Before you begin
Make sure you have:
An internet connection (internet service provider fees may apply).
Sufficient data storage available on a computer, USB or external drive for the download.
A blank USB or DVD (and DVD burner) with at least 4 GB of space if you want to create media. We recommend using a blank USB or blank DVD, because any content on it will be deleted.
Your Windows product key (xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx). If you will be installing the operating system for the first time, you will need your Windows product key. For more information about product keys and when they are required, visit this page.
Select edition
Windows 8.1 editions below are valid for both Windows 8.1 and Windows 8.1 Professional.
Select an edition from the drop down menu on this page. You can choose between Windows 8.1 and Windows 8.1 N, which does not include media-related technologies like Windows Media Player.
Download tool now
Use the media creation tool (aprx. 1.41MB) to download Windows. This tool provides the best download experience for customers running Windows 7, 8.1 and 10.
The tool includes:
File formats optimized for download speed.
Built in media creation options for USBs and DVDs.
Optional conversion to ISO file format.
Download the tool now from this page.
Create installation media
After downloading the tool, run it and follow the instructions to create your installation media.
You can choose to create a bootable USB flash drive or a DVD disc with the ISO file.
For more details on how to use the tool, visit this page.
Install Windows 8.1
After creating your installation media, you can use it to install Windows 8.1 on your PC.
To install Windows 8.1 from a USB flash drive, plug it into your PC and restart it. You may need to change the boot order in your BIOS settings to boot from the USB drive.
To install Windows 8.1 from a DVD disc, insert it into your PC and restart it. You may need to change the boot order in your BIOS settings to boot from the DVD drive.
Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the installation process.
Activate Windows 8.1
After installing Windows 8.1, you will need to activate it with your product key.
You can activate Windows 8.1 online or by phone.
To activate Windows 8.1 online, go to Settings > Update & Security > Activation and enter your product key.
To activate Windows 8.1 by phone, go to Settings > Update & Security > Activation and select Activate by phone. You will be given a toll-free number and an installation ID. Call the number and follow the voice prompts to enter your installation ID and receive your confirmation ID. Enter your confirmation ID
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