Why doesn't Windows 8.1 recognize the Windows 10 home key?

I have purchased a new used computer that was already equipped with Windows 10 Home ex works.

At that time I started the world of computers with Windows 8 and I'm one of the few who are probably completely convinced of it - I also have 8.1 on my two laptops. Since Windows 10 has been around, I've often had to deal with it (work, school and private) and one thing is certain: I absolutely don't like it.

Now I would like to use Windows 8.1 with the existing activated license via CleanInstall. My experience of some successful new installations and upgrades has shown that it is not a good idea to carry out such clean-installs without a previous test by "installing on the old system" - again here.

My problem now, however, is that Windows 8.1 does not want to recognize or Windows 10 does not release that the OS is activated ("Something is wrong with the product key. Please check it and try again or use another one Key "). Internet works and the operating system was burned onto a stick with Rufus bootable.

Does anyone have an idea or a trick that could help me?

You have and so it was explained 1000 times, exchanged your windows 8.1 key for a windows 10 key. Ergo there's only your computer with the win 10 key at microsoft, try your luck at ms.

https://answers.microsoft.com/...7ed5ca939f

The trick would be to call Microsoft and ask "what the hell is wrong".

Here no one has access to the activation server to see what is going on.

It is clear to me so far, especially that the Windows 10 key does not work. When installing in the other direction, you can't simply enter the key of another OS. Windows normally recognizes during installation whether there's an activated system and generates a new key with this information. This is exactly where my problem lies, because somewhere it fails to pass on this information.

MS recommends this… So mediacreation tool bla bla. https://support.microsoft.com/...windows-81
I don't know if it's okay.

Ok, according to the link he doesn't want that… Then I'll have to get a new key again. Too bad, but thanks for your help!

If all else fails, it is not the end of the world.

https://www.rakuten.de/produkt/windows-10-professional-pro-oem-3264-bit-key-2878255940

100% legal, 100% serious.

Calling always helps, they are usually accommodating.

If I understood you correctly, you flattened the plate of the used PC and installed Windows 8.1 (Home) (not Pro), right?

And you want to activate that now, right?

Then you have to activate it with your Windows 8.1 product key or with a new product key that you can buy for a few euro.

Finished.

And please use Microsoft's tool to create a Windows 8.1 installation stick, because Rufus rarely spins, but especially with something like this:
https://www.microsoft.com/...indows8ISO