd like you always could before for free...
ANNNND of course windows doesn't tell you that there are actually plenty of softwares for free that you can get to run dvds (now.) Microsoft simply tells you that you need an app... It's pretty shady and corrupt...
Their app system is cool... but man the apps out there for it are CRAP.... Even netflix's windows app is buggy as all hell... I got it because the new Photoshop stuffs requires window's 8... even though they are basically the same photoshop as photoshop 7...
It in all honesty is probably the most buggy, gimmicky, and corrupt windows to date... but it does run a little better I feel. It's mostly for touchscreens and people who are required to keep up to date with mutually corrupt software companies...
so yea... I had 4 stars up there and now that I think about it Im gunna have to give it 3 stars... It does give you the easy update to 8.1 tho.

3 people found this helpful

Helpful

Top reviews from other countries

cooger

No issues and saved £100 so well worth a two step upgrade

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 25, 2015

Verified Purchase

I was left with no choice but upgrade after Vista stubbornly refused to let me install any new software. I was a little nervous about the process as I am no expert and when faced with a complicated computer problem prefer to throw the offending machine than carefully sitting down and diagnosing the issue.
So I'm delighted to report that this upgrade was pain free, simply followed the link to Microsoft website clicked accept and yes whenever asked and everything worked as it should.
Yes it takes a long time, about two hours for each step (first to download and install 8.0 and second step to upgrade to 8.1) but the computer quietly sits there in the background doing it's thing you are free to do whatever you like.
It's also true all you get with this order is a product key on a piece of card, no CD or box (I suppose that could be an issue if you need to install on a non-active PC but if it's an upgrade no issue?)
Do I like windows 8... no not yet, so far the only good thing I can find is it loads very quickly but I knew that already and I'm looking forward to Windows 10 which from what I read will be a big step forward and a free upgrade from 8.1 so win/win all round.

3 people found this helpful

Amazon Customer

Upgrade worthwhile but you must have time.

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on June 30, 2015

Verified Purchase

There is a programme downloadable from the Microsoft website which will examine your computer and advise if it will run Windows 8 and tells you if any programmes you are running will not work. It's worth doing as it gives you advance warning. For instance my on board graphics card was not up to the resolution needed but it would still run under the minimum resolution the card could give. I decided to live with it for the time being. There was one programme which I didn't use much which wouldn't run.
It's best to be forewarned.

The installation takes quite a while to install - Hours!
When you start to install Windows 8.0 a box appears asking you if you want to keep your private files Windows settings etc. or delete everything. I opted for the latter as I had backed up all I wanted to keep before I started. Al programmes you were using on your previous system will be lost and will have to be installed again.
When eventually Windows 8.0 is installed be sure to download and install all of the updates for it before you try to download Windows 8.1.
There were 141 updates to Windows 8.0 which took quite a while to download and install. I still couldn't download 8.1 and no indication was given as to what the problem was. I did another check on updates and sure enough another twenty updates had to be downloaded and installed. I could then upgrade to Windows 8.1.
Regarding Windows 8.1 upgrade,the upgrade is free and is directly downloadable from the Windows "Store" home page.
I upgraded from Windows Vista after many years. I had become familiar with Windows 8 by helping other members of the family and friends to work the new system of screens. However if you are upgrading from Vista it will take a little while to understand how to drive it.
Then comes the task of re-installing all of your programmes. I took advantage of the new installation to decide which programmes I didn't use and only install those I used regularly. If I want to add on of the programmes I can do at a later time.

One person found this helpful

M. Lindley-Thompson

Successfully upgraded from Vista Ultimate

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on November 16, 2014

Verified Purchase

I have successfully upgraded my PC from Vista Ultimate to Windows 8.1 Pro, via this upgrade and I love Win 8.1 - it's great being able to download apps as I do on my phone and iPad, and the new interface problems are largely solved with 8.1, especially if you use a tablet and smart phone so have a feeling for how this kind of interface works. Win 8, however, is frustrating so definitely upgrade asap to 8.1 for a much improved experience (hence the 4 not 5 stars).

The upgrade from Vista Ultimate was actually straightforward. From internet articles I was expecting to have to create an iso disc and do a clean install from external media, but in fact 8 Pro upgraded perfectly over Vista Ultimate via the installer, which was lucky as it wouldn't copy the iso to my PC or any attached media. I needed to install a number of updates to Win 8 before the Win 8.1 upgrade would download so I got some laundry done while I waited. There's no doubt that installing Win 8.1 via a Win 8 product key card is more time consuming than getting a Win 8.1 DVD, presumably that explains the price difference. However, if you've got a bit of time and enjoy playing with computers, this is a perfectly acceptable upgrade route.

3 people found this helpful

suzie Q

Cheap conversion to a moronic system

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 26, 2015

Verified Purchase

Wondered if this would work and it does..... I am now the most up to date person I know what with the ipad as well...but do I like W8 & W10?..... can't say I do.... bring back my XP and a support package because I would rather see what was going on and monitor it myself than have this pedestrian behind the scenes system for morons - these upgrades are pathetic, a PITA and I just wish there was not so much change for the sake of change.... and as for Contana.... well words fail me...but no more that Siri..... Who is honestly using this rubbish for anything more than communication, sharing other rubbish and calling themselves computer literate... ???? Most can't even say the alphabet backwards..... GGrrrhhhhh At least I didn't have to dump my computer for a new one to upgrade...so that's a result.... because now I know that if this PC packs up I will not be buying another!

R. Beadle

All worked fine

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 18, 2015

Verified Purchase

No problems. Everything worked fine, and fantastic value when I bought it. Be aware it can be quite a big job to upgrade your OS though! Use the Windows upgrade assistant to check for potential software and driver issues for your PC before you go ahead. I was installing on an older PC and there were a few issues, but I was able to address them all and it was well worth the upgrade from Vista to 8.1. In a nutshell the significant benefits were far less crashing, speed, improved connectivity to internet (much easier to connect to new networks when out and about), improved compatibility with third party software and able to use the latest versions of software that often doesn't support Vista. It was certainly well worth it for me because it only cost me £40 for the upgrade and I like my old hardware which is very robust, but of course now you have to weigh up the cost and hassle of the upgrade against buying a new Windows 10 machine.

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