Windows 8.1 ISO download.

[Ripull_RBLX]

Hi guys, I was looking to create a bootable USB for installing an Windows 8.1 on a PC I'm building.

I was looking at this page to install Windows 8.1:
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-CA/windows-8/create-reset-refresh-media

I installed the program and go through the process of downloading the ISO onto the USB. But it doesn't ask for a product key at any part before the download. Is it normal? Will it ask for the key when I'm installing the software instead or am I downloading the wrong thing?


Also, it doesn't say anything about a bootable USB anywhere on the page, so I'm also wondering if this is the right thing I'm downloading on to my USB to create a bootable copy. XD


Sorry for the noobish questions.

Thanks in advance.

 

[13thmonkey]

you can download a small program from MS that does ask for a key and gives you the choice of what type of install you want to create.

 

[Ripull_RBLX]

you can download a small program from MS that does ask for a key and gives you the choice of what type of install you want to create.

So I'm using the incorrect program to create a bootable USB?

 

[13thmonkey]

I've only done it once, and this is what it let me do, they might give you other options.

 

[USAFRet]

If all that gives you is an ISO, then you use this to create a bootable USB stick:
Windows USB/DVD Download Tool

 

[USAFRet]

hmm....this appears to be something new from MS. I've not seen this before.

 

[jimthenagual]

That's a new link MS has put up (I don't know how new, but it wasn't there on my previous system, just on my latest system).

It actually downloads the .iso AND creates the bootable USB stick all at once. It's a great new tool, and much easier. It's all you need to get the bootable USB stick ready for installation.

When it's time to install windows, stick the USB stick in the USB port, boot up into bios, then set boot priority so that the USB is first priority. Reboot again, and it will boot from the USB stick, and begin installing windows. It will ask for your product key during the installation process.

 

[13thmonkey]

the create media link in the OPs link seems to allow you to create a USB stick.

 

[Ripull_RBLX]

That's a new link MS has put up (I don't know how new, but it wasn't there on my previous system, just on my latest system).

It actually downloads the .iso AND creates the bootable USB stick all at once. It's a great new tool, and much easier. It's all you need to get the bootable USB stick ready for installation.

When it's time to install windows, stick the USB stick in the USB port, boot up into bios, then set boot priority so that the USB is first priority. Reboot again, and it will boot from the USB stick, and begin installing windows. It will ask for your product key during the installation process.

I'm hoping this will work from a flash drive running USB 2.0? It's the only USB that I have that is big enough to hold the entire ISO file.

 

[jimthenagual]

Provided your bios has the option of setting the USB as a boot drive, you'll have no problem.