How to download Windows 8.1 ISO file
Windows 8 was not popular or well-received. Few people upgraded to it and its life was cut short despite Microsoft eventually fixing the Start menu. While Windows 8 was still the newest Windows version, plenty of laptops and desktops were released that run the OS. Windows 8/8.1 users were given the option to upgrade to Windows 10 for free.
Download Windows 8.1 ISO file
Windows 8.1 may not have been popular but some people did like it. The charms bar was unique in terms of UI and it did set the base for what Windows 10 looked like (minus all the mistakes). If you owned a Windows 8/8.1 system that you upgraded to Windows 10, and you’d like to install the original OS you’ll have a tough time finding a download link.
Download Windows 8.1 ISO file – Microsoft
Microsoft doesn’t advertise Windows 8/8.1 on its front page and only provides support for it. It isn’t going to get any more updates however, you can still download the ISO from Microsoft.
To download the Windows 8.1 ISO file;
- Visit this link on the Microsoft website.
- Select the edition that you want to download (8.1, 8.1 K, 8.1 KN, 8.1 N, or 8.1 Single Language).
- Click Confirm.
- Select the language you want to use the OS in.
- Click the download link for 32 or 64 bit, whichever you need to install.
- Save the ISO file.
Create installation USB
There is no media creation tool for Windows 8.1. You will have to burn the ISO to a USB drive with a third-party tool. We recommend using Rufus for the job.
Before you proceed, check if your system supports Secure boot UEFI or not. It will impact how you burn the ISO to a USB drive.
- Connect your USB drive to your system (it should be at least 8GB in size).
- Download and run Rufus.
- If your system has legacy BIOS, open Partition scheme, select MBR.
- If your system has UEFI/Secure Boot, open Partition scheme and select GPT.
- Select the USB drive, and the ISO file you downloaded.
- Click Start.
- Wait for the process to finish.
- Connect the USB to your system and install Windows 8.1.
Get Windows 8 ISO
Windows 8.1 was the final, and definitive version of Windows 8. You will not be able to find the Windows 8 ISO on Microsoft’s website. You might be able to find a torrent for it but you should be careful with those. They could be infected and should generally be regarded as unsafe.
If you have an installation disk lying around from when you bought your system, you can use it to install Windows 8. It’s the safest option.
Conclusion
Windows 8.1 had some good features but users transitioning from Windows 7 to Windows 8 weren’t able to work with the new Start menu. If you ever wanted to try it out, the ISO is still there but you won’t be able to buy a license for it.
