[ikk157]

Thanks for the feedback @ikk157.  Looks like I'll be going for Windows 8.1.  Pity though as I really like Windows 7 very much.  Between Windows 8.1 and Windows 10, and my dated hardware, I guess Windows 8.1 will be the better of the 2.

I agree, better to do a clean install of Windows 8.1 instead of an upgrade.  Yesterday I checked the "Windows Anytime Upgrade" in Windows 7 - and of course that feature disappeared when Windows 7 support came to an end in January.  Just as well though.  I agree - clean install is always the best.

I'm now checking where I can get a cheap license for Windows 8.1 Professional. Looks like I may have to get two separate ones for the laptop and desktop.

Do you know whether updates for Windows 8.1 can be turned off in the same way as with Windows 7 - i.e. the option to choose not to have them automatic? I'd like to do it the same way as with my Windows 7 Professional.  Not automatic, and opting to choose which updates I want to download and install.

@xdude So have you changed from Windows 7 yet, and what Windows are you on now?

I’m glad you’ve made up your mind on the upgrade to windows 8.1!

As for the license, I personally haven’t really bought one. A friend of mine works as an IT technician in a company and they’ve got enterprise licenses which can be used on an insane amount of devices, and that’s what I used (can’t remember where I kept it, apologies). So you might want to ask around and see if anyone you know (or heck, anyone here!) might have one!

And disabling auto updates is quite straightforward (not sure how it was done on windows 7, so I can’t make the comparison). Here’s a guide i looked up real quick: https://www.isunshare.com/windows-8/turn...8-8.1.html

Hope that helps