Can I download Windows 8.1 on a laptop hard drive, move it to a new ssd, then install it on a new desktop?

[ezrafuller]

So this is what I'm hoping to accomplish. I want to download a free copy of Windows 8.1 provided by my college onto a hard drive on my laptop. Then I hope to move that download onto a ssd and then use that ssd in my new build.

Is this possible? When I download Windows is it tethered to my computer? Will there be a problem if I'm already using Windows 8.1 on my laptop? Should I wait until I get the ssd and download it on there through my laptop?

Edit: What if I burned the copy of Windows 8.1 to a disk then installed it onto my desktop?

Thanks to anyone that takes the time!

 

[bratShone]

best way is to download iso file to ur laptop and than create bootable usb flash drive and when u build ur computer just boot ur usb and install it on ssd

 

[ezrafuller]

best way is to download iso file to ur laptop and than create bootable usb flash drive and when u build ur computer just boot ur usb and install it on ssd

Could I download the iso file to my hard drive, plug in the ssd to my laptop and then transfer it?

 

[bratShone]

you can transfer it to ur ssd, but if u wanna to install windows u must do it from bootable usb or cd.