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Drivers - Windows 8 vs 8.1
We have some Latitude E5420s but Dell only lists Windows 8 as a supported OS. It doesn't list Windows 8.1. Is there any reason that drivers for 8 won't work on 8.1?
Our standard company image is Windows 8.1 and we'd like to put that on these laptops but want to make sure they'll work fine before we take the time to try it.
Has anyone put 8.1 on an E5420 before to know if it will work fine? I could just let Windows install the drivers and then manually try the rest or I could use the Windows 8 cab file and see what happens.
jessy.holiday
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March 18th, 2015 14:00
dont all windows 8 machines automatically upgrade to win 8.1 ? (sorry ive answered a question with a question) but pretty sure thats the case.
kelemvor33
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March 18th, 2015 14:00
That's what i would think but when you go to download Drivers for the E5420, it only lists 8 and not 8.1. Other models list them both which is why I was a bit confused.
They are also listed separately on the CAB page:
en.community.dell.com/.../2065
Philip_Yip
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March 18th, 2015 15:00
In most cases Windows 7 and Windows 8.0 drivers will work with Windows 8.1... Windows 8.1 may have some newer drivers inbuilt however.
Some Windows 8.1 drivers can be taken from newer Latitudes or directly from vendors such as Intel.
jessy.holiday
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March 18th, 2015 15:00
i was talking about the Microsoft updates
jessy.holiday
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March 19th, 2015 07:00
i think so, yes. all should work fine.
i wouldnt hesitate to go ahead and do what u propose.
i dont work for Dell, so cant give u a expert answer.
i would suggest after u get win 8 installed. make a restore point before doing the upgrade to 8.1. so u can easily revert to the 8.0 if needed. and u can probably count on the manufacturer of the individual drivers to have updated ones if needed
kelemvor33
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March 19th, 2015 07:00
So if I look at the CAB page or the Drivers Download page and it does NOT list 8.1, Does that mean I can still install 8.1 and just use the 8.0 drivers and I should be fine?
Since I can install Win8 with the 8 drivers and then get the automatic Windows Update go to to Win 8.1, I'd assume all the hardware would still work. So if specific 8.1 drivers are available I should use those, but if not, I should just use the Win8 drivers and they will still work fine?
kelemvor33
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March 19th, 2015 07:00
Well that's just it. We don't install Windows 8 and then upgrade, we just install Windows 8.1 directly. These are at work so we just have a master image we use for all our laptops.
I guess I might just have to try one and hope for the best.