Stock Windows 8.1 or Windows 8.1 Pro

[Martian]

So I'm upgrading to the 64GB model and I'm trying to decide if I should stick with the stock Windows install (which doesn't appear to have any bloatware) or if there is any advantage in reinstalling with Windows 8.1 Pro. I have a few Windows 8.1 Pro licenses left that I'm not using so there would be no additional cost.

I guess the real question is if I would gain anything with 8.1 Pro to make it worth re-installing or if I would lose anything baked into stock that I couldn't live without.

Thoughts?

[ilovetofu]

I thought all you had to do was enter the product key to upgrade the Windows license. No reinstall necessary.

[Martian]

I thought all you had to do was enter the product key to upgrade the Windows license. No reinstall necessary.

Hmmm - definitely going to try this! Hopefully it doesn't complain about my keys being Windows 8 as opposed to 8.1 since the upgrade is free. Will let you know if it works. That would be awesome!

[artp209]

Windows 8.1 Pro would allow you to add Windows Media Center ($10 additional cost). Otherwise, I know of nothing for the casual user. I considered this for watching TV when comparing tablets, but another legacy application installed nicely on the T100 and made this issue go away.

[Martian]

I was able to get one free Media Center license before they started charging for it but I applied it too my desktop (which I never use Media Center on). I doubt I can transfer it but for only $10 it might be worth it on the T100 (if I can upgrade to Pro without having to do a complete re-install). I have an HDHomerun TV tuner that I use with MythTV but Windows Media Center also supports it so I could watch Live TV on my tablet with Media Center while at home.

[mlmarloth]

Did the upgrade work? I'm on the shipped windows but would like to get it upgraded to join a domain...

[Martian]

They say a picture is worth a thousand words:

Win8_1Pro_media_center.jpg

Upgrade to both Pro and Media Center went without a hitch!

[mlmarloth]

Nice! Did you upgrade by just changing the key?

[Martian]

Nice! Did you upgrade by just changing the key?

Go to search and type "add features" then type in your key (or purchase one if you need to)

I entered a Windows 8 pro key that I had and I bought a Media Center key for $10. Was able to pay with PayPal which was nice.

I am able to watch live TV now in Media Center from my HDHomerun.

[williambs55]

I have tried keys from my school district as I am the Technical Coordinator and have not had luck with them working.
Any help?