Windows 10: I need to downgrade to 8.1, in order to upgrade to 10. Media create?

One of my machines has been running 10 for the past 6 months during the insider program, and it is still running 10. This machine used to be a windows 8.1 machine before, though it was originally an 8 machine, and the only install DVD that I have is just that, Windows 8. Knowing that in another month or so I am likely going to start to get activation warnings, I figured I would take some time today (off work) to downgrade and complete the upgrade process. One thing I would love to do, is bypass having to reload 8, and then upgrade to 8.1, and then upgrade to 10. Seems tedious. I would much rather downgrade straight to 8.1, and then upgrade to 10, but to do so, I need 8.1 media. Unfortunately, the media creation tool appears to only contain the option to create install media for 10, given that I am now running windows 10. Anyone know of a way I can get a hold of 8.1 install media? I'd prefer to create a bootable usb drive, but will settle for ISO as well. Thanks in advance.

:)

 

Initial Log on

I've forgotten the log on or miss type my password on my new windows 10 laptop, does any one know how to reset it or get past it? I've only had it 3 days and can't remember the password or miss typed it (I set it up late the first night and have tried
every miss typed version I can think of) and now I don't what to do.

 

Sound issues in Windows 10

Sorry that solution didn't work either.

 

It sounds like you upgraded from a genuine windows to begin with. You should not need to downgrade. If you are on build 10240 just go to Settings>updates & Security>windows update> advanced settings and click on "stop insider builds" it will ask to confirm and then you will be on the RTM side. If you are already on build 10525 roll back to 10240 and then stop insider builds. I'd try this first, if not over at eight forums in the tutorial section there was a link to 8.1 install media from Microsoft.

 

The Windows Update path requires Win 8.1. If you upgrade to 10 using an .iso or equivalent, you can go directly from 8.

It's not clear to me what is required to exit the Insider program. Build 10240 was the same for both regular upgrade and Insiders. I'm not sure Insiders had an expiration date if their upgrades to 10240 were ultimately based on an activated Win 7 or 8 starting point.

 

Initially I believe I did it as an upgrade. I recall doing a clean install somewhere in there to try to fix some problems though. I am not truly sure. Heck, maybe I am fully activated. It says as much under windows activation. If that's the case than I'll just opt for a clean load of 10. I just recall reading that I would have to downgrade at some point after the 29th of July, and go through the upgrade process, in order to activate my machine on 10. If that's not needed then hey, I'm happy with that.

 

The W8.1 Media Creation tool is still available and I have verified it gives you W8.1.

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/w...-refresh-media

Jim *Cool