With the download of Windows 8.1, you will have several new features and improvements to Windows 8, which makes Windows 8.1 a popular choice for desktop users looking for a more traditional desktop experience.
The problem is that Windows 8.1 is no longer available for official download, which can make it difficult for (re)installing this version. This article will tell you how to download Windows 8.1 for free.
Download Windows 8.1 Requirements
If you are looking to download Windows 8.1, the potential reason could be compatibility, especially if you are working on an old PC. Compared to Windows 10, Windows 8.1 requires less RAM and space.
Requirements of Windows 8.1
The following are the requirements for downloading Windows 8:
1 GHZ processor.
1 GB RAM
16 GB Space in Hard Disk
DirectX 9 Graphics Device
Minimum 1024×768 pixels Screen Resolution
Where to Find Windows 8.1？
If you want to download Windows 8.1, you will have to start with finding the product key. Let us have a look at several ways to find Windows 8.1.
Method 1: System Window
The first method to find Windows 8.1 to download Windows 8.1 is to go to the System Window.
Step 1: Click on “Windows File Explorer” and open it.
Step 2: Go to “This Computer/ PC” and right-click the icon to select properties.
Step 3: A window will open and show the basic information of the Windows system. Here, you will find the product key for “Windows 7/8/8.1.”
Method 2: Command Prompt
Another method to find Windows 8.1 is to use Command Prompt.
Step 1: Open “Run” after pressing the keys of “Windows + R.”
Step 2: Type “cmd” and open the “Command Prompt” after pressing “Enter.”
Step 3: Proceed to type the following: “wmic path softwarelicensingservice get OA3xOriginalProductKey.” Press “Enter.”
Step 4: You will get the Windows Product Key.
Method 3: Registry Editor
Another method to find Windows 8.1 to download Windows 8.1 is to use the registry editor.
Step 1: Open “Run.”
Step 2: Type “regedit” and click on “Enter.” This command will take you to the “Windows Registry Editor.”
Step 3: Proceed with the following steps: “HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE > SOFTWARE > Microsoft > Windows NT > CurrentVersion > DefaultProductKey.”
Step 4: You will get the product key for Windows 8.1 on the right side.
How to Download Windows 8.1 for free?
So, now that you know the requirements for downloading Windows 8.1 let us proceed to check out the actual steps that are required for you to download Windows 8.1.
Step 1: Open your internet browser from the desktop.
Step 2: Go to Google and type “download Windows 8.1.”
Step 3: A page will open that will contain all potential links to download Windows 8.1. Click on the first link.
Step 4: On the Microsoft Software Download page, you will want to scroll down the page to click on the option of “Download Tool Now.”
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Step 5: After clicking on the downloading option, you will get a prompt that will ask you whether you want to “Save File” of the media creation tool.
Step 6: Click on the option of “Save File.”
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Step 7: Go to the “download arrow” to check your download progress.
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Step 8: Click on the folder icon to see where the file is saved on “My Computer.” Double-click within the folder to initiate the “media creation tool.”
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Step 9: Click on “Run.”
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Step 10: On the “User Account Control Prompt,” proceed to click on “Yes” to allow the program to make changes to your computer.
Step 11: The next pop-up window will ask you about the kind of installation that you will want.
Step 12: Select the relevant options for language, edition, and architecture.
Step 13: Select the choice for where you want to save the installation file. Select the second option to download the ISO file to your computer.
Step 14: Click on “Next.”
Step 15: The next prompt will ask you where you want to go ahead to save the ISO file.
Step 16: Wait for the downloading process to complete.
Step 17: After the downloading process of Windows 8.1 has been completed, it will go ahead and check the download to make sure that there was no interruption or corruption during the download process.
Step 18: After the assessment, the next prompt is about “creating the ISO file.”
Step 19: After a few minutes, it will take you to the option of “Burn the ISO file to a DVD.”
Step 20: Click on “Finish” and go to the folder that contains the ISO.
Step 21: Right-click on the ISO and click on the option of “burn disk image.”
Step 22: Make sure to have a DVD on your DVD burner.
Step 23: This is how to download Windows 8.1 directly from Microsoft for free.
Resonating Reminder
To download Windows 8.1m, you must ensure that your system meets the minimum hardware requirements. However, before upgrading your Windows, make sure that you have a backup for all important data.
As mentioned before, Windows 8.1 is ideal for older systems as it is an older OS version itself, which is why Microsoft has ended its mainstream support.
So, before making changes to your computer to download Windows 8.1, you will want to consider your needs and the available choices since newer Windows versions are available.
Free Alternative to Microsoft Office — WPS Office
Before you proceed to download Windows 8.1, you might want to consider downloading WPS Office as it is quite similar to the market leader, Microsoft Office, with the exception that it is free. With the increasing demand for cloud-based solutions that are fully compatible with Windows and Mac, the WPS Office Suite is becoming increasingly popular.
What is WPS Office?
WPS Office is a great alternative to Microsoft Office with the twist that it comprises the tools and features that one needs to streamline their workspace and improve their productivity. Regarding the primary uses aspects of WPS Office, this suite includes Word, PDF, free templates, spreadsheets, and PPT.
Amazing Features & Functions of WPS Office
The best aspect of this Office Suite is that it supports Mac, Linux, Windows, iOS, and Android. So, you don’t have to worry about how to download Windows 8.1 to make the most of this Office Suite.
Have a look at the amazing features and functions of WPS Office:
Amazing User-Interface
Compared to other office suites and apps, the user interface of WPS Office is amazing. This Office suite is easy to navigate. The features of WPS Office enable users to open their files in various formats without affecting the quality and formatting of the original content.
So, with WPS Office, you won’t have to worry about jumbled characters.
Smooth Collaboration Enabled
WPS Office enables smooth collaboration for its users as this Office Suite can be downloaded and used on multiple formats. Simply put, WPS Office is the perfect platform that will enable users to collaborate with other users while working on the same document.
With WPS Office, you can make the most of its exclusive cloud storage to view, edit, and access documents from different devices anytime.
Wide Range of Productivity Tools
The WPS Office interface offers an amazing range of tools and functions that allow them to streamline their workspace and boost productivity. Among its tools, you will find WPS AI, screen recording, smart forms, etc.
Free Templates Available
It doesn’t matter what situation or occasion you are dealing with; you can find a wide range of free and paid versions of PPT, Excel, and Word templates that can save you time and effort while boosting your work process.
Artificial Intelligence
An amazing feature of WPS Office includes WPS AI, which is quite similar to Microsoft Copilot, except better. WPS AI can help you improve productivity by modifying and improving your content. WPS AI can also help you boost your productivity and improve the quality of your content, as it will help you write and edit your content-related projects.
How to Edit Word in WPS
You will want to follow the below-given steps to edit Word in WPS:
Step 1: Open the file to edit in WPS.
Step 2: Click on “Edit” to enter the editing mode.
Step 3: Choose the option of “Select All.”
Step 4: Scroll down and click on “Tools.”
Step 5: You will see the options for setting the font, size, text effect, indent/ spacing, alignment, etc.
Step 5: Make adjustments according to your needs.
Pros of Using WPS Office
Let us have a look at the pros of using WPS:
Support iOS, macOS, Android, Microsoft Windows, and Linux
An excellent alternative to Microsoft Office
Safe software/ app
User-friendly interface
FAQs
Question: How long does it take to download Windows 8.1?
Answer: The duration for downloading Windows 8.1 depends on various factors, including the internet speed and the device you are using. Typically, it takes half an hour to several hours to download Windows 8.1.
Question: Do I need a product key to download Windows 8.1?
Answer: Yes, a product key is needed to download Windows 8.1 to your system. However, you can always enter the product key later during the installation process.
Question: Can I upgrade to Windows 8.1 from an older version of Windows?
Answer: Yes, it is possible to upgrade to Windows 8.1 from an older Windows version, such as Windows 7, Windows 8, and even Windows XP. However, the upgrade path for every Windows is different.
WPS Office – the Ultimate App for Your Computer
When it comes to how to download Windows 8.1 for your system, you will want to be mindful of the weak security of third-party software downloads. The downloading and installation process is quite complex because this version is not as easily available.
Your best option would be to download WPS Office as the great free alternative to Microsoft Office, which will help you streamline your work and improve productivity. The WPS Office Suite steals the spotlight from all Office Suites due to its cross-platform availability, comprehensive features, and user-friendly interface.
