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

 

[Brink]

A few questions. I bought 8 Pro System Builder edition and upgraded to 8.1 via the Store then on to 8.1 Update 1. I understand that I cannot fresh install 8.1 with my 8 product key.

1. Will the 8.1 ISO work as a repair disk?

2. Is it legal for me to install my original 8 on another partition so to dual boot with 8.1? So often I want to help those with 8 problems and would like it to reference with.

Hey Tony,

Q1) Yes, you could clean install 8.1 with a generic key, then change the product key to your Windows 8 key to activate with.

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

Q2) Sorry, but no since a product key can only legally be activated on one installation at the same time, and all other activated installations with the same key deleted.

 

[HippsieGypsie]

Thanks Shawn!

Unfortunate for me on the 8 edition. Does this make my 8.1 a system builders edition then?

 

[Brink]

[DEL]I haven't tried it with a system builders key, but should work the same as with a retail key.[/DEL]

Nope.

 

[HippsieGypsie]

Ok. Thanks, Shawn.

 

[Brink]

Please let us know how it went if you give it a go.

 

[HippsieGypsie]

My 8 System Builders key was rejected.



Is this > %UserProfile%\AppData\Local\Microsoft\WebSetup > actually > C:\Users\Tony\AppData\Local\Microsoft\WebSetup? I have this folder but not C:\ESD\Windows as seen below. So I must delete the WebSetup folder?



_______________________________________
No ESD folder....




Another thing that dawned on me is that I purchased WMC, so therefore I have that key.

The procedure I take then is to delete the WebSetup folder, go through the steps of this tute, then do the WMC update, then W8 Update 1?

I have to admit > They sure complicated this, although I think they want to cut down on piracy. It was a whole lot easier when the files sat in an MS account waiting to be downloaded like I had with 7.

 

[Brink]

Well, it appears that a System Builders key will not work either then.

What did you use to install it the first time?

 

[HippsieGypsie]

Thanks for the quick reply. The System Builders cd I bought.

 

[Brink]

You'll need to use it instead, and do a clean install then.

 

[HippsieGypsie]

Rant > MS really tripped me up on this one. Spent $110 for that cd. Had I known they would release 8.1 so soon I would have waited to purchase that. And now there's no ISOs available for the public. The whole thing stinks! < Rant over.

Thanks for your help, Shawn. :thumb:

 

[Brink]

You should be able to create an ISO file from the installation CD using something like the free ImgBurn.

 

[alphanumeric]

My 8 System Builders key was rejected.

View attachment 43173

Is this > %UserProfile%\AppData\Local\Microsoft\WebSetup > actually > C:\Users\Tony\AppData\Local\Microsoft\WebSetup? I have this folder but not C:\ESD\Windows as seen below. So I must delete the WebSetup folder?

View attachment 43174

_______________________________________
No ESD folder....


View attachment 43175

Another thing that dawned on me is that I purchased WMC, so therefore I have that key.

The procedure I take then is to delete the WebSetup folder, go through the steps of this tute, then do the WMC update, then W8 Update 1?

I have to admit > They sure complicated this, although I think they want to cut down on piracy. It was a whole lot easier when the files sat in an MS account waiting to be downloaded like I had with 7.

You won't get an ESD folder until it actually downloads the files. The Websetup is created when you run that first setup file. If you delete the Websetup folder you can start all over again from scratch. Make sure you used your System Builder key and not your Media Center key. If you have upgraded to media Center and used a utility to retrieve your key from the Windows registry, it will pull out your Media Center key. I mention this just in case you didn't dig out your paper copy of your Product Code.

 

[osterac]

Downloading WindowsSetupBox from the Microsoft US site gives me a file with this name:
OSGS14-WindowsSetupBox-32bitand64bit-English-4141408.exe
It didn't work for me, but luckily I have an older copy of the file.
Old file: 4,954,736 bytes
New file: 6,431,728 bytes

 

[insertrandom]

Downloading WindowsSetupBox from the Microsoft US site gives me a file with this name:
OSGS14-WindowsSetupBox-32bitand64bit-English-4141408.exe
It didn't work for me, but luckily I have an older copy of the file.
Old file: 4,954,736 bytes
New file: 6,431,728 bytes

I'm getting the same file. Frustrating. If it's not against the rules, can you send that old WindowsSetupBox file my way?

 

[Brink]

Hello Osterac and Insertandom, and welcome to Eight Forums.

The OSGS14-WindowsSetupBox-32bitand64bit-English-4141408.exe file is used to download the newer Windows 8.1 Update ISO file with when you enter a valid retail Windows 8.1 product key.

 

[vic6888]

Hello Osterac and Insertandom, and welcome to Eight Forums.

The OSGS14-WindowsSetupBox-32bitand64bit-English-4141408.exe file is used to download the newer Windows 8.1 Update ISO file with when you enter a valid retail Windows 8.1 product key.

Is there any way to get latest windows 8.1 update iso if I have a valid windows 8 retail key?

 

[Brink]

Hello Vic,

Yep, Option One would be for that.

 

[vic6888]

Hello Vic,

Yep, Option One would be for that.

Thanks Brink. I didn't knew that 8.1 update iso is available for download.

 

[Brink]

There were rumors that it was supposed to be released this month sometime, and the new OSGS14-WindowsSetupBox-32bitand64bit-English-4141408.exe file for the "Install Windows 8.1" download option is indeed now finally for Windows 8.1 Update.

 

[insertrandom]

There were rumors that it was supposed to be released this month sometime, and the new OSGS14-WindowsSetupBox-32bitand64bit-English-4141408.exe file for the "Install Windows 8.1" download option is indeed now finally for Windows 8.1 Update.

Hey Vic and Brink. So my post earlier is regarding option 1. With the new file Windows provided, the option 1 no longer works. The new installation file ALWAYS prompts for a CD KEY, even if you started and stopped with install of 8.