Can I downgrade Windows 8.1 Pro to Core?

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I am looking for Windows 8.1 – the problem is that there’s quite a lot and fairly cheap Pro versions, but Core is a rare beast and much more expensive than Pro. Is there a way to install, activate and downgrade the Pro version to Core?

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Errm that’s an unusual request. Its my understanding that core is the Home version and well Pro is the more advanced although there’s not much difference to the eye just one or two Minor changes Pro can connect to Domains etc. you can find the media creation tool here. Select either win 8.1 or 8.1 Pro don’t bother with the vers. that have an “N” as a suffix they’re European versions no media player etc. https://www.microsoft.com/en-ca/software-download/windows8 As for activation unless your machine has a OEM key in the BIOS or you have your own key I am afraid I cant help you in that Dept. Probably best to do a clean install with the home version if that’s what you really want.

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Actually, I don’t need the Professional version features at all and the less features, the less bloat in the system.
I know how to download the ISO, but the problem is that Pro key will not work with Core (Home) version and all keys with reasonable prices I can find are from the Pro version.

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Hmmmm if its like Win10? you enter a Pro key and it tries to update you from Home to Pro, or you install Win10 home on a Pro machine it sends you automatically in to upgrade mode. Never tried it on this machine and it came with Win8.1 Pro. I just accepted the Pro version as I Req. various domain and networking features. I am sorry I really haven’t been too much help. I never had that kind of request before 🙁

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OK, another case, I’m 99% sure, but just want to confirm – can I use the same activation key for 32-bit and 64-bit Windows 8.1? I.e. can I buy a 32-bit version and install the 64-bit one using the say key?

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Yes, you can, ie the windows activation key is 32/64 bit agnostic.
But there may be a problem getting hold of the Win 8.1 64bit iso from M$ website if you are running a Win 8.1 32bit system to do the iso download,
http://en.community.dell.com/support-forums/software-os/f/3524/t/19529800

http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/id-3110061/windows-product-key-interchangable-bit.html

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If it’s bloat you’re concerned about, you might consider simply adding memory to your computer and/or replacing your HD with an SSD. Doing these steps would overcome the bloat and would benefit you all around.

Group "L" (Linux Mint)
with Windows 10 running in a remote session on my file server

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There is no such thing as “too much memory”, besides with my computer it’d be extremely difficult or/and not economically sound (4x4GB DDR2 RAM, preferably at least 940 MHz capable) – so that is not a solution. SSD I already have.

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you will have to clean install Win8.1 Core/Home over Win8.1 Pro. you will not be able to keep your existing apps/programs so they will have to be re-installed afterwards

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