How to Install Windows 8.1 ISO Using USB Drive

If you've downloaded the Windows 8.1 ISO file, you'll need to create a bootable USB drive to install fresh Windows on any PC. This guide will walk you through the process of installing Windows 8.1 from its ISO file without using the Media Creation Tool.

Before we begin, make sure your system meets the minimum requirements for running Windows 8.1. These include:

* Graphics card: Microsoft DirectX 9 graphics device with WDDM driver (Certain games may require DirectX 10 compatible GPU)

* Processor: 1 gigahertz (GHz)* or faster

Additionally, Windows 8.1 Pro System Requirements are slightly different and include:

* Microsoft Windows 8.1 Pro System Requirements

* This means no official support and updates for it.

Note that Windows 8.1 has reached its end of life on January 10, 2023, which means there will be no further official support or updates available. However, you can still download the ISO file from reputable sources such as Softlay or the Microsoft Developer Network (MSDN), and use the Win 8 Product Key to activate it.

One of the benefits of installing Windows 8.1 is that existing Windows 8 users can upgrade to Windows 8.1 full version for free without going to the Windows Store. With this method, you'll be able to get access to all the new features and functionality upgrades that were released as part of the Windows 8.1 Update.

Here's how to install Windows 8.1 from its ISO file using a USB drive:

Step 1: Download the Windows 8.1 ISO file

You can download the official full version of Windows 8.1 Pro (x86/32-bit & x64/64-bit) ISO image file from Softlay or the Microsoft Developer Network (MSDN).

Step 2: Create a bootable USB drive

Insert a USB drive with at least 4GB of free space into your computer. Download and install a tool such as Rufus, which will help you create a bootable USB drive.

Step 3: Open Rufus and select the USB drive

Open Rufus and select the USB drive from the dropdown menu. Make sure to choose the correct drive letter and that there is enough free space available.

Step 4: Select the ISO file

Select the Windows 8.1 ISO file that you downloaded earlier and click 'Start' to begin creating the bootable USB drive.

Step 5: Wait for the process to complete

The process of creating a bootable USB drive can take some time, so be patient and wait for it to complete.

Step 6: Boot from the USB drive

Insert the USB drive into your computer and restart it. Enter the BIOS settings (usually by pressing F2 or Del) and set the USB drive as the first boot device. Save the changes and exit the BIOS settings. Your computer should now boot from the USB drive.

Step 7: Install Windows 8.1

Follow the prompts to install Windows 8.1 on your computer. Make sure to select the correct language, timezone, and keyboard layout before continuing.

That's it! With these steps, you should be able to install Windows 8.1 from its ISO file using a USB drive. Remember that Windows 8.1 has reached its end of life, so there will be no further official support or updates available.

Product key windows 8.1 64 bits