Where to download Win 8.1 iso to make a USB installer for a new computer?

[phositadc]

I am planning to install Win 8.1 on my new build. I do not currently own Widows 8. All I have is an old laptop with Windows 7 on it, which I never plan to update to Windows 8.

I don't actually see a way on MS's website to download a Win 8.1 ISO for a fresh install. I've found this Win 8.1 download page: http://www.microsoftstore.com/store/msusa/en_US/pdp/Windows-8.1/productID.288401200, but it says it is for Windows 7 users only, which makes me wonder if it is suitable for a new build. Am I missing something? Is that the page I want to download from to create a USB installer for a fresh install of Windows 8.1 for a new computer, or will that installer only update a system that is currently on Windows 7?

I've also seen articles like this one: http://www.tomshardware.com/faq/id-1849920/download-iso-version-windows.html. But that does not seem to apply to me since I don't currently own Windows 8.

Basically, I'm starting from scratch and I want to download a Win 8.1 fresh install ISO and make a USB installer. How do I do that? Any advice appreciated.

 

[Elixer]

Wait for tomorrow, since that is the official release to the public of 8.1 update 1.

They already have made a 8.1U1 ISO, but, I have no idea how they plan for people to get it. I assume it will be the same way 8.1 was received via their downloader.

BTW, you need to buy a win 8/8.1 key for it to work on your laptop...

 

[Berryracer]

I called Microsoft a couple of days back explaining that I have a Genuine Windows 8 Key + Windows Media Center upgrade and the Windows 8 Downloader (aka SetupBox) never connects after I enter my key like it did in the past to enable me to download the ISO

They said there is no more ways to get the ISO like the past days and one would have to buy the Backup DVD from their site OR what you can do is get it off MSDN but u need an account for that

 

[Elixer]

Do you mean you ran Windows 8.1 Upgrade Assistant, and it wouldn't connect anymore ?
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-8/upgrade-assistant-download-online-faq

I suppose it is possible they temporarily disabled it, because of the new ISOs...

 

[Chiefcrowe]

Try this method, it should do everything that you need -

http://www.neowin.net/news/here-is-how-to-get-the-windows-81-iso-and-create-a-usb-install-stick

 

[Berryracer]

no I meant this: http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows-8/upgrade-product-key-only


It hasn't been working since 3 months so it's nothing about the servers preparing for the spring update. Microsoft has stopped allowing customer to acquire media for installation of the products they genuinely purchased or came with their PC. Period. I have spoken to them on the phone and there is no way to legally get the ISO other than MSDN

 

[Berryracer]

Try this method, it should do everything that you need -

http://www.neowin.net/news/here-is-how-to-get-the-windows-81-iso-and-create-a-usb-install-stick

that's the whole point! the bloody thing won't connect anymore!

 

[phositadc]

Ok so basically the only way is to buy the actual DVD and then make a USB installer from that? Ridiculous.

 

[Ranulf]

Ok so basically the only way is to buy the actual DVD and then make a USB installer from that? Ridiculous.

Fun innit? ;P

 

[VirtualLarry]

It hasn't been working since 3 months so it's nothing about the servers preparing for the spring update. Microsoft has stopped allowing customer to acquire media for installation of the products they genuinely purchased or came with their PC. Period. I have spoken to them on the phone and there is no way to legally get the ISO other than MSDN

Good. Less availability of Windows ISOs, and greater availability of Linux ISOs, just mean that Linux will spread faster than Windows.

 

[Chiefcrowe]

oh, i misunderstood. They really need to fix this otherwise people will end up turning to shady methods!

 

[Elixer]

no I meant this: http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows-8/upgrade-product-key-only


It hasn't been working since 3 months so it's nothing about the servers preparing for the spring update. Microsoft has stopped allowing customer to acquire media for installation of the products they genuinely purchased or came with their PC. Period. I have spoken to them on the phone and there is no way to legally get the ISO other than MSDN

I think left hand don't know what right hand is doing.
Did you look at https://www.mswos.com/ to see if it can find you ?

*edit
This is what Kyle Blagg said:

The updated ISO is currently available on MSDN for customers who have access. The updated ISO will be available for Volume License customers on 4/14. Based on what I'm hearing right now, e-distributors including windows.com and microsoftstore.com should have updated ISOs available by 4/30.

Guess we will see at the end of the month.

 

[MadScientist]

I read on Microsoft's site that the Win 8.1 with SP1 VL iso was going to be available for download to VL customers on 4/14, but nothing about the updated retail iso being available to e-distributors by 4/30. Let's hope it is.

The updated MSDN Win 8.1 iso has been leaked to the internet. This is a very gray area, and you will need a legit product key. If you decide to go this route at least make sure the SHA1 matches. MD5 & SHA Checksum Utility: http://download.cnet.com/MD5-SHA-Checksum-Utility/3000-2092_4-10911445.html

From MSDN:
Windows 8.1 with Update (multiple editions) (x64) – DVD (English)
File Name: en_windows_8.1_with_update_x64_dvd_4065090.iso
SHA1: 4652DC6EBFEBE02C6A63E167C36E3FAEDFB93999

Windows 8.1 with Update (multiple editions) (x86) – DVD (English)
File Name: en_windows_8.1_with_update_x86_dvd_4065105.iso
SHA1: 54B8572556B316A6BECE54C5033564E3296F5951