Windows 8 and Windows 8.1 ISO - Download or Create

How to Create or Download a Windows 8 and 8.1 ISO


If you purchased Windows 8/8.1 and have a "retail" Windows 8/8.1 product key, then this tutorial will show you how to create or download an upgrade Windows 8 ISO or full Windows 8.1 Update ISO file directly from Microsoft.

You must be signed in as an administrator to be able to do the steps in this tutorial.

You will need to have your Windows 8 or 8.1 product key number from your retail box package OR online order information in the confirmation email for your purchase.

For example, if you purchased Windows 8 or 8.1 online using the "Windows 8/8.1 Upgrade Assistant".

A Windows 8 product key will not directly activate Windows 8.1 Update. To be able to clean install Windows 8.1 Update and activate it with a Windows 8 product key, see:Clean Install - Windows 8


CONTENTS:

• Option One: (recommended) Download Windows 8.1 Update ISO File with "Windows Installation Media Creation Tool"
• Option Two: Download Windows 8.1 Update ISO File with Retail Windows 8 or 8.1 Key
• Option Three: Download Windows 8 or Windows 8.1 Update ISO File with a Retail Key
• Option Four: To Create a Windows 8 or 8.1 ISO File from "C:\ESD\Windows" Folder

OPTION ONE

Download Windows 8.1 Update ISO File with "Windows Installation Media Creation Tool"

This option allows you to download the latest Windows 8.1 ISO file without needing a product key.

If you have a retail Windows 8 or 8.1 PC, then you will still need to have a valid Windows 8 or 8.1 product key to be able to install and activate Windows 8.1.

If you have an OEM Windows 8 or 8.1 PC, then you will also be able to use this ISO to install and activate Windows 8.1 if you are installing the same edition of Windows the key is for. The Windows 8 or 8.1 product key embedded in the UEFI firmware of the OEM PC will be automatically detected and used during installation to activate Windows 8.1.

When you run the mediacreationtool.exe file below it will permanently delete any folder named Download and it's contents that's in the same folder as the mediacreationtool.exe file.

If you have a folder named Download in the same folder (ex: on desktop), then you will need to rename it before running the mediacreationtool.exe file to avoid it and it's contents from being permanently deleted.

1. Click/tap on the Download button below to download and run the mediacreationtool.exe file for the Windows Installation Media Creation Tool.

Source: Create installation media for Windows 8.1 - Windows Help



2. If prompted by UAC, click/tap on Yes.

3. Select the Language, Edition, and 32-bit (x86) or 64-bit (x64) Architecture you want for the ISO file, and click/tap on Next. (see screenshot below)



4. Select (dot) ISO file, and click/tap on Next. (see screenshot below)



5. Select where you would like to save the ISO file to, type in a name you want for the ISO file, and click/tap on Save. (see screenshot below)



6. The Windows 8.1 ISO file will now begin to download. (see screenshot below)



7. When the download has finished, you can click/tap on Finish. (see screenshot below)




You could now create a bootable DVD/USB or UEFI USB with this ISO file when you like to do a clean or upgrade install of Windows 8.1 with.

OPTION TWO

Download Windows 8.1 Update ISO File with Retail Windows 8 or 8.1 Key

This option will not work with an OEM product key number.

This option will only work with a retail product key number.

1. Click/tap on the Microsoft site link below for your location, only click/tap on the Install Windows 8.1 button at the site like below to only download the Windows8-Setup.exe file, and save it to your desktop.

US: Upgrade Windows with only a product key - Microsoft Windows Help

UK: Upgrading Windows with only a product key - Microsoft Windows Help




2. Click/tap on the Download button below to download the WindowsSetupBox.zip file for Windows 8.1 Update. Open the ZIP file, and extract (drag and drop) the WindowsSetupBox.exe file to your desktop.

This is the official older 6.3.9600.16415 version of the WindowsSetupBox.exe file that is no longer available for download at Microsoft.



3. Run the Windows8-Setup.exe file (step 1), enter your RETAIL Windows 8 product key, and click/tap on Next. (see screenshot below)

This will not work if you use an OEM or system builders product key.

If you enter a generic key, then you will get a We can't connect right now message since they have been blocked.

If you still have the hidden folders below on your computer from the Windows 8/8.1 Upgrade Assistant, then you will see step 7 in OPTION THREE below instead.

You can delete these two hidden folders below to be able to enter your product key and download a new ISO file.

%UserProfile%\AppData\Local\Microsoft\WebSetup

AND

C:\ESD\Windows

To get a 32-bit Windows 8.1 Update ISO, you must run the .exe on a 32-bit Windows computer.

To get a 64-bit Windows 8.1 Update ISO, you must run the .exe on a 64-bit Windows computer.

4. Click/tap on Next. (see screenshot below)



5. Once downloading starts and still at 0%, CLOSE the Windows 8 Setup window. (see screenshot below)



6. Quickly click/tap on Yes to approve closing "Windows 8 Setup". (see screenshot below)



7. Run the WindowsSetupBox.exe file (step 2) for Windows 8.1 Update.

8. Windows 8.1 Setup should now start downloading Windows 8.1 Update. Go to step 6 in OPTION THREE below to continue for the Windows 8.1 Update ISO file. (see screenshot below)

If it fails to start downloading Windows 8.1 or you get an error, then delete the two hidden folders below, and start over at step 3 above.

%UserProfile%\AppData\Local\Microsoft\WebSetup

AND

C:\ESD\Windows

OPTION THREE

Download Windows 8 or Windows 8.1 Update ISO File with a Retail Key

This option is for how to only download a Windows 8 ISO file using a Windows 8 product key, or to download a Windows 8.1 Update ISO file using a Windows 8.1 product key.

This option will not work with an OEM product key number.

This option will only work with a retail product key number.

1. Click/tap on the Microsoft site link below for your location, click/tap on the Install Windows 8 or Install Windows 8.1 button at the site to download and run the Windows8-Setup.exe (Windows 8) or OSGS14-WindowsSetupBox-32bitand64bit-English-4141408.exe (Windows 8.1 Update) file.

US: Upgrade Windows with only a product key - Microsoft Windows Help

UK: Upgrading Windows with only a product key - Microsoft Windows Help

To get a 32-bit Windows 8 or 8.1 ISO, you must run the .exe on a 32-bit Windows computer.

To get a 64-bit Windows 8 or 8.1 ISO, you must run the .exe on a 64-bit Windows computer.


2. If prompted by UAC, then click/tap on Yes (Windows 7/8) or Continue (Vista).

3. Type in either your RETAIL Windows 8 or Windows 8.1 product key for the one you want to get an ISO for, and click/tap on Next. (see screenshot below)

This will not work if you use an OEM or system builders product key

If you enter a generic key, then you will get a We can't connect right now message since they have been blocked.

If you still have the hidden folders below on your computer from the Windows 8/8.1 Upgrade Assistant, then you will see step 7 instead.

You can delete the two folders below to be able to enter your product key and download a new ISO file.

%UserProfile%\AppData\Local\Microsoft\WebSetup

AND

C:\ESD\Windows

You will only be able to enter a Windows 8 or Windows 8.1 product key.

A Windows 8 product key will only get you a Windows 8 ISO file.

A Windows 8.1 product key will only get you a Windows 8.1 Update ISO file.

You will not be able to enter a Window Media Center Pack or Windows 8 Pro Pack product key. These are considered to be an upgrade key and can't be used to install Windows 8/8.1 with. You could use Add Features to add the Window Media Center Pack or Windows 8 Pro Pack again after Windows 8/8.1 is finished installing.



4. You will now see that Windows 8 or 8.1 will be downloaded. Click/tap on Next. (see screenshot below)



5. Windows 8 or 8.1 will now begin to download. (see screenshot below)



6. When it's finished downloading, it will check and verify the download, then start to getting files ready. (see screenshots below)

The Window 8 or 8.1 installation files will be saved in the hidden C:\ESD\Windows folder.





7. Select (dot) Install by creating media, and click/tap on Next. (see screenshot below)



8. Select (dot) ISO file, and click/tap on Save. (see screenshot below)



9. Navigate to a location where (ex: Desktop) you want to save the .iso file at, type in a name for the .iso file, and click/tap on Save. (see screenshot below)



10. Click/tap on Finish. (see screenshot below)



11. You will now have your upgrade Windows 8 ISO or full Windows 8.1 Update ISO file.

You could now create a bootable DVD/USB or UEFI USB with this ISO file to do a clean (8.1), clean for upgrade (8), or upgrade (8/8.1) install of Windows 8 with.

OPTION FOUR

To Create a Windows 8 or 8.1 ISO File from "C:\ESD\Windows" Folder

You will only be able to do this option if you still have the hidden "C:\ESD\Windows" folder from previously using OPTION TWO or OPTION THREE above, or from the Windows 8/8.1 Upgrade Assistant on this PC.

1. Click/tap on the Download button below to download the ESD-TO-ISO.zip file created by our member SIW2 (Simon).

If you use the ESD-TO-ISO.exe to create a 64-bit ISO, then it will also have UEFI support.



2. Save the ZIP file to your desktop, then extract (drag and drop) the contents to your desktop.

3. Unblock the ESD-TO-ISO.EXE, then right click on the ESD-TO-ISO.EXE file, and click on Run as administrator.

4. If prompted by UAC, then click/tap on Yes (Windows 7/8) or Continue (Vista).

5. Click/tap on GO. (see screenshot below)



6. Click/tap on Yes. (see screenshot below)



7. It will now create the ISO file. (see screenshot below)

If you get an error saying the ISO file cannot be created, then delete the C:\ESD folder, and do OPTION TWO above instead.



8. Click/tap on Cancel unless you wanted to create (burn) a bootable DVD with ISO file. (see screenshot below)

Burning a DVD with a 64-bit ISO created using this option will also have UEFI support.



9. The upgrade Windows 8 ISO or full Windows 8.1 Update ISO file will be at the root of your C: drive. For example, C:\WIN8x64.iso. (see screenshot below)

You could now create a bootable DVD/USB or UEFI USB with this ISO file to do a clean (8.1), clean for upgrade (8), or upgrade (8/8.1) install of Windows 8/8.1 with.

​

That's it,
Shawn

Related Tutorials

---

• How to Download and Use Official Recovery Image for your Surface
• How to Do a Clean Install of Windows 8 or Windows 8.1
• How to Download and Run "Windows 8 Upgrade Assistant" and "Windows 8.1 Upgrade Assistant"
• How to Upgrade from Windows 8, Windows 7, Vista, or XP to Windows 8 or 8.1
• Create a Bootable UEFI USB Flash Drive for Installing Windows 7 and Windows 8
• How to Create a Bootable USB or DVD with a Windows 8 or 8.1 ISO
• How to Install Windows 8 and 8.1 on VMware Player
• How to Install Windows 8 and 8.1 on VirtualBox
• How to Add Features to Windows 8 and 8.1
• How to Find Your Windows 8 and 8.1 Product Key Number

 

[front360]

Brink, as I stated I already created the Win8.1 ISO. I also already created a Win8.1 installation DVD, so there is no need for me to use OPTION THREE. I was just making sure that I could safely delete both the hidden WebSetup and ESD folder, because I would have no need for them because I already created the DVD. Thank you.

It also says here, http://www.eightforums.com/installa...retail-windows-8-1-windows-8-product-key.html that you will need a generic install key to install the created Win8.1. Then use your Win8 key to activate, because the Win8 key won't work to install, just activate. Not tested by me though.

 

[Brink]

Okey doke. I just wanted to make sure you still had the ISO before deleting the folders.

The activate 8.1 with retail 8 key instructions at that link as worked for everyone so far, so hopefully it will for you as well.

 

[Edwin]

Greetings:
I thought I would re-post about clean installing Windows 8.1 and share a few details.
Well, the whole process went incredibly well and very fast, so, I was somewhat relieved, to say the least. Briefly, this is what I did:
I managed to download and save the Electronic Software Download to an ISO image file according to the instructions here: (same as OPTION ONE)

then created a bootable USB:
(Microsoft Store)
from that image file.
Making sure that everything was 'saved' and all was good to go, I restarted, booting to the USB Thumb Drive and proceeded in the normal manner, except for being presented with this 'skeletal' license agreement:
View attachment 36820
To install I used this generic key: GCRJD-8NW9H-F2CDX-CCM8D-9D6T9, wiped all drives/deleted all partitions.
From the time I rebooted to the time I was up and running was just under 17 minutes, not allowing Windows to update or fetch drivers right away.
After a few important tweaks and a few crucial manual updates, I activated Windows with my original Windows 8 update key,
View attachment 36821
then re-installed drivers and updates manually, and here I am.
View attachment 36823
Thanks for reading.

 

[venomous21]

Forgive me if this is a dumb question, didn't have time to read beyond the tutorial. I just want to verify, will I be able to clean install (format my drives) then install directly to windows 8.1 bypassing windows 8? I've been looking for reliable ways to do it and just want to verify or must I clean install 8 then use the 8.1 iso to upgrade? Is there anyway to slipstream the latest drivers for my machine into the 8.1 iso or is that beyond the tutorial? Thank you.

 

[Brink]

Hello Venomous,

If you have Windows 8.1 installation media you could do a direct clean install of Windows 8.1.

If you don't, then you can use OPTION ONE in the tutorial above to get an ISO file that can be used to create a bootable DVD/USB with to install from.

http://www.eightforums.com/installa...retail-windows-8-1-windows-8-product-key.html​

http://www.eightforums.com/tutorials/2299-clean-install-windows-8-a.html

OR

http://www.eightforums.com/tutorial...e-firmware-interface-install-windows-8-a.html


Hope this helps,
Shawn

 

[alanbo]

I am running Windows 8.1 64 bit. I am trying to download an 8.1 ISO file using Option Two. Whenever I enter my product key, obtained from Belarc Advisor, it is rejected. When I enter it in the 8 Setup programme I get a message saying "This product key didn't work. Check it and try again". When I enter it in the 8.1 Setup programme I get the same message.

 

[Brink]

Hello Alanbo,

Did you originally have Windows 8 for this to actually by a Windows 8 key and not 8.1?

Did you use Add Features to purchase/add Windows Media Center (WMC)? If so, the WMC key from it afterwards cannot be used to download an ISO.

 

[alanbo]

Hi Brink

Did you originally have Windows 8 for this to actually by a Windows 8 key and not 8.1?

It was originally Windows 8, and I updated to 8.1 through the Windows store. Belarc advisor quotes the product key as if for 8.1, but I don't know if it is the same key as for the original 8 - haven't got the key in any documentation. There's a footnote to the product key in Belarc saying "This may be the manufacturer's factory installed product key rather than yours. You can change it to your product key using the procedure at BELARC - Changing Microsoft Windows and Office Product Keys." I don't understand the difference between the manufacturer's key and "mine" - I haven't got a product key, and I don't understand the idea of changing a product key.

This is also more confusing when the tutorial suggests you can get an 8.1 ISO with an 8 product key.

Did you use Add Features to purchase/add Windows Media Center (WMC)? If so, the WMC key from it afterwards cannot be used to download an ISO.

No.

Regards

Alan

 

[theog]

Hi Brink

Did you originally have Windows 8 for this to actually by a Windows 8 key and not 8.1?

It was originally Windows 8, and I updated to 8.1 through the Windows store. Belarc advisor quotes the product key as if for 8.1, but I don't know if it is the same key as for the original 8 - haven't got the key in any documentation. There's a footnote to the product key in Belarc saying "This may be the manufacturer's factory installed product key rather than yours. You can change it to your product key using the procedure at BELARC - Changing Microsoft Windows and Office Product Keys." I don't understand the difference between the manufacturer's key and "mine" - I haven't got a product key, and I don't understand the idea of changing a product key.

This is also more confusing when the tutorial suggests you can get an 8.1 ISO with an 8 product key.

Did you use Add Features to purchase/add Windows Media Center (WMC)? If so, the WMC key from it afterwards cannot be used to download an ISO.

No.

Regards

Alan

You can not use the key extracted from the UEFI/BIOS firmware or a OEM key to download the Windows 8.1 ISO, will only work for a RETAIL key

 

[alanbo]

So does that mean there is no way I can download an 8.1 ISO?

 

[genet]

So does that mean there is no way I can download an 8.1 ISO?

[DEL]You can't download without a legitimate retail product key. Note that an OEM product key not work.[/DEL]

edit:

How to download and clean install Windows 8.1 if you have an OEM computer with UEFI firmware (BIOS) embedded Windows 8/8.1 product key. -> link

 

[theog]

So does that mean there is no way I can download an 8.1 ISO?

I would recommend you making the OEM manufacturer's Recovery DVD's or USB drive.
or
You can order the Microsoft official OEM Recovery disks from the OEM manufacturer's website.
You can Order Lenovo Recovery Disks from here:
Lenovo Support - Home (US)
Click on Parts & Accessories.
or
https://www.lenovorecovery.com/Extranet/Home.aspx

 

[alanbo]

That means paying for something which I've always been able to produce free with previous operating systems.

Can somebody help me with this idea of changing the OEM key to my product key mentioned in the Belarc footnote in my post 107. Would this give me a retail key I could use to download an ISO? Also in the bottom right hand of the Control Panel/System window there is a link to "Change product key". Is this similar to the Belarc process? Would it give me a retail key even if I've never had one?

 

[theog]

That means paying for something which I've always been able to produce free with previous operating systems.

Can somebody help me with this idea of changing the OEM key to my product key mentioned in the Belarc footnote in my post 107. Would this give me a retail key I could use to download an ISO? Also in the bottom right hand of the Control Panel/System window there is a link to "Change product key". Is this similar to the Belarc process? Would it give me a retail key even if I've never had one?

You will need to buy a Retail Key or OEM DVD & Product key.

OEM:
Microsoft Windows 8.1 Operating System - OEM - 64 Bit | WN7-00614

Microsoft Windows 8.1 Pro Operating System - OEM - 64 Bit | FQC-06949

 

[alanbo]

Brink, Theog and Genet - thanks for the advice. Without paying for anything, I can set my laptop back to factory defaults - Windows 8 - and then download the 8.1 update again.

Again, can anybody clarify the idea of changing the product key I mentioned previously?

Can somebody help me with this idea of changing the OEM key to my product key mentioned in the Belarc footnote in my post 107. Would this give me a retail key I could use to download an ISO? Also in the bottom right hand of the Control Panel/System window there is a link to "Change product key". Is this similar to the Belarc process? Would it give me a retail key even if I've never had one?

 

[Brink]

Hey Alan,

If you have a retail Windows 8 or 8.1 product key, then you could use OPTION ONE or OPTION TWO in the tutorial to just enter it to download an ISO file without having to change the key for your installed Windows.

This wouldn't work if you only have an OEM key.

 

[alphanumeric]

Anybody download 8.1 from this link lately? Just wondering if it now contains update 1?

 

[Brink]

Rumor is that the Windows 8.1 Update ISO won't be available until the 30th of this month.

 

[alphanumeric]

Rumor is that the Windows 8.1 Update ISO won't be available until the 30th of this month.

I will try this download again at some point to see if it was added, looks like I'll wait till after the 30th. It's just about everywhere else now. It was released to MSDN early and it looks like its added to the 8.1 Windows Store Upgrade.

 

[burtie]

Rumor is that the Windows 8.1 Update ISO won't be available until the 30th of this month.

Was just wondering if this method had the new update. Will wait until after the 30th before I try.