Queation on how to clean install Win 8.1 instead of updating Win 8

[guanyu210379]

Hello guys,
I have just run the update to 8.1 from 8 via Ms. Store.
Do not get me wrong, everything works like charm after the update.
No noticeable bugs, crashes, slowliness, or whatsoever.

However...
I thought I would get an ISO file from the Ms. Store so that I can burn it to a media and clean install Win 8.1 from scratch instead of getting it like a patch or service pack on Win 8.
I searched everywhere for a legal download of Win 8.1 ISO file but either I am stupid or it is simply not available.

Can someone give a link to download the iso legally? for free if possible or if I have to pay max like the cost of Win 8 (pro x64, no media pack) upgrade from Win 7 which cost me last January 2013 about €30.

 

[casper1973]

Currently the ISO's are only available to MSDN or Technet subscribers.

Alternatively you would get a copy if you bought a brand new Windows 8.1 licence which is around £100 for the pro version.

Hoping they make them publicly available soon. Cba downloading a 3.4GB update every time someone wants to update.

 

[guanyu210379]

And...is it even legal if I copy someone's Win 8.1pro x64? I have my own key.
Or I guess, I just have to wait until Ms. released the iso too.
It is really annoying to first install Win 8 and download the whole Win 8.1 again and again from the Ms. store.

 

[casper1973]

I don't believe there is anything illegal about copying the disk so long as you are not selling it.

All disks are the same. It's your licence key that activates it.

 

[guanyu210379]

ah...ok...
If that is the case, it is time to look for a Win 8.1 Pro x64 copy

 

[casper1973]

Not an ideal solution but I have found something useful.
http://howto.cnet.com/8301-11310_39-57608376-285/how-to-download-the-official-microsoft-windows-8.1-iso/

The ISO obtained is a full Windows 8.1 installation DVD for whatever version of Windows 8 you have running (Core/Pro, x86/x64 etc). You can burn this to a disk and use it to upgrade from 8 to 8.1 without having to download the files again. Ideal if you have a few machines to upgrade.
[EDIT: Some sites say this is possible, others say you need a Windows 8.1 product key. Not sure which is correct]

If you want to do a clean install you need a Windows 8.1 product key. A Windows 8 product key will not work.

 

[guanyu210379]

If it takes no WIn8 key, it ain't really the answer for my clean install goal.
I have only the Win8 key and not 8.1 key.

 

[casper1973]

That is why I said it's not ideal.

I was thinking you could do a clean install of Windows 8 then run this disk to upgrade to 8.1 straight away. Because nothing needs to be downloaded it wouldn't take more than 30 mins to upgrade.

Not a solution but a step in the right direction.

 

[lp231]

You can order 8.1 disc from a online store.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16832416789