Upgrading from Windows 7 to Windows 8.1 using the image I purchased and downloaded from Microsoft

About a year ago I purchased and downloaded Windows 8.1. Also, I burned that image to disc. So far, I've only used it to create a virtual machine. I'm wondering whether I can use that image to upgrade the host machine, which is running Windows 7. I've made one attempt to use that disc to upgrade Windows 7, but bailed out when I got to the install button without ever having been given a choice between a full install and an upgrade. Am I chickening out too soon, or is my fear that my system is about to be clobbered, justified? Can I use the 8.1 disc that I created to upgrade my Windows 7 system?
babyb00merAsked:
Who is Participating?
I wear a lot of hats...

"The solutions and answers provided on Experts Exchange have been extremely helpful to me over the last few years. I wear a lot of hats - Developer, Database Administrator, Help Desk, etc., so I know a lot of things but not a lot about one thing. Experts Exchange gives me answers from people who do know a lot about one thing, in a easy to use platform." -Todd S.

JohnBusiness Consultant (Owner)Commented:
It appears from your description that you want to use the same license from the virtual machine to upgrade the host machine. You will run into licensing conflicts.

Consider upgrading the Windows 7 host machine to Windows 10 (free) with the Media Creation Link.

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows10 

Back up first in case you need to do a fresh install - Windows 7 is very old now.
rindiCommented:
As mentioned above, you will first have to decommission the VM of windows 8.1. After that you could just install Windows 8.1. But you'd have to call the m$ registration number to get it activated.

Personally I can't see any logic behind installing Windows 8.1. That was an unusable OS compared to either Windows 7 and Windows 10, so I'd also rather upgrade to Windows 10 directly for free.

The only case in which I could imagine a reason behind installing Windows 8.1 would be if you are now using a home version of Windows 7, and your Windows 8.1 is either Professional or Ultimate. Then you should install Windows 8.1 and then upgrade that OS to Windows 10, which will then be Professional version too.
babyb00merAuthor Commented:
Thanks a lot guys! Eventually, I performed a clean install of Windows 10 on the host system. It was not my preference, but nothing else has worked. I will reinstall my applications as I need them.

Experts Exchange has made the process of rewarding the contributors more and more confusing. Both responses were informative and instrumental in influencing my decision.

Experts Exchange Solution brought to you by

Your issues matter to us.

Facing a tech roadblock? Get the help and guidance you need from experienced professionals who care. Ask your question anytime, anywhere, with no hassle.

Start your 7-day free trial
babyb00merAuthor Commented:
I've requested that this question be closed as follows:

Accepted answer: 0 points for babyb00mer's comment #a41515527
Assisted answer: 250 points for thinkpads_user's comment #a41514625
Assisted answer: 250 points for rindi's comment #a41514652

for the following reason:

Please refer to my last comment.
It's more than this solution.Get answers and train to solve all your tech problems - anytime, anywhere.Try it for free Edge Out The Competitionfor your dream job with proven skills and certifications.Get started today Stand Outas the employee with proven skills.Start learning today for free Move Your Career Forwardwith certification training in the latest technologies.Start your trial today
Windows 8

From novice to tech pro — start learning today.