- To download the Windows 8.1 ISO file, open the Microsoft download page, choose the ISO download option, click “Download,” choose language, click “Confirm,” and click “Download” again.
- Alternatively, you can use the Rufus third-party tool.
If you still need to download the ISO file to repair or install a fresh copy of Windows 8.1, you can get the installation files from the Microsoft servers. In this guide, I will show you two ways to complete this process.
While I can’t recommend downloading Windows 8.1 in 2024 since Microsoft ended extended support on January 10, 2023, you may still have reasons for trying to obtain the installation files. For example, you may still have a very specific older program that might only be compatible with the older version of the operation system and not function on newer versions. You have a computer with older hardware and limited driver support for newer Windows versions. Or you may want to install the operating system on a virtual machine for historical purposes or curiosity.
Whatever the case, even though it’s no longer supported, you can still download the ISO file for Windows 8.1 through the Microsoft support website or Rufus without providing a product key (for download only).
An ISO file is a container that includes the installation files, removing the need for physical media. The option for downloading the ISO file is helpful for installing the operating system on a virtual machine, creating a bootable media, or mounting it in File Explorer to launch the upgrade setup.
In this guide, I’ll teach you how to download the 64-bit or 32-bit version of the Windows 8.1 ISO file. (You can use these instructions to create a USB flash drive.)
Download Windows 8.1 ISO file from Microsoft website
To download the Windows 8.1 ISO file directly from Microsoft, use these steps:
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Open Microsoft Support website.
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Choose the Windows 8.1 option under the “Select edition” section.
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Click the Confirm button.
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Select the installation language.
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Click the Confirm button.
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Click the 64-bit (or 32-bit) Download button.
Once you complete the steps, the Windows 8.1 ISO file will download to your computer.
Although the recommended option is to download the 64-bit version, you can also choose the 32-bit version if you have older hardware that doesn’t support the more advanced architecture.
Download Windows 8.1 ISO file from Rufus app
To use Rufus to download the Windows 8.1 ISO file, use these steps:
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Click the link to download the latest version under the “Download” section.
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Double-click the executable to launch the tool.
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Click the Settings button (the third button from the left at the bottom of the page).
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Use the “Check for updates” drop-down menu and select the Daily option under the “Settings” section.
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Click the Close button.
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Click the Close button again.
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Open Rufus again.
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Click the down-arrow button (on the right side) and select the Download option.
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Click the Download button.
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Select the Windows 8.1 option.
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Click the Continue button.
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Select the latest update release available under the “Release” section.
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Click the Continue button.
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Select the “Windows 8.1 Standard” option.
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Click the Continue button.
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Select the installation language of Windows 11.
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Click the Continue button.
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Select the x64 (64-bit) (or x86 (32-bit)) option for the operating system architecture.
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Click the Download button.
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Select the location to save the Windows 8.1 ISO file automatically.
Once you complete the steps, the official ISO file to install Windows 8.1 will download on your device.
Although you can still download the installation files, Windows 8.1 is no longer supported, meaning that there are no more security updates and using an unsupported operating system exposes your device to security risks from malware, viruses, and other exploits. Furthermore, you may not be able to install newer software, and you may encounter drivers and other problems.
If the hardware is supported, you should consider installing the latest version of Windows 10. You can also use these instructions to upgrade from Windows 8.1 to 10.
Mauro Huculak is a Windows How-To Expert who started Pureinfotech in 2010 as an independent online publication. He has also been a Windows Central contributor for nearly a decade. Mauro has over 14 years of experience writing comprehensive guides and creating professional videos about Windows and software, including Android and Linux. Before becoming a technology writer, he was an IT administrator for seven years. In total, Mauro has over 20 years of combined experience in technology. Throughout his career, he achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft (MSCA), Cisco (CCNP), VMware (VCP), and CompTIA (A+ and Network+), and he has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years. You can follow him on X (Twitter), YouTube, LinkedIn and About.me. Email him at [email protected].