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

 

[Britton30]

Got it, thanks Rich, Kerry.

 

[alphanumeric]

Got it, thanks Rich, Kerry.

Now that your an MVP, you can get the full multi edition ISO visa MSDN. :thumb:

 

[burtie]

I have a Windows 8 Pro product Key that I had with my system builders Disc, but I want to get an 8.1 Update ISO. I have tried all the generic keys but I can not get it to download the ISO. Have they been blocked by Microsoft?

 

[HippsieGypsie]

I bought the System Builders edition too, Burtie. Looks like the generic keys are blocked as well as per note box in step 3 of this tutorial.

 

[alphanumeric]

As far as I know, the generic keys have been blocked from day one.

 

[Brink]

Yep, the generic keys have been blocked for downloading an ISO with.

 

[burtie]

Ah crap I guess I have no way of getting an ISO then

Why on earth do Microsoft make things so difficult for it's customers!

Thanks for your help

 

[Brink]

Ah crap I guess I have no way of getting an ISO then

Why on earth do Microsoft make things so difficult for it's customers!

Thanks for your help

Did you already see if you may be able to download a Windows 8.1 ISO using Option One with your Windows 8 key instead of a generic key?

 

[burtie]

Ah crap I guess I have no way of getting an ISO then

Why on earth do Microsoft make things so difficult for it's customers!

Thanks for your help

Did you already see if you may be able to download a Windows 8.1 ISO using Option One with your Windows 8 key instead of a generic key?

I tried but it wont accept my key

 

[Brink]

I was afraid of that since only retail keys are accepted to download an ISO with.

I guess you'll have to install Windows 8 with your key, then update to 8.1 whenever you want to do a clean install.

 

[burtie]

Thanks for the info guys

 

[Brink]

Glad we could help.

 

[desertdad]

Option two - Vista question

This may be a no brainer to others, but I have a question about Option Two and the link to Microsoft to get the ISO for a 32 bit Win8.1 Update ISO file. I'm trying to get to a point to do a clean install of 8.1 Update on a Dell desktop currently running Vista 32 bit. I wanted to bypass the 8.1 install and go directly to 8.1Update. I have a unused retail CD package for 8.1. I planned on using Option Two until the MS page said I need to be running Win7. The page is for upgrading, but I don't want to upgrade, I want to do a clean install. Can I ignore the Win7 ISO download requirement and just follow the rest of the steps for Option Two. I think I can then do the clean install of 8.1U. Any advice or gotchas? TIA.
Dick

 

[Brink]

Hello Dick,

Yep, you can safely ignore that message since you are just downloading the ISO file instead of installing.

 

[orclog]

thanks the warning Brink.. sorry I'm a noob..

but can you give me a tips Brink to clean install windows 8.1 update and activate it with my retail key?

 

[Brink]

Hi brink, thanks for the tutorials and informations in this thread. I find they very helpful for me.

I want to download windows 8.1 pro with update ISO with my windows 8 pro retail key which I bought when windows 8 release but it seems my key was block by Microsoft. It can't download windows 8 pro ISO but it CAN activate the OS like someone said back there. I want to clean install my laptop with windows 8.1 update 1 ISO but I can't find the retail version ISO but MSDN or somethings else so I can install it with 'ei.cfg' trick.

Hello Orclog, and welcome to Eight Forums.

If you are unable to do Option One to download a Windows 8.1 ISO with your retail Windows 8 key, then see if you are able to use Option Two to download a Windows 8 ISO with your Windows 8 key.

The Windows 8 ISO is good to install Windows 8 (core) and Windows 8 Pro. The key you enter during installation will determine which one is installed.

If not, then what did you use to install Windows 8 Pro originally?

 

[orclog]

Hi brink, thanks for the tutorials and informations in this thread. I find they very helpful for me.

I want to download windows 8.1 pro with update ISO with my windows 8 pro retail key which I bought when windows 8 release but it seems my key was block by Microsoft. It can't download windows 8 pro ISO but it CAN activate the OS like someone said back there. I want to clean install my laptop with windows 8.1 update 1 ISO but I can't find the retail version ISO but MSDN or somethings else so I can install it with 'ei.cfg' trick.

Hello Orclog, and welcome to Eight Forums.

If you are unable to do Option One to download a Windows 8.1 ISO with your retail Windows 8 key, then see if you are able to use Option Two to download a Windows 8 ISO with your Windows 8 key.

The Windows 8 ISO is good to install Windows 8 (core) and Windows 8 Pro. The key you enter during installation will determine which one is installed.

If not, then what did you use to install Windows 8 Pro originally?

Hi Brink. Thanks for the answer.
I actually have windows 8 pro ISO which I get when I bought the retail key and windows 8.1 pro ISO which I download it with my retail key when it release.
I think clean install the windows 8.1 pro with update was more simple rather than downloading it by windows store which size more than 3 gig and also take time..

anyway. it seems no other choice than clean install the windows 8.1 pro with ei.cfg trick and then install the update manually which the size 700+ mega..
but anyway again. thanks Brink..

 

[Brink]

Since you have both ISO files, you should be able to clean install Windows 8.1 Pro Update using the generic key. Once installed, change your key to your Windows 8 Pro key to activate.

If it doesn't activate online as usual, then you could try to activate by phone.

Just to be sure, this will not work with a Windows 8 Pro Pack with Media Center key. It must be a full retail key.

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

 

[bybwn]

Please help, I've tried many times, cleaned out the hidden files, and every time the 8.1 setup still asks for a key. It doesn't automatically continues with the download.

 

[Brink]

Please help, I've tried many times, cleaned out the hidden files, and every time the 8.1 setup still asks for a key. It doesn't automatically continues with the download.

Hello bybwn, and welcome to Eight Forums.

You will need to enter your valid "retail" product key to be able to download an ISO for the edition of Windows the key is for.

http://www.eightforums.com/tutorials/27129-product-key-find-windows-8-a.html