Windows 10: Easy way to update to W10 using existing W8.1 system

Hi there

If you want to test W10 builds using all your existing programs then this IMO is the esiest way to do it. This way preserves your REAL W8 / W8.1 / W7 machine.

1) Install VMware player (FREE)

2) install VMWARE stand alone converter -- also FREE

3) Run the VMware converter tool to convert your existing running REAL machine into a Virtual machine (P2V this process is called - Physical to Virtual)

4) Power on the newly created Virtual machine

5) run the W10 update from inside the VM --- job done !!!

Here's a screenshot of the initial Physical ==> Virtual machine conversion using the VMware conversion tool.





Cheers
jimbo

:)

 

Unauthorized W10 Install Overnight

This morning turned on tablet that had W8.1 yesterday and was notified that W10 was installed overnight (w/o any authorization by us). To restore to W8.1, have choice to "decline" or "Keep W10". Concerned way message reads that if we "decline" so W8.1
is reinstalled, we will lose free W10 upgrade permanently. Can someone clarify if that's the case? Thanks.

 

Windows 10 "remove everything" made Asus Vivotab Note 8 go into a BSOD "inaccessible_boot_device", completely BRICKED!

Thanks for your experience!

How can you solve the matter about the Windows key?

I've installed W10 but it doesn't accept my Key of W8.1 (recovered from UEFI) so it's useless...

I would Reinstall W8.1 to put my Key and upgrade to W10 again...

The problem is that, if i create a bootable USB with W8.1, i cannot access to the BIOS and i don't understand why!

I will try to erase all partition, "hoping" that the system "forget" W10 and accept W8.1...

it's a crazy situations...

- i have the activation key for W8.1

- the system don't let me to install W8.1

- W10 doesn't accept the key (even if for upgrade was OK)

I've upgraded the system because i was confident about MS quality, but the process for upgrade is really buggy!!!

 

A good tip Jimbo.

Here's a tutorial to do the same for those running Windows 8 / 8.1 with Hyper-V: Hyper-V - Create and Use VHD of Windows 10 with Disk2VHD. Although tutorial is written for Windows 10 the exactly same procedure applies to Windows 8 / 8.1.

The method can also be used by users with Windows 7 and Windows Virtual PC to create a vhd of existing physical Windows installation and use it in Windows Virtual PC to create a new vm.

 

Hi there

Great idea if you want to use HYPER-V too -- I'll have a go with that later after New years day. !!! Creating a VHD of your REAL machine is a great tip.

BTW if you do use VMware ensure that the VM settings set the USB compatibility to USB2 and NOT USB3 for Windows 10 or you will find the task bar doesn't work and the mouse connections can get hosed up. !!! (WKS 11 / vmplayer 7. Earlier versions don't support (officially) Windows 10 guests.

Problem also with HYPER-V is that it only runs on Windows Hosts so if you are running a Linux host no go.


Cheers
jimbo