Windows 8.1 Upgrade License alongside Windows 7

[Raz316]

Hi all, here's a question.

I have licensed copy of the full version of Windows 7, I would like to purchase a Windows 8.1 Upgrade license based on this.

If I were to dual boot Windows 8 alongside Windows 7, would it be legal?

Logically I would say it is, because I would never be using both bits of software at the same time. However, I would still question if it was going against certain terms.

Anyone done similar?

[scaryjim]

Gotta ask - why would you want to do this?

[KeyboardDemon]

Technically when upgrading your Windows 7 install to Windows 8/8.1 your existing license carries over to the new one, so IIRC you're no longer entitled to use that Windows 7 key as a standalone product. However, if both versions are being used on the same PC then they will not be running concurrently so I'm not sure how this works in such a case. My gut feeling is you still can't do it, but hopefully someone will be in a position to correct me if I'm wrong.

[Raz316]

ScaryJim: I'm doing some mobile development work and when building for Windows Phone 8, you need a Windows 8 machine. Also when emulating a WP8, the system basically uses a Virtual Machine, and there are issues running Windows 8 inside a virtual machine and booting a virtual machine (phone emulator) within that.

I don't like Windows 8, so still want to be able to access Windows 7 for general tasks.

KeyboardDemon: Exactly my thinking.

[Agent]

The software covered by this agreement is an upgrade to your existing operating system software, so the upgrade replaces the original software that you are upgrading. You do not retain any rights to the original software after you have upgraded and you may not continue to use it or transfer it in any way.

That's from the Windows 8 EULA.

[Raz316]

Cheers Agent, expected as much.

I guess it's time to find a cheap full license!

[Agent]

If you're a student / have kids / in education there are loads of options:
MSDN if you have access
http://onthehub.com/download/free-so...-for-students/
http://www.microsoftstore.com/store/...ctID.288533400

Or if you need a normal key, there is of course G2A. Legit keys, but from other regions: https://www.g2a.com/windows-8-profes...ey-global.html

[Raz316]

Hey thanks for the G2A link, I did notice them when I was looking around, but was apprehensive because I had not seen them before.