-
×InformationNeed Windows 11 help?Check documents on compatibility, FAQs, upgrade information and available fixes.
Windows 11 Support Center. -
-
×InformationNeed Windows 11 help?Check documents on compatibility, FAQs, upgrade information and available fixes.
Windows 11 Support Center. -
- HP Community
- Desktops
- Desktop Operating Systems and Recovery
- why can't i install windows 8.1 ?

Create an account on the HP Community to personalize your profile and ask a question
05-16-2020 07:35 AM
Hi @bionicbill
Welcome to the HP Support Community.
To assist you better, what model HP Computer are you using?
Refer to this document to know how to find the Product Name or Product Number.
For more info on upgrading the OS, kindly refer to this document.
Keep me posted.
KUMAR0307
I am an HP Employee
05-16-2020 08:40 AM
Dear Bionicbill,
As Kumar mentions - we have insufficient information to respond in depth or detail. We need your computer type/number CPU and HDD/SSD type/rating; in addition to the full version and edition of the Windows OS you are presently running.
With these folk have the basics to formulate responses, based on possible causes - although it is not a HP hardware/unit fault/problem. We will still answer, to the best of our knowledge (lot of very smart people here).
I suspect - but do not know (lack of detail) the most likely cause of that particular MS Windows installation error - is if you are trying to Install a "pro" edition, over a "home" or different/other edition. MicroSoft installers stop the over-install or upgrade process if there is an edition mis-match.
It does not matter if you select "Install" , because the msi installer will still treat it as an upgrade - unless you are installing to a completely new or formatted blank, Hard Drive. I do not know if Win 7 & 8.1 will run-on/install to a Solid State Drive (SSD); might but the drivers will give trouble (not designed for SSD).
Cheers,
Rick.