Recently I published a guide to enable users to download the Windows 8.1 ISO from Microsoft simply by using a valid Windows 8 retail key, nothing too complicated. However the problem may come when you try to install and activate the operating system using this workaround, as many users are reporting that the Windows 8.1 setup won’t take the Windows 8 product key. So here are a few things you should pay attention:
1. Downloading the Windows 8.1 ISO only works with your Windows 8 “retail” product key, such as the one you obtained from the promotional upgrade last year — remember the one that costed you $40 –. TechNet, MSDN, DreamSpark, free Windows 8 Media Center Pack offer key, OEMs keys won’t work.
2. If the Windows 8.1 setup doesn’t download the ISO, this could be the caused of a previous download.
Go to your PC’s main drive (C), make sure you can view hidden files and move the ESD folder elsewhere. (The ESD folder contains the Windows installation files your previously download.)
Then go to:
Rename or delete the WebSetup folder and try to grab the ISO again.
3. At the time of the installation you might get stuck in the setup saying that you can’t use the Windows 8 product key into a Windows 8.1 installation. In this case look online for a “generic Windows 8.1 key” (make sure you get the “Core” or “Professional” depending on your version) to continue with the installation process. This will allow you to install the operating system as a trial version, then do the following to properly activate your OS:
Go to PC settings > PC and devices > PC info and change your product key to the Windows 8 to activate your copy.
4. If you’re getting the message “we can’t connect at the moment”, this could be caused by your region. Try again later!
Remember that results may vary as this is a workaround and it’s not supported by Microsoft.
Mauro Huculak is a Windows How-To Expert and founder of Pureinfotech (est. 2010). With over 21 years as a technology writer and IT Specialist, Mauro specializes in Windows, software, and cross-platform systems such as Linux, Android, and macOS.
Certifications: Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA), Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP), VMware Certified Professional (VCP), and CompTIA A+ and Network+.
Mauro is a recognized Microsoft MVP and has also been a long-time contributor to Windows Central.
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