Microsoft relents - Windows 8.1 and Server 2012 R2 are on TechNet Plus NOW

[AngryTechnician]

Hat tip to Ars Technica: Microsoft relents: MSDN and TechNet will get Windows 8.1 early after all | Ars Technica

 

Microsoft has heard the response and has changed its mind. Its new policy is the old policy: MSDN and TechNet subscribers will get immediate access to Windows 8.1 for testing and development purposes. Windows 8.1 and Windows Server 2012 R2 will be available to download now, and volume license versions of Windows 8.1 will be made available by the end of September. The company does warn that it is continuing to develop the online services that Windows 8.1 uses, so the software will not deliver the full, final experience just yet.

 

So we can't deploy just yet due to the VL editions not being available, but if you have a TechNet Plus sub (which you get with EES), you can grab some testing copies now without having to resort to BitTorrent. I'm downloading now. TechNet may be being killed off, but we still get some use out of it before they put it out to pasture.

Edited September 9, 2013 by AngryTechnician

[Arthur]

we can't deploy just yet due to the VL editions not being available

The VL editions are being released on 18/10/2013.

 

Q: Will volume licensees get the enterprise SKU only? Or also Win 8.1 core and Win 8.1 Pro?

A: At GA (October 18), customers can access VLSC to get Windows 8.1 Enterprise and 8.1 Pro. Windows 8.1 (core) will not be available on VLSC but is available via MSDN in advance of GA.

 

Source: ZDNet

[Arthur]

Windows 8.1 Enterprise RTM Now Available to Volume License Customers

 

Beginning today, TechNet and MSDN subscribers will now have access to Windows 8.1 Enterprise RTM. This also includes access for Volume License (VL) customers with an active Software Assurance (SA) agreement, as you receive a TechNet subscription as part of SA.

[jmak]

So what happens when our technet subscriptions run out? Are they going to stop giving us this stuff?

[Arthur]

So what happens when our TechNet subscriptions run out?

You'll have to wait until Microsoft adds the ISOs to the VLSC.

[sted]

So what happens when our technet subscriptions run out? Are they going to stop giving us this stuff?

 

pass but in preperation ive grabbed every code i can that looks useful

[AngryTechnician]

Well the Enterprise bits are up but only with MAK keys, so still need to wait for the KMS key next month before we can think about a full deploy. At least we can start on the image.

[Arthur]

Well the Enterprise bits are up but only with MAK keys, so still need to wait for the KMS key next month before we can think about a full deploy. At least we can start on the image.

When I login to VLSC I can see the KMS keys for both 8.1 and 2012 R2.

 

@AngryTechnician. Does yours not look like the screenshot below?

 

http://i.imgur.com/JHm05Cr.png

Edited September 18, 2013 by Arthur

[sted]

Well the Enterprise bits are up but only with MAK keys, so still need to wait for the KMS key next month before we can think about a full deploy. At least we can start on the image.

 

as its a free upgrade from 8 wont 8 vlk keys work?

[ZeroHour]

as its a free upgrade from 8 wont 8 vlk keys work?

 

I don't it but not sure. I don't know if w8 keys work as ms in the past required you to do an upgrade not a fresh install which needs a 8.1 key. Things could be different since 8.1 is free but I doubt it.

[AngryTechnician]

When I login to VLSC I can see the KMS keys for both 8.1 and 2012 R2.

I didn't even think to check VLSC. So we've got the ISOs on TechNet but the keys on VLSC. I see Microsoft's left hand is still not really talking to the right.

[sted]

as its a free upgrade from 8 wont 8 vlk keys work?

 

I can confirm they don't installed 8.1 enterprise as a vhd on a pc in a school and even though the kms server is 2012 and has lots of win7 activations (including this pc as win7) it says no. So I wonder if you need a 2012r2/8.1 kms server or if there is a patch?

[MYK-IT]

Wish I found this thread sooner...been waiting patiently until 18th October to download Windows 8.1 Enterprise & Server 2012 R2 and they have been on TechNet for a couple of weeks! And our VLSC has the appropriate MAK/KMS keys listed too.

 

Downloading ISOs ready to install later!

[sted]

nope I still have no keys for 8.1 on vlsc its not even listed as a product

[william_tropico]

nope I still have no keys for 8.1 on vlsc its not even listed as a product

I have keys on VLSC but no where to download the ISOs.

 

Does anyone have any information on how Work Folders work? Looks like it will be useful but cant find any information on setting it up

 

Thank you,

William

[MYK-IT]

nope I still have no keys for 8.1 on vlsc its not even listed as a product

 

It's not listed under [Download and Keys]

Try selecting [Home] > [View Relationship Summary] > Select your Licensing ID Agreement > [Product Keys]

[sted]

It's not listed under [Download and Keys]

Try selecting [Home] > [View Relationship Summary] > Select your Licensing ID Agreement > [Product Keys]

 

cheers its there

[gmonks]

I didn't think we had a technet subscription but after digging around in the Subscriptions section of the VLSC site I found out we did have a Technet direct plus now (I think is the name) subscription. Activated it and download the 2012 R2 RTM. So worth having a look.

 

Edit: Need to be using IE to get to the activate subscription part of technet.

[Tricky]

I have keys on VLSC but no where to download the ISOs.

 

Does anyone have any information on how Work Folders work? Looks like it will be useful but cant find any information on setting it up

 

Thank you,

William