Your final option is to download Windows 8.1 or Windows 8 for 'free' as part of a paid Visual Studio subscription (previously called an MSDN subscription), which runs for several hundred dollars per year. You'll get a copy of Windows 8.1 in ISO format, ready for burning to a disc or transferring to a USB device. When Windows 8 had released – many were surprised. Realizing that this is just another build and interface problems and other psychological shock can be corrected, and not much has changed, and with the release Windows 8.1 operating system in general has become quite suitable for the application.
After using Windows 7, an innovative user interface and tiled apps in Windows 8 give an entirely new feeling. Microsoft released Windows 8 in 4 editions: Core, Pro, Enterprise and RT. Due to entirely new features and stylish outlook, it conquered the hearts of people. Everybody wanted to get Windows 8. Although it had a few missings, still it made a great success among PC users.
Related: Windows 8.1 Enterprise ISO
Download Windows 8 Core
Windows 8 Core ISO 32-bit
Windows 8 Core ISO 64-bit
Download Requirements
- 1GB RAM for 32-bit, 2GB RAM for 64-bit
- 16GB Hard disk space for 32-bit and 20GB for 64-bit
- 1GHz or above processor
Installation Key
XKY4K-2NRWR-8F6P2-448RF-CRYQH
Download & Install Windows 8 Core
Downloading and installation of Windows 8 is divided into two parts. In the first part, we will download the ISO file and will create a bootable USB flash drive. In the next part, we will install Windows 8 Core.
Method 1: Create Bootable Windows 8 Core Via Rufus
It's a very easy method and a newbie can use it to create a bootable USB flash drive. You will follow only a few clicks to do so.
- Click Here to download the tool.
- Now, click the downloaded file to start the installation.
- When the installation is over, launch the tool.
- Now, download Windows 8 Core ISO from the above section. (Check your system's version before you download it. If it's 64-bit or 32-bit, download the ISO file accordingly.
- Connect a 4GB USB flash drive to your PC.
- Open Rufus and select the option 'Create a Bootable USB Drive.'
- Now, select 'Browse' to locate the Windows 8 Core ISO.
- Click 'Next' from here.
- Now, select 'Start' and 'Windows 8 Core ISO.'
- Rufus starts converting the ISO image into an executable file. The process takes a couple of minutes.
- Your Windows 8 Core bootable USB flash drive is ready.
- Now, plug in USB with PC and restart it to start the installation.
Method # 2: Create Bootable USB via CMD
It's a bit lengthy method and a newbie can't follow it easily. So, I advise you to use it only if you are an expert in using CMD.
Follow the steps below to create USB via Command Prompt Administrator.
- Download Windows 8 Core ISO from the above section and save it to your PC.
- Connect a 4GB USB flash drive with your PC.
- Go to the Start menu, and look for the Command Prompt.
- Right-click on Command Prompt and select 'Run as Administrator' from here.
- Here, type a few commands and press Enter every time.
- 'list disk'
- 'select disc #' (Here, replace '#' with the number where you want to install Windows.)
- 'clean'
- 'Create partition primary'
- 'select partition 1' (You can write here the drive name like E: or D: )
- 'Active'
- 'format fs=NTFS'
- Type 'assign letter=X' (You can use any available letter.)
- 'exit'
- Type 'bootsect /nt60 X:' here.
- Now give the final command to copy the ISO file 'xcopy G:*.* X: /E /F /H.' The term 'XCOPY' shows a copy of the ISO file.
- That's all. Now, your Windows 10 bootable USB drive is ready to use.
- Close CMD Administrator.
Installation Guide
- Attach the bootable USB to the system and restart it.
- When you see the Windows logo, keep pressing F2 and Esc key to enter BIOS.
- Select 'Boot' from here.
- Press the down arrow and select the USB option here.
- It will show you a few options. Select the relevant option and Press 'Exit Saving Changes' to exit BIOS.
- Select your preferred language from here.
- From the same page, select the keyboard input method and Time & Currency format.
- On the next screen, select the 'Install Now' option to start the installation.
- In the next section, insert the product key. (I have provided the product key in the above section.)
- Now, click the box 'I Accept the Terms' to proceed.
- Here, select the type of installation from 'Upgrade' or 'Custom.' If you want to keep previous data and files, select 'Upgrade.' Select the 'Custom: Install Windows only' option if you want to install a fresh copy of Windows.
- Now, make partitions of your Hard disk drive and select the drive where you want to install Windows.
- That's it. It will show you the installation process in percentage. Wait for a while until it sets up the Windows.
Windows 8 Core Features
Windows 8 has lots of attractive features. It has an entirely new outlook for users. Let's see how does it make a difference to your productivity?
It's entirely a new version that has easy gestures. It supports the touch screen and swiping from left to the right and vice versa to display a Charms menu.
Semantic Zoom is a great feature added to Windows 8. You can use pinch-to-zoom in and out instead of scrolling the page downward. It's particularly useful when you are reading the news.
The apps lie in the live tiles and provide updates automatically. News app shows the recent updates. The Calendar app brings alerts for upcoming events. Similarly, the Mail app shows the latest emails. So, you don't need to refresh again and again to view the latest news, mails, and events.
Beautiful Lock Screen brings the latest weather and email alerts even when your PC is locked. It also brings upcoming meeting alerts, Camera and 'Switch-User' features. You can customize the Lock Screen to add your photos and slides to it.
The apps list appears with a powerful search feature. When you type a few letters regarding an app, it shows the relevant results instantly.
It is easy to refresh and reset your PC. With the one-click process, you can refresh your PC. So, when you have bugs and a slower PC, just tap the refresh button and enjoy a refreshed and bugs-free PC.
Sync your Settings feature ensures personalize photos, colors, background, lock screen account picture and other settings.
It brings smooth functioning, quick switching between apps and quick operation of tasks.
Now that the world has moved on from CRT monitors to flat, touchscreen laptops, it's only right for Microsoft to develop a fitting operating system. In 2013, the company introduced Windows 8 to do just that. Unfortunately, it didn't get as many fans as it fell short, especially in the UI department. Then came its biggest update, Windows 8.1.
Is bigger better?
Microsoft listened to their woes and delivered Windows 8.1 in the hopes of making this version more accepted by the public.
Fans of Windows 7 & Vista weren't exactly thrilled about Windows 8. Firstly, it differs so much from the interface users have gone accustomed to and loved. Their biggest complaint, where in the world is the start button? Microsoft listened to their woes and delivered Windows 8.1 in the hopes of making this version more accepted by the public. You also have the ability to hide the start screen or be directed to the app list instead. This list is basically a full screen start menu which you can organize into a number of different categories. It's not the same as that of Windows 7, but it's definitely not as bad as Windows 8. Windows xp paintbrush. Windows 8.1 also improved its personalization features on your start screen. You now have to option to create smaller or larger screen tiles to your heart's desire. Use smaller tiles to make your start screen more productive as you can see more apps all at once. Bigger tiles show more up to date details. You can glance at the weather forecast without actually opening the application. The start screen can also adjust to larger resolutions so you have more rows of tiles without needing a huge empty space. The varying sizes of tile apps allow for more convenience in using your mouse or trackpad to navigate. More options to suit you Microsoft also included over 100 different color combinations you can use to personalize your desktop. Windows 8.1 comes with a number of pre-installed starts screen patterns or you can even use your own desktop wallpaper as its background. Desktop apps color coordinate themselves to match the most dominant color in its logo. You can easily see changes on your desktop without jumping in and out of the PC settings app. Just simply go to the personalization panel in the Charms bar and try to change your wallpaper and see if it looks nice.
Search and multitasking
The updated search function goes beyond the ordinary OS search engine. It's now a platform built right unto your computer's system that allows you to search locally and on the internet for whatever you need. Locating a document using this feature will not only lead you to the file but will also offer you search results from the internet and on your app settings. Multitasking is also made easier in Windows 8.1. Switch from one app to the other by simply moving your cursor all the way into the left hand corner, hit click and it leads you to the last app you used.
Where can you run this program?
Computers running on Windows 8 can get a free update to Windows 8.1. You simply have to go to the Windows store and follow the steps to upgrade manually. Windows 8.1 requires your machine to have at least a 1 GHz processor or faster with support for PAE, NX, and SSE2. You will also need at least 1 GB of RAM if you're running on a 32-bit processor or 2 GB RAM for those on 64-bit, and hard disk space of 16 GB or 20 GB respectively. For optimal performance, Windows requires a Microsoft DirectX 9 graphics device with WDDM driver.
Windows 8 Free Upgrade
Is there a better alternative?
Windows 8 Free Upgrade From Windows 7
If you want to stick to a Windows operating system, then Windows 10 would be the wisest choice. It has better security measures and is more reliable and efficient compared to its predecessors. Developers made its recent update less frustrating by reducing clutter, especially in the start menu. You may also customize it by adding applications to suit your needs. This OS also allows you to remove built-in apps you don't think you'll use like Movies & TV, Groove Music, Paint 3D, and more. macOS 10.14 Mojave is the latest operating system for Apple machines. It offers several features that help improve the aesthetic of your computer. Save your eyes from damage by switching to Dark Mode. Organize random content in your desktop through Stacks. Quick Look allows you to perform actions on files without actually opening any application. There are so many useful features to check out.
Our take
Windows 8.1 is definitely an improvement from Windows 8's underwhelming performance. You may take a little more time to get used to it but you have more options to customize this operating system. It's best for laptops with touch screen capabilities. It's a relief that the start button is back, but its interface still feels a little bit awkward. However, if you didn't enjoy Windows 8, this update isn't going to change your opinion about it.
Should you download it?
Yes. If you're still on Windows 8, it's high time for you to get an upgrade to 8.1. But if you have the option to get Windows 10, it's best to grab the opportunity as it would definitely be the wiser choice.
Windows 8 Free Upgrade To Windows 10
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