Paul wrote:


I bought Windows8 Upgrade for $39.95. There is an electronic
download of 3GB or so in size for that. There is a trick you can
use, where you go back to the download site, with your Windows key
in hand, and you can trick the downloader into giving you a copy
of Windows 8.1 3GB DVD image instead. Now I have both here. When
it comes time to install the update, I won't be doing it
via Windows Update, and will be using the DVD instead. The
image I have, uses install.esd, with only one version of OS
inside the DVD, versus the MSDN image which contains multiple
versions of OS. The MSDN ISO9660 should be several hundred
megabytes bigger than my "inferior" image. But my DVD will
suffice to update my installation, as it is exactly
the right version, with no extra files.

I only really need to do that update, within the next year or
so. There is no rush at the moment. I keep automatic updates
turned off, so it won't "sneak in" while I'm sleeping or
something :-)

The reason for waiting, is to learn all the installation
tricks before doing it. Downloading that image is one of
the tricks. The other trick, is avoiding the creation of
a Microsoft Account.

http://windowssecrets.com/top-story/...an-ms-account/


So I'm just about ready to do the update here, as time allows.

Good luck,
Paul

A good plan. The MSDN 8.1 iso contains Core and Pro or optionally on a
separate iso - Enterprise.

It won't sneak in via AU - by design the Store or retail are the only
deployment routes. The possibility does exist to deploy a notification
for 8.1 on 8.0 systems via Windows Updates...but iirc that bit has not
been flipped (yet).

Imo, if you wish to continue to use Windows 'Future X.x', a MSFT account
is inevitable for consumers...the relief (i.e. option) for Local only
will be soley in Enterprise domain based. There is no compelling reason
for MSFT to continue creation of Local Accounts unless a MSFT is first
created and to provide future support for Windows when the o/s and
activation are not tied to MSFT account.

i.e. Enjoy it while it lasts.


--
...winston
msft mvp consumer apps