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

 

[RBV]

Dear,
My system says my key is active.
R B V

 

[Brink]

2) I have ISO file on USB as well as DVD but both setup files do not give any response. its check 10%... 20% .. 95% and out nothing happens. once it said " Your Autorun.dll in not working".

Are you booting from the USB or DVD to install Windows 8 with?

http://www.eightforums.com/tutorials/2227-create-bootable-usb-dvd-windows-8-iso.html

 

[alphanumeric]

OK, I reread what RBV posted and this what I think is happening.
1. The upgrade to 8.1 has broken the factory recovery utility so now you get a "files are missing" error when you try to do a Windows Reset.
2. Trying to install using the ISO downloaded via this tutorial (earlier) doesn't work.
3. Trying to download the ISO again now doesn't work, key is being rejected.
4. The current install is activated.

It sounds like Microsoft blacklisted the key from downloading the ISO, other users have reported the same thing happening to them if that key has been used several times for that download. As far as I know that does not prevent that key from being used to activate Windows. It also sounds like RBV is running the install media from Windows instead of booting from it. > " Your Autorun.dll in not working". <
RBV to boot from the DVD or USB thumb drive you need to access the PC's BIOS and change the boot order so the PC boots from the optical drive (if using a DVD) or USB thumb drive instead of the Windows that's installed on the hard drive. Also please stop posting relies all in capital letters. It makes it hard to read for some of us here, me included.

 

[RBV]

ASKING FOR PASSWORD

THANKS ALL,
WHEN I DOWNLOADED WIN 7 USB-DVD TOOLS FILE AND WHEN OPENED THE SAME IT IS ASKING FOR PASSWORD.
WHAT I AM SUPPOSE TO DO WITH THIS?
SECONDLY I HAVE SONY PC WITH BLUE RAY DISK, DOES IT HELP DIRECTLY TO BURN THE DVD DISK.
R B V

 

[Brink]

RBV,

You'll need to be signed in to an administrator account.

 

[RBV]

Dear,
Thats problem.
Even if I am signing as an Admin,
In some cases, it does not allow me to make changes.
for instance (I have already said in my previous thread) that As an admin I am unable to make changes for windows update as by default it does not download other MS download for instance MS Office. (right now my windows download is stopped with error 0x800f081f and Store App with error 0x80072f8f and other APPS do not open).
due to these problems I want to reinstall my win8.1 pro, but I am unable to find right solution so far.
is there any way it can identify admin login?
Regards
R B V

 

[Brink]

RBV,

What did you originally use to install Windows 8 with?

Are you able to boot from that to reinstall with?

 

[RBV]

I had win 7 home premium pre installed. latter on I did purchase win 8 on line and installed (also purchased installation CD for win 8 which came latter by courier.) afterword I updated to win 8.1 pro online.
R B V

 

[Brink]

Are you able to boot from the DVD to install Windows 8?

http://www.eightforums.com/tutorials/13375-clean-install-windows-8-upgrade.html

OR

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

 

[RBV]

Hi, all,
Thank god I could do windows 8.1 repair.
My win update working alright, but still unable to open any win8 apps and Store App.
while opening Store App getting error code 0x80072efd. My homegroup also does not work.
Audio has come back.
I found lots of confusing statement/narration made in process of repair windows 8.1.
I will post it when it would be ready to make process simple. such as mounting, updated windows 8.1 from win8 with no key for win8.1 and so on.
still I am working on balance issues, hope to resolve the same
regards
thanks you all for yr continuous feedback. Keep it up.
best luck

 

[lagtheworld]

Clean Install of Windows 8

So I am trying create a Windows 8 ISO file so I can do a clean install onto my HP Envy All in One. My Envy came with Windows 8 pre-installed but do to possible viruses and clutter on my HDD, I wanted to wipe it and start over. I've done this plenty of times but with Windows 7 so the process is a little different to obtain a clean ISO of Windows 8. Now I got the Windows 8 Product Key off the computer using "MagicalJellyBeanKeyFinder" (which I've used several times before without a problem) and when I typed in the Product Key in using the Windows 8 Setup (*Option 2 Step 3) I kept on receiving the error in red saying "This product key cannot be used to install a retail version of Windows 8". What should I do so I can create a CLEAN install of Windows 8 ISO? Thank You for your time and response!!

 

[SIW2]

Is it an oem key?

If so, you have been left up the creek.

 

[genet]

My Envy came with Windows 8 pre-installed but do to possible viruses and clutter on my HDD, I wanted to wipe it and start over.

Have you tried this? -> Reset your PC from manufacturer recovery partition. You don't need Windows 8 DVD/USB installation media.

http://www.eightforums.com/tutorials/2302-reset-windows-8-a.html

OPTION TWO

Reset Windows 8 or Windows 8.1 from within Windows 8 and Windows 8.1

5. If you have Windows 8.1 or Windows RT 8.1

A) On the left side in PC settings, click/tap on Update & Recovery.

6. If you have Windows 8 or Windows RT

A) Click/tap on General on the left side, click/tap on the Get started button under the Remove everything and reinstall Windows section on the right side

 

[lagtheworld]

My HDD has been compromised and is no longer working and my computer is dead in the water now... I do have the product key to which (after doing some research) is a OEM Product Key. What are my options on obtaining a ISO file?

 

[Brink]

Hello Lagtheworld,

I'm afraid that what Simon posted above holds true for trying to download an ISO with an OEM key.

You should be able to contact the computer manufacturer to order a low cost replacement set of factory installation media for your computer's model number though.

 

[lagtheworld]

Thank you for your support and advise. I will contact the HP the manufacturers and retrieve a installation media disk. I guess there's no way around the bloatware that they love to include. I have nothing but positive feedback from everyone who helped out. Thank You

 

[Brink]

I'm glad that we could help some.

 

[Britton30]

I'm confused, is Windows 8.1 a separate purchase even if one already has windows 8 installed?

 

[Ztruker]

It's a free upgrade from 8.0. If you buy Windows 8 though, you get 8.1 Update 1 now days.

http://www.eightforums.com/tutorials/32995-windows-8-1-update-windows-8-a.html

 

[alphanumeric]

I'm confused, is Windows 8.1 a separate purchase even if one already has windows 8 installed?

You can buy Windows 8.1 if you want. 8.0 and 8.1 are separate operating systems. If you already have 8.0 you can upgrade to 8.1 for free though the windows store.