How to Download Windows 8.1
Windows 8.1 is an operating system designed by Microsoft that offers several new features and improvements over its predecessor, Windows 8. If you are still using Windows 8 or an older version of Windows, you might want to consider upgrading to Windows 8.1 to enjoy a better user experience, enhanced security, and faster performance.
In this article, we will guide you through the steps of downloading and installing Windows 8.1 on your PC. We will also explain some of the system requirements and compatibility issues you need to be aware of before you start the upgrade process. Finally, we will give you a brief overview of some of the most notable features of Windows 8.1 that you can explore after the installation is complete.
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Preparing for the Upgrade
Before you begin downloading and installing Windows 8.1, there are some things you need to do to prepare your PC for the upgrade. These include:
Backing up your files and settings. Although upgrading to Windows 8.1 should not affect your personal files and apps, it is always a good idea to back up your data to an external drive or a cloud service in case something goes wrong during the upgrade process. You can use the built-in File History feature in Windows 8 to create incremental backups of your files, or use a third-party backup software of your choice.
Disabling antivirus software. Some antivirus applications may interfere with the upgrade process and cause errors or delays. To avoid this, you should disable your antivirus software before starting the upgrade. You can re-enable it after the installation is complete.
Checking for updates. You need to make sure that your current version of Windows is up to date before you can upgrade to Windows 8.1. To do this, open the Charms menu by hovering your mouse over the bottom-right corner of the screen or swiping from the right edge if you have a touchscreen device. Then click Settings, Change PC Settings, and Windows Update. If any updates are available, follow the on-screen instructions to install them.
Downloading Windows 8.1
There are two main ways to download Windows 8.1 on your PC: using the media creation tool or using the Windows Store. The method you choose depends on whether you want to create a bootable USB flash drive or DVD that you can use to install Windows 8.1 on any compatible device, or whether you just want to update your current device without creating any installation media.
Using the media creation tool
The media creation tool is a free software that allows you to download a copy of Windows 8.1 and create a bootable USB flash drive or DVD that you can use to install it on any compatible device. This method is useful if you want to upgrade multiple devices, or if you want to have a backup of your Windows 8.1 installation in case you need to reinstall it in the future. To use the media creation tool, follow these steps:
Download the media creation tool. You can download the media creation tool from the official Microsoft website. Choose the edition and language of Windows 8.1 that you want to download, and click Confirm. Then choose whether you want to download the 32-bit or 64-bit version, and click Confirm again. The download will start automatically.
Run the media creation tool. Once the download is complete, locate the file named MediaCreationTool.exe and double-click it to run it. You may need to grant permission for the tool to make changes to your device.
Select Create installation media for another PC. On the first screen of the tool, you will see two options: Upgrade this PC now or Create installation media for another PC. Choose the second option and click Next.
Choose your media type. On the next screen, you will be asked to choose whether you want to create a USB flash drive or an ISO file that you can burn to a DVD later. Choose the option that suits your needs and click Next. If you choose USB flash drive, make sure you have a blank USB flash drive with at least 8 GB of space plugged into your PC. If you choose ISO file, make sure you have enough free space on your hard drive to save the file.
Wait for the download and creation process to finish. The tool will now download the Windows 8.1 files and create the installation media for you. This may take some time depending on your internet speed and the size of the files. You can monitor the progress on the screen. When the process is complete, you will see a message saying Your USB flash drive is ready or Your ISO file is ready, depending on your choice. Click Finish to exit the tool.
Using the Windows Store
The Windows Store is an app that allows you to download and install various apps and games on your Windows device. You can also use it to download and install Windows 8.1 if you are already running Windows 8 on your device. This method is simpler and faster than using the media creation tool, but it only works for updating your current device and not for creating installation media for other devices. To use the Windows Store, follow these steps:
Open the Windows Store app. You can find the Windows Store app on your Start screen or by searching for it from the Charms menu.
Find and select the Windows 8.1 update. On the home page of the Windows Store app, you should see a tile that says Update to Windows 8.1 for free. Click or tap on it to open it. If you don't see this tile, you may need to scroll down or swipe to the right to find it.
Download and install the update. On the next screen, you will see some information about Windows 8.1 and what you need to do before installing it. Read it carefully and click or tap Download when you are ready. The update will start downloading in the background and you can continue using your PC while it does. When the download is complete, you will be notified that you need to restart your PC to finish installing the update. Click or tap Restart now or choose a time that is convenient for you.
Installing Windows 8.1
After downloading Windows 8.1 using either of the methods described above, you are ready to install it on your PC. The installation process may vary slightly depending on whether you are booting from a USB flash drive or DVD, or running the update from within Windows 8. However, in general, these are the steps you need to follow:
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Booting from the installation media or running the update
If you are booting from a USB flash drive or DVD that you created using the media creation tool, you need to insert it into your PC and restart it. You may need to change your boot order in your BIOS settings to make sure your PC boots from the installation media instead of your hard drive. If you are running the update from within Windows 8, you just need to follow the prompts on the screen after restarting your PC.
Entering your product key and accepting the license terms
After booting from the installation media or running the update, you will see a screen that asks you to enter your product key. This is a 25-digit code that proves that you have a valid copy of Windows 8.1. You can find your product key on the packaging of your installation media, on a sticker on your PC, or in an email confirmation if you bought Windows 8.1 online. Enter your product key and click Next. Then, you will see a screen that shows the license terms for Windows 8.1. Read them carefully and check the box that says I accept the license terms. Click Next to continue.
Choosing between custom or upgrade installation
On the next screen, you will see two options: Custom or Upgrade. The Custom option allows you to perform a clean installation of Windows 8.1, which means that all your files, settings, and apps will be erased and replaced by the new operating system. This option is recommended if you want to start fresh or if you have a new or empty hard drive. The Upgrade option allows you to keep your files, settings, and apps from your previous version of Windows and transfer them to Windows 8.1. This option is recommended if you want to preserve your data and avoid reinstalling your apps. Choose the option that suits your needs and click Next.
Selecting a partition or drive to install Windows 8.1
If you chose the Custom option, you will see a screen that shows the available partitions or drives on your PC where you can install Windows 8.1. A partition is a section of your hard drive that acts as a separate storage space for your data. A drive is a physical device that stores data, such as a hard drive, a solid state drive, or a USB flash drive. You need to select a partition or drive that has enough free space to install Windows 8.1, which is at least 20 GB for the 64-bit version or 16 GB for the 32-bit version. You can also create, delete, or format partitions using the options at the bottom of the screen. Be careful not to delete or format any partitions that contain important data, as this will erase them permanently. Once you have selected a partition or drive, click Next.
Setting Up Windows 8.1
After installing Windows 8.1 on your PC, you need to set up some basic settings and preferences to personalize your user experience. These include:
Choosing your region, language, and keyboard layout
On the first screen of the setup process, you will be asked to choose your region, language, and keyboard layout. These settings affect how Windows 8.1 displays dates, times, currencies, and other formats on your PC. You can also add additional languages and keyboard layouts later if you need to use them for different purposes. Choose the settings that match your location and preferences and click Next.
Signing in with your Microsoft account or creating a local account
On the next screen, you will be asked to sign in with your Microsoft account or create a local account. A Microsoft account is an email address and password that you use to access various online services from Microsoft, such as Outlook.com, OneDrive, Skype, Xbox Live, and more. A local account is a username and password that you use only on your PC and does not connect to any online services. Signing in with a Microsoft account allows you to sync your settings, files, apps, and preferences across all your Windows devices and access them from anywhere. Creating a local account gives you more privacy and control over your PC and does not require an internet connection.
If you already have a Microsoft account, enter your email address and password and click Next. If you don't have a Microsoft account or don't want to use one, click Create a new account and then click Sign in without a Microsoft account at the bottom of the screen. Then enter a username and password for your local account and click Next.
Personalizing your Start screen and desktop
On the next screen, you will be asked to personalize your Start screen and desktop by choosing a color scheme and a name for your PC. The color scheme affects how the tiles on your Start screen and the elements on your desktop look like. The name for your PC identifies it on networks and helps you distinguish it from other devices.
You can choose from a range of colors by clicking or tapping on them or use the slider at the bottom to adjust the hue of the color. You can also enter a name for your PC by typing it in the box below. Choose a color scheme and a name that you like and click Next.
Exploring Windows 8.1 Features
Congratulations, you have successfully downloaded and installed Windows 8.1 on your PC. You are now ready to explore some of the new features and improvements that Windows 8.1 offers over Windows 8. These include:
The new interface and navigation options
Windows 8.1 introduces a new interface that combines the traditional desktop with the modern Start screen. The Start screen is where you can access all your apps, settings, and notifications by clicking or tapping on the tiles. The desktop is where you can run your legacy programs, manage your files, and use the taskbar and the Start button.
You can switch between the Start screen and the desktop by pressing the Windows key on your keyboard or clicking or tapping on the Start button at the lower-left corner of the screen. You can also use the Charms menu, which is a set of icons that appear when you hover your mouse over the bottom-right corner of the screen or swipe from the right edge if you have a touchscreen device. The Charms menu allows you to search, share, access devices, change settings, and more.
Windows 8.1 also gives you more options to customize your interface and navigation preferences. For example, you can choose to boot directly to the desktop instead of the Start screen, pin apps to the taskbar, resize and rearrange tiles on the Start screen, and use different backgrounds for the Start screen and the desktop.
The online features and integration with OneDrive
Windows 8.1 is designed to work seamlessly with the internet and cloud services. One of the most prominent features is the integration with OneDrive, which is a free online storage service from Microsoft that allows you to store and access your files from anywhere. You can use OneDrive to back up your files, sync them across your devices, share them with others, and collaborate on documents in real time.
You can access OneDrive from any app that supports it, such as File Explorer, Photos, Music, Office, and more. You can also access OneDrive from any web browser by visiting onedrive.com and signing in with your Microsoft account. You can also download the OneDrive app for your mobile devices and other platforms from the official website.
Windows 8.1 also comes with several built-in apps that connect you to various online services from Microsoft and other providers. These include Mail, Calendar, People, Skype, Bing, News, Weather, Sports, Travel, Finance, Health & Fitness, Food & Drink, Games, Music, Video, and more. You can find these apps on your Start screen or download more from the Windows Store.
The improved security and performance
Windows 8.1 provides several enhancements to the security and performance of your PC. These include:
Windows Defender. This is a built-in antivirus software that protects your PC from malware and other threats. It runs in the background and updates automatically to keep your PC safe.
Windows Firewall. This is a built-in firewall software that blocks unauthorized network connections to or from your PC. It helps prevent hackers and malicious programs from accessing your data or harming your PC.
Windows Update. This is a feature that automatically downloads and installs updates for Windows and other Microsoft products. It helps keep your PC secure and up to date with the latest features and fixes.
BitLocker. This is a feature that encrypts your hard drive or USB flash drive to prevent unauthorized access to your data in case of theft or loss. It requires a password or a recovery key to unlock your drive.
Action Center. This is a feature that monitors your PC's health and performance and alerts you of any issues or problems that need your attention. It also provides suggestions and solutions to help you fix them.
Fast Startup. This is a feature that reduces the time it takes for your PC to start up or shut down by saving some of your system information to a file when you turn off your PC. It then uses this file to resume your system when you turn it on again.
Conclusion
In this article, we have shown you how to download and install Windows 8.1 on your PC using either the media creation tool or the Windows Store. We have also explained some of the system requirements and compatibility issues you need to be aware of before you start the upgrade process. Finally, we have given you a brief overview of some of the new features and improvements that Windows 8.1 offers over Windows 8, such as the new interface and navigation options, the online features and integration with OneDrive, and the improved security and performance.
We hope that this article has helped you to download and install Windows 8.1 on your PC and that you enjoy using it. If you have any questions or feedback, please feel free to leave a comment below or contact us through our website. Thank you for reading.
FAQs
Here are some of the frequently asked questions about Windows 8.1:
Q: How much does Windows 8.1 cost?
A: If you are already running Windows 8 on your PC, you can download and install Windows 8.1 for free from the Windows Store. If you are running an older version of Windows, such as Windows 7, Vista, or XP, you need to buy a license for Windows 8.1 from the official Microsoft website or a retailer. The price may vary depending on your region and the edition and version of Windows 8.1 that you choose.
Q: How long does it take to download and install Windows 8.1?
A: The time it takes to download and install Windows 8.1 depends on several factors, such as your internet speed, the size of the files, and the method you use to download and install it. Generally, it may take anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours to complete the process.
Q: Can I keep my files, settings, and apps when I upgrade to Windows 8.1?
A: Yes, you can keep your files, settings, and apps when you upgrade to Windows 8.1 if you choose the Upgrade option during the installation process. However, some apps may not be compatible with Windows 8.1 and may need to be reinstalled or updated after the upgrade. You can check the compatibility of your apps by using the Compatibility Center on the official Microsoft website.
Q: Can I downgrade from Windows 8.1 to Windows 8 or an older version of Windows?
A: Yes, you can downgrade from Windows 8.1 to Windows 8 or an older version of Windows if you have a backup of your previous operating system or a recovery disk that came with your PC. However, this process may erase your files, settings, and apps, so make sure you back them up before you downgrade.
Q: What are the minimum system requirements for running Windows 8.1?
A: The minimum system requirements for running Windows 8.1 are:
Processor: 1 GHz or faster
RAM: 2 GB for 64-bit or 1 GB for 32-bit
Hard disk space: 20 GB for 64-bit or 16 GB for 32-bit
Graphics card: DirectX 9 compatible with WDDM driver
Display: 1024 x 768 resolution or higher
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