Where to Download Windows 8.1 Legally and Safely
How to Download Windows 8.1
Windows 8.1 is an operating system designed by Microsoft that offers several new features and improvements over its predecessor, Windows 8. If you are still using Windows 8 or an older version of Windows, you might want to consider upgrading to Windows 8.1 to enjoy a better user experience, enhanced security, and faster performance.
In this article, we will guide you through the steps of downloading and installing Windows 8.1 on your PC. We will also explain some of the system requirements and compatibility issues you need to be aware of before you start the upgrade process. Finally, we will give you a brief overview of some of the most notable features of Windows 8.1 that you can explore after the installation is complete.
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Preparing for the Upgrade
Before you begin downloading and installing Windows 8.1, there are some things you need to do to prepare your PC for the upgrade. These include:
Backing up your files and settings. Although upgrading to Windows 8.1 should not affect your personal files and apps, it is always a good idea to back up your data to an external drive or a cloud service in case something goes wrong during the upgrade process. You can use the built-in File History feature in Windows 8 to create incremental backups of your files, or use a third-party backup software of your choice.
Disabling antivirus software. Some antivirus applications may interfere with the upgrade process and cause errors or delays. To avoid this, you should disable your antivirus software before starting the upgrade. You can re-enable it after the installation is complete.
Checking for updates. You need to make sure that your current version of Windows is up to date before you can upgrade to Windows 8.1. To do this, open the Charms menu by hovering your mouse over the bottom-right corner of the screen or swiping from the right edge if you have a touchscreen device. Then click Settings, Change PC Settings, and Windows Update. If any updates are available, follow the on-screen instructions to install them.
Downloading Windows 8.1
There are two main ways to download Windows 8.1 on your PC: using the media creation tool or using the Windows Store. The method you choose depends on whether you want to create a bootable USB flash drive or DVD that you can use to install Windows 8.1 on any compatible device, or whether you just want to update your current device without creating any installation media.
Using the media creation tool
The media creation tool is a free software that allows you to download a copy of Windows 8.1 and create a bootable USB flash drive or DVD that you can use to install it on any compatible device. This method is useful if you want to upgrade multiple devices, or if you want to have a backup of your Windows 8.1 installation in case you need to reinstall it in the future. To use the media creation tool, follow these steps:
Download the media creation tool. You can download the media creation tool from the official Microsoft website. Choose the edition and language of Windows 8.1 that you want to download, and click Confirm. Then choose whether you want to download the 32-bit or 64-bit version, and click Confirm again. The download will start automatically.
Run the media creation tool. Once the download is complete, locate the file named MediaCreationTool.exe and double-click it to run it. You may need to grant permission for the tool to make changes to your device.
Select Create installation media for another PC. On the first screen of the tool, you will see two options: Upgrade this PC now or Create installation media for another PC. Choose the second option and click Next.
Choose your media type. On the next screen, you will be asked to choose whether you want to create a USB flash drive or an ISO file that you can burn to a DVD later. Choose the option that suits your needs and click Next. If you choose USB flash drive, make sure you have a blank USB flash drive with at least 8 GB of space plugged into your PC. If you choose ISO file, make sure you have enough free space on your hard drive to save the file.
Wait for the download and creation process to finish. The tool will now download the Windows 8.1 files and create the installation media for you. This may take some time depending on your internet speed and the size of the files. You can monitor the progress on the screen. When the process is complete, you will see a message saying Your USB flash drive is ready or Your ISO file is ready, depending on your choice. Click Finish to exit the tool.
Using the Windows Store
The Windows Store is an app that allows you to download and install various apps and games on your Windows device. You can also use it to download and install Windows 8.1 if you are already running Windows 8 on your device. This method is simpler and faster than using the media creation tool, but it only works for updating your current device and not for creating installation media for other devices. To use the Windows Store, follow these steps:
Open the Windows Store app. You can find the Windows Store app on your Start screen or by searching for it from the Charms menu.
Find and select the Windows 8.1 update. On the home page of the Windows Store app, you should see a tile that says Update to Windows 8.1 for free. Click or tap on it to open it. If you don't see this tile, you may need to scroll down or swipe to the right to find it.
Download and install the update. On the next screen, you will see some information about Windows 8.1 and what you need to do before installing it. Read it carefully and click or tap Download when you are ready. The update will start downloading in the background and you can continue using your PC while it does. When the download is complete, you will be notified that you need to restart your PC to finish installing the update. Click or tap Restart now or choose a time that is convenient for you.
Installing Windows 8.1
After downloading Windows 8.1 using either of the methods described above, you are ready to install it on your PC. The installation process may vary slightly depending on whether you are booting from a USB flash drive or DVD, or running the update from within Windows 8. However, in general, these are the steps you need to follow:
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Booting from the installation media or running the update
If you are booting from a USB flash drive or DVD that you created using the media creation tool, you need to insert it into your PC and restart it. You may need to change your boot order in your BIOS settings to make sure your PC boots from the installation media instead of your hard drive. If you are running the update from within Windows 8, you just need to follow the prompts on the screen after restarting your PC.
Entering your product key and accepting the license terms
After booting from the installation media or running the update, you will see a screen that asks you to enter your product key. This is a 25-digit code that proves that you have a valid copy of Windows 8.1. You can find your product key on the packaging of your installation media, on a sticker on your PC, or in an email confirmation if you bought Windows 8.1 online. Enter your product key and click Next. Then, you will see a screen that shows the license terms for Windows 8.1. Read them carefully and check the box that says I accept the license terms. Click Next to continue.
Choosing between custom or upgrade installation
On the next screen, you will see two options: