download win 8.1 ISO from microsoft directly?

Hello all.
I have a question regarding the choice between win 8 and win 8.1. As stated here on 8forums, on October 18th the win 8.1 will be released as final version. Does this mean that i'll be able to download not the win 8.1 preview ISO, but the win 8.1 FINAL ISO? Or i'll still need to run the Upgrade Assistant to download the files for me?

I have a valid win 8 pro key and i want to make a clean install. Still, i wonder is there a reason to wait till win 8.1 will be released to download and install it at once and not to install win 8 and then 8.1 (as it will reset settings and apps i guess).

So the question is - will it be possible to download win 8.1 ISO from microsoft directly as a file (as one can download win 8.1 preview right now) and not use Upgrade Assistant that will download multiple files for me that i'll be wrapping to make an ISO?

Hello makeyeu,

My response to your specific questions:

Does this mean that i'll be able to download not the win 8.1 preview ISO, but the win 8.1 FINAL ISO?

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The future "general availability" of a downloadable "free" Win 8.1 ISO has not been specifically confirmed or denied at this point in time.

I have a valid win 8 pro key and i want to make a clean install.

Click to expand...

You will need access to a Win 8.1 ISO which is only (technically) available to MSDN or Technet subscribers at this time.

will it be possible to download win 8.1 ISO from microsoft directly as a file

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Not at this time. Your only free choice to install Win 8.1 at this time is to upgrade via the Windows Store when available.

Hope this information is helpful.

my2cents said:

Hello makeyeu,

My response to your specific questions:

Does this mean that i'll be able to download not the win 8.1 preview ISO, but the win 8.1 FINAL ISO?

Click to expand...

The future "general availability" of a downloadable "free" Win 8.1 ISO has not been specifically confirmed or denied at this point in time.

Click to expand...

Actually it has been denied by Microsoft in one of their blogs:

In the comments from this blog post:
Mark your calendars for Windows 8.1!

Microsoft answer the ISO question as follows:

Brandon Leblanc from Microsoft said:

Consumers will only be able to get Windows 8.1 for free through the Windows Store. ISO images won’t be made available broadly for consumers

Click to expand...

I think "consumers" means people who haven't got a Technet or MSDN subscription, who can currently access the 8.1 RTM.

We await the end of the week with interest but I wouldn't get my hopes up for getting an ISO (although it's possible they could change their minds of course; wouldn't be the first time. )

For the USA:
Buy Windows 8.1 - Microsoft Store

I would imagine the chance of ISO availability is directly proportional to how many 8.0 installations break after using the online 8.1 update. ;-)

makeyeu said:

I have a valid win 8 pro key and i want to make a clean install. Still, i wonder is there a reason to wait till win 8.1 will be released to download and install it at once and not to install win 8 and then 8.1 (as it will reset settings and apps i guess).

Click to expand...

Since MS has said, a 8.1 ISO download will not be available. The best free way to do it is to install 8, activate and then use the Store to update to 8.1. It will retain all your desktop programs, Metro Apps and all your settings and files. Works just like a Windows Update. You will be able to buy a full version of 8.1 to do a clean install but why waste the money.

Jim

fireplug said:

I would imagine the chance of ISO availability is directly proportional to how many 8.0 installations break after using the online 8.1 update. ;-)

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NO, just reinstall with Windows 8, & than update 8.1.

theog said:

fireplug said:

I would imagine the chance of ISO availability is directly proportional to how many 8.0 installations break after using the online 8.1 update. ;-)

Click to expand...

NO, just reinstall with Windows 8, & than update 8.1.

Click to expand...

You are assuming there will be no major issues with the upgrade. Your wish to God's ears.

Thank you guys for your help! Have few question though:

1. So basically i can create Windows 8 Upgrade ISO and then just follw this tutorial - http://www.eightforums.com/tutorials/2299-clean-install-windows-8-a.html to make a clan install? And afterwards i'll be able to use Windows Store to upgrade to 8.1.

2. Is there a chance that after Win 8.1 will be released at the point where i create Windows 8 Upgrade ISO, the files that will be downloading will already contain 8.1?

1) YES.

2) A Windows 8.1 will not use a Windows 8 key to install.
http://www.eightforums.com/installa...retail-windows-8-1-windows-8-product-key.html

theog said:

1) YES.

2) A Windows 8.1 will not use a Windows 8 key to install.
http://www.eightforums.com/installa...retail-windows-8-1-windows-8-product-key.html

Click to expand...

Thanks! Didn't know that win 8 and 8.1 keys are tied to their versions. So it's win 8 install, then upgrade to 8.1 for me.

Trying to download the files using upgrade assistant, but i'm gettin error that i can't use the option as my country/region is not supported. Had a look at Terms and Conditions and it seems that my country is not listed.

Any chance to get this work if my country is not listed in terms and conditions? Using proxy maybe? Any advice?