How to download and install Windows 8.1 Pro 64 bit free?

If you need to install or reinstall Windows 8.1, you can use the tools on this page to create your own installation media using either a USB flash drive or a DVD.

Before you begin

  • Make sure you have:
    • An internet connection (internet service provider fees may apply).
    • Sufficient data storage available on a computer, USB or external drive for the download.
    • A blank USB or DVD (and DVD burner) with at least 4 GB of space if you want to create media. We recommend using a blank USB or blank DVD, because any content on it will be deleted.
  • Read: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/windows-usb-dvd-download-tool.
  • Read the System Requirements
  • If you will be installing the operating system for the first time, you will need your Windows product key (xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx). For more information about product keys and when they are required.
  • For Enterprise editions please visit the Volume Licensing Service Center.

Use the media creation tool (aprx. 1.41MB) to download Windows. This tool provides the best download experience for customers running Windows 7, 8.1 and 10. Tool includes:

  • File formats optimized for download speed.
  • Built in media creation options for USBs and DVDs.
  • Optional conversion to ISO file format.

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How to download and install Windows 8.1 Pro 64 bit free?

Update 7/19/2021:  Windows 8.1 is long outdated, but technically supported through 2023. If you need to download an ISO to reinstall the full version of the operating system, you can download one from Microsoft here.

If you are still using Microsoft Windows 8.1, we recommend you at least begin considering what OS you will use in the future. It’s mid-2021 and Win 8.1 will shuffle off the mortal coil in January 2023. You can still qualify for a free upgrade to Windows 10 if you own a valid Windows 8.1 license, despite the fact that Microsoft formally ended its upgrade program five years ago. Additionally, Windows 10 has the same system requirements as Windows 8.1, so if you can run the latter, you can also run the former.

Even though Windows 11 has been announced, upgrading to Windows 10 has several advantages. First, Windows 11 may not support your hardware if it’s old enough to still be running Windows 8 or Windows 8.1. Windows 10, on the other hand, was compatible with virtually everything Windows 8.1 would run on. Windows 10 will also be supported through 2025, which gives you an extra two full years of support before needing to figure out an alternative solution.

If you are somehow still stuck on Windows 8.0 and do not want to go to the hassle of a full OS swap, we recommend running Windows Update immediately and downloading all available patches for your system, including the Windows 8.1 update, which will likely be offered to you by default. If you want to download just the Windows 8.1 update files, you can do so here.

Original story below, from 2013:

Windows 8.1 has been released. If you’re using Windows 8, upgrading to Windows 8.1 is both easy and free. If you’re using another operating system (Windows 7, Windows XP, OS X), you can either buy a boxed version ($120 for normal, $200 for Windows 8.1 Pro), or opt for one of the free methods listed below. To download and install Windows 8.1 for free, follow the guide below.

How to download Windows 8.1 for free

How to download and install Windows 8.1 Pro 64 bit free?
If you don’t want to wait for October 17 or 18, there are two options for downloading Windows 8.1: You can obtain a copy (and a license key) from a friend/colleague with an MSDN, TechNet, or DreamSpark (student) subscription, or you can download a Windows 8.1 RTM ISO from your favorite file-sharing website (The Pirate Bay, Mega, etc.)

While we’re not going to write a guide on how to obtain Windows 8.1 RTM from non-official sources, we will at least tell you to check the SHA-1 hash of the ISO that you download to make sure that it’s legitimate. If you hit up the MSDN Subscriber Downloads page, and then click Details under the version that you’ve obtained from elsewhere, you’ll find the SHA-1 hash. If you then use File Checksum Integrity Verifier (FCIV) on the ISO, the hash should match. If it doesn’t, assume the ISO has been compromised and download another. (But do make sure that you’re checking the right SHA-1 hash on the MSDN website; your ISO might be mislabeled).

The other easier, and completely legal, option is to download the Windows 8.1 Preview from Microsoft. It’s not as snappy as the final (RTM/GA) build, though, and has quite a few bugs/missing features. Bear in mind that if you go down this road, upgrading to a real version of Windows 8.1 will require a few more steps (discussed in the next section).

How to install Windows 8.1 for free

Once you have the Windows 8.1 ISO on your hard drive, the installation process is painless. Before you begin, you should consider backing up your important files and documents, but it’s not really necessary. You should also ensure that you have plenty of free hard drive space (20GB+).

How to download and install Windows 8.1 Pro 64 bit free?
If you’re already running Windows 8 and you downloaded the RTM ISO from somewhere other than the Windows Store, you can install Windows 8.1 by mounting the downloaded ISO in Explorer by double-clicking it, and then running the installer. If you’re on Windows 7, XP, or (bless your soul) Vista, you’ll need to burn the ISO to a USB thumb drive or DVD, or mount the ISO using a third-party virtual drive tool, like Magic ISO.

If you already have Windows 8, and you waited for the official release date, installing Windows 8.1 is as simple as visiting the Windows Store and downloading the free update.

In both these cases, the upgrade process should be very smooth, with your apps and settings fully preserved. If you upgrade from Windows 8.1 Preview, however, you will lose your installed apps, unless you first run a cversion.ini removal utility.

Once you’ve installed Windows 8.1, you should check out our extensive collection of Windows 8.1 tips and tricks, and be sure to check our Windows 8.1 review and hands-on impressions to ensure that you’re making the most of all the new features.

Now Read:

  • Windows 10 Is Five Years Old Today
  • Microsoft May Stream Win32 Apps to Windows 10X from the Cloud
  • Microsoft Working to Sunset Windows Control Panel

Sebastian Anthony wrote the original version of this article. It has since been updated with new information.

Is Windows 8.1 Pro free?

Windows 8.1 is a free update for Windows 8 tablets and PCs. It includes a number of new features and design elements that will make Windows 8 easier to use.

How to install window 8.1 Pro?

Perform a clean installation of Windows 8/8.1.
Insert the Windows 8/8.1 DVD into your optical drive and restart your computer. ... .
Select Language to install, Time and currency format, and Keyboard or input method and select Next..
Select Install Now..

Can I install Windows 8.1 without product key?

Windows 8.1 does not come for free to use, unless you already have Windows 8 installed and Activated with a legit Product Key. You can download it for free, but you use it you have to buy a Product Key.

Can I upgrade from Windows 7 to 8.1 for free?

Upgrade to Windows 8.1 with Upgrade Assistant. If you're unsure about the specs, download and run Windows 8.1 Upgrade Assistant. It's a free utility from Microsoft that will scan your computer hardware and peripheral devices (make sure they're all plugged in) and let you know what's compatible with 8.1 and what isn't.