Microsoft has FINALLY Made it Easy to Download a Windows 8.1 ISO (or USB)

[Whisper2]

After years of being ridiculous about making Windows ISO's available, Microsoft finally has provided a simple download process. The link they provided is:

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-8/create-reset-refresh-media

I already downloaded the file and it is over 100 MB larger that the 8.1 ISO they first published last May, so it includes some changes but I have not used so I can not tell how many, or which, updates have been included.

I do not know if it can be used directly with a Win 8 product key. When I used the earlier version of the 8.1 ISO, I had to install with a KMS key and then change to my Win 8 key. Worst case, that is what may have to be done with this version as well but it is easier and cleaner than installing 8 and then going to the MS store to get the 8.1 upgrade.

 

[bbhaag]

Very cool! Thanks for posting the link. Does anyone know the difference between 8.1Pro and 8.1Pro N?
I want to dl the iso and keep it in my archive with my other windows versions but I'm not sure which one to pick. I have Win8.1Pro with media center.

Edit:Nevermind a quick search gave me the answer. Thanks again Whisper2.

 

[Insert_Nickname]

Thanks for the link...

 

[Dahak]

Very cool! Thanks for posting the link. Does anyone know the difference between 8.1Pro and 8.1Pro N?
I want to dl the iso and keep it in my archive with my other windows versions but I'm not sure which one to pick. I have Win8.1Pro with media center.

Edit:Nevermind a quick search gave me the answer. Thanks again Whisper2.

For N -- that was for Europe with the unbundled windows media player.

For Media Center, you would need the Pro version as its and addon that require Pro


And I have to say too... FINALLY.. don't understand why they did not release this/direct links earlier

 

[Elixer]

Maybe the new CEO is finally understanding what people want ?

 

[tential]

They need to make it easier. My Windows Install needs to reinstall but whats the point of reinstalling to only download EVERY update. ISO's sho uld be regularly made with all updates done. At least once a quarter.

 

[Chiefcrowe]

This would be GREAT! I really hope they do this in the future!!

They need to make it easier. My Windows Install needs to reinstall but whats the point of reinstalling to only download EVERY update. ISO's sho uld be regularly made with all updates done. At least once a quarter.

 

[biostud]

They need to make it easier. My Windows Install needs to reinstall but whats the point of reinstalling to only download EVERY update. ISO's sho uld be regularly made with all updates done. At least once a quarter.

Formerly known as service packs.

 

[MTDEW]

Next thing you know they'll do something just as useful like also letting customers use their Windows 8 product key to do a fresh clean install of Windows 8.1.

Whoever is coming up with these "new/original ideas" at MS must be a genius!

 

[Gunbuster]

Does it format the USB correctly for a UEFI install?

 

[Xellos2099]

nvm

 

[chucky2]

So does anyone know what Windows 8.1 we get if we use this? Original 8.1? 8.1 w/ Update 1? 8.1 w/ Update 2?

I'm trying it right now so will report back here, just wondering if anyone offhand knows. If w/ Update 2, pretty nice!

Chuck

 

[Bateluer]

Handy. Should work on OEM licenses too right? If one wanted to wipe a store bought laptop or PC clear of bloat and use the UEFI embedded key.

 

[Berryracer]

Handy. Should work on OEM licenses too right? If one wanted to wipe a store bought laptop or PC clear of bloat and use the UEFI embedded key.

Yes, before you format, get your current Windows 8 or 8.1 key then enter it in this site: Windows PID checker

It will then tell you the exact version of Windows 8 you have (ie, Windows 8 Core, Single Language, etc.)

Then download the right ISO accordingly.

If your computer came with Windows 8 originally and not 8.1, then when you're at the setup, the key will not work since it is expecting a Windows 8.1 key, no problem, just google (Windows 8.1 Default Installation keys) and enter one of the default installation keys provided by Microsoft for installation. Once you're in Windows, you can use your real key to activate

 

[Whisper2]

I installed Win 8.1 Pro with this file and my Win 8 retail key worked directly. I did not have to screw around with a KMS key. No messages or whining, it just worked. I also added Media Center with the free key that came with purchasing Win 8, and it went smoothly as well.

The file definitely is much newer than the ISO Microsoft had posted before. Win Update offered about 40 "important" and 'optional' updates to bring it up to date. They were dated August and later.

It appears Microsoft is trying to be a little less user unfriendly.

 

[chucky2]

I installed Win 8.1 Pro with this file and my Win 8 retail key worked directly. I did not have to screw around with a KMS key. No messages or whining, it just worked. I also added Media Center with the free key that came with purchasing Win 8, and it went smoothly as well.

The file definitely is much newer than the ISO Microsoft had posted before. Win Update offered about 40 "important" and 'optional' updates to bring it up to date. They were dated August and later.

It appears Microsoft is trying to be a little less user unfriendly.

Very good news! The last official ISO I downloaded was Win 8.1 w/ Update 1. now Update 2 (the Nov update that was just released) is out, it would be been ideal if those downloading after that update got Win 8.1 w/ Update 2. But if we're at least getting Win 8.1 w/ Update 1, and even newer maybe given what you posted, plus being able to use Win 8 keys, plus direct from Microsoft, this indeed a large step in the right direction!

Chuck

 

[fire400]

there are enough torrents out there that offer original 8/8.1 x32 & x64 images w/sha+md5 codes, that will work with the Microsoft USB DVD tool.

windows 8.1 pro keys are as cheap as $35 from online vendors with paypal.

i've about had it with kms and manufacturer controlled OS re-installations.

i just disable all the bios-windows-8 security features and leave the hard drive and OS completely exposed for hot swaps with a newly purchased key. i'd rather spend a few extra dollars than deal with the pesky windows 8/8.1/cloning and its supposed implemented bios enhancements.
saves many, many hours for me across multiple platforms.

 

[chucky2]

I can confirm that this new link, for Windows 8.1 Pro x64 option at least, gives you Win 8.1 w/ Update 1, and that it works with the Windows 8 key - no need for a volume key and then using slmgr or whatever it was trick.

 

[bbhaag]

there are enough torrents out there that offer original 8/8.1 x32 & x64 images w/sha+md5 codes, that will work with the Microsoft USB DVD tool.

windows 8.1 pro keys are as cheap as $35 from online vendors with paypal.

i've about had it with kms and manufacturer controlled OS re-installations.

i just disable all the bios-windows-8 security features and leave the hard drive and OS completely exposed for hot swaps with a newly purchased key. i'd rather spend a few extra dollars than deal with the pesky windows 8/8.1/cloning and its supposed implemented bios enhancements.
saves many, many hours for me across multiple platforms.

The upgrade is usually $100 and I think the full version is even more. Where are you finding legit 8.1 keys for only $35?

 

[Conscript]

Ugh, wish I saw this 24 hours ago....just spent hours doing a install with my orig 8.0 CD

 

[VirtualLarry]

I just used a DVD I burned from an ISO image downloaded with this tool, to install to a Lenovo that shipped with Windows 8, and it didn't ask me for a key, and installed just fine.

Very useful!

 

[Berryracer]

I just used a DVD I burned from an ISO image downloaded with this tool, to install to a Lenovo that shipped with Windows 8, and it didn't ask me for a key, and installed just fine.

Very useful!

yes because previously, if your laptop's key which is in the BIOS is for Windows 8 and you are trying to install 8.1, it will ask you for a key and if you entered your real Windows 8 key, it would fail as they're different so one had to use one of the publically available microsoft windows 8.1 default installation keys which are just used for installation then use your real key to activate once you're in Windows

now this has changed fortunately, and even if you have a Windows 8 key embedded in your BIOS, it would still read it and proceed with the installation and the moment you're connected to the internet it would activate. Magic !

 

[Maximilian]

Next thing you know they'll do something just as useful like also letting customers use their Windows 8 product key to do a fresh clean install of Windows 8.1.

Whoever is coming up with these "new/original ideas" at MS must be a genius!

I wanted to smash my face off the keyboard when I realized 8.1 required a different key to windows 8... I mean why!? Its a free upgrade. PITA microsoft.