How do I download a copy of Windows 8.1?

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  1. Posts : 57
    Windows 10 Home
       #1

    How do I download a copy of Windows 8.1?


    I have a HP 255 G4 Notebook PC with Windows 8.1 64 bit. I need to reinstall the OS because it's very slow and sluggish due to a huge amount of malware and who knows what else. Instead of going through the tedious task of cleaning it up, I decided to do a clean reinstall. I have the S/N but I don't have the installation CD. Any idea where I can get an ISO of it or a legit download??
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  2. Posts : 10,929
    Win10 x64
       #2

    Directly from Microsoft Download Windows 8.1
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  3. Posts : 57
    Windows 10 Home
    Thread Starter
       #3

    I already tried that but I was only able to download the tool and create a bootable USB. I ran into problems because, at the time when I got into BIOS boot up order, I was unable to choose USB as my primary device. This is why I wanted to get Win8 iso without going through all that. Now, do you think that you could help me with the processing of choosing my USB stick as the primary boot up device?
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  4. Posts : 10,929
    Win10 x64
       #4

    It would be easier to just bring up a boot menu and you can choose the USB drive then. That way you don't have to mess with your BIOS or boot order.
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  5. Posts : 10,929
    Win10 x64
       #5

    OOps. I believe it is F9 with your device.

    To access the Boot Device Optionswindow, turn on the computer and immediately press the esc key to display the Startup Menu, and then press the F9 key.
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  6. Posts : 57
    Windows 10 Home
    Thread Starter
       #6

    Are you saying that I don't have to mess with this screen or the Legacy "disabled" status?
    How do I download a copy of Windows 8.1?-boot-order.jpg
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  7. Posts : 10,929
    Win10 x64
       #7

    You can change it on that screen. Change the UEFI Boot Order to USB Diskette on Key/USB Hard Disk first.

    Put the OS boot Manager second.

    You can change it back after you are done or leave it. It will always be able to boot from USB if you leave it.

    It should work then.
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  8. Posts : 31,471
    10 Home x64 (22H2) (10 Pro on 2nd pc)
       #8

    Mandroid said:
    I already tried that but I was only able to download the tool and create a bootable USB. I ran into problems because, at the time when I got into BIOS boot up order, I was unable to choose USB as my primary device. This is why I wanted to get Win8 iso without going through all that. Now, do you think that you could help me with the processing of choosing my USB stick as the primary boot up device?
    Access Denied has helped with how to boot from the usb you made. That would be the simplest solution, but if you can't get it to work there IS a way to download the ISO directly from Microsoft. It's a method I've used successfully on the Win10 page and seems to work equally well on the Win8 one.

    Go to the https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/soft...nload/windows8 page Access Denied gave you using Edge or Internet Explorer. Then press F12 to open the 'F12 Developers Tools'. On the 'Emulation' tab set the 'User Agent String:' to 'Apple Safari (iPad)'. The page then reloads. Now you can choose the edition and language, ending up with download links like these...

    How do I download a copy of Windows 8.1?-w8-1-iso.png
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  9. Posts : 57
    Windows 10 Home
    Thread Starter
       #9

    I'm installing now. Thanks to both of you. I appreciate your help guys!
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  10. Posts : 1,773
    Windows 10 Home
       #10

    Mandroid said:
    *** I was only able to download the tool and create a bootable USB ***
    The MCT can also make an ISO, if that's what you prefer. I do it all the time, same as Wiin10 tute - Download Windows 10 ISO File

    How do I download a copy of Windows 8.1?-screenshot_1.jpgHow do I download a copy of Windows 8.1?-screenshot_2.jpg
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