Question 1

Can I download and install this on a formatted hard drive, i.e. no operating currently installed on the computer? Does it allow you to make an ISO?

Accepted Answer

Yes to fresh install on a new drive and yes to make ISO.

You will receive and email with your Product Key and a link to the windows 8.1 setup tool. Three options in the tool:

1-Install Now
2-Install by creating media (ISO or USB)
3-Install later from your desktop

You would run the setup tool and choose the option to create media, it will make an ISO or it will create a boot-able USB flash drive to install with. Choose USB its almost always faster than a DVD

Question 2

does this version require a previous version of windows?

Accepted Answer

no this does not. you need a windows computer to download it though. the Microsoft Downloader program will pull it down and give you options on how you want to use the file... if you download on Windows 7 which is the machine you want it on you can do a direct upgrade or have it leave an ISO file to make your down bootable usb drive or burn it to a DVD to use on the machine you have purchased it for.

I downloaded the ISO and made my own USB installer for the computer I bought it for.

Question 3

Is this 32 bit OS or 64 bit...???

Accepted Answer

It's both. If you are already running Win 64-bit, it will upgrade to Win 8 64-bit. However, if you are currently running Win 32-bit it will install the 32-bit version, and it doesn't give you a choice. I was able to get it to install the 64 bit over 32 by going back and installing a Win 7 64 first, using a 64 bit install disk. Kind of a pain, but it's the only way I could get it to work since there is no choice in the installer.

Question 4

Will this allow me to install Windows 7 pro on an XP Machine if I choose not to use windows 8? There is currently no Win 7 retail version being offered. It was my understanding that you had downgrade rights with this version. If so does the key work with both versions?

Accepted Answer

The info you are looking for is on the Microsoft site and is the first link if you search on "windows 8.1 downgrade rights".  The answer is in this situation no unless it is am OEM version and then you have to get Windows 7 from the OEM.

Question 5

Hello,

I have never really downloaded software and made an ISO file.  I am waiting to do this and put it on a DVD, which is the best DVD to put it on DVD-R or DVD-RW?

This would be all new to me so I am really seeking an answer from someone who has knowledge of this.

Thanks very much for your help and info in advance.

R.S.

Accepted Answer

If you download it using a Win 7 system it'll be very easy.  The download process from NewEgg makes it easy.  I downloaded and created a bootable USB thumb drive and burned an installation DVD.  Total time was about 30-45 minutes.  I created a VM of Win 8 using Parallels for Mac. Runs great.

It won't work on a WinXP system, so don't download if all you have is WinXP.

Question 6

what is the file type and size?

Is this the correct version to install to a new Macbook with no prior Windows?

after downloading, what exactly will I need to do in order to create a bootable USB flash drive which I can use to install the OS on a the above Macbook?

Thank you.

Accepted Answer

The download is a windows .exe installer file. Unfortunately, this means you will need to have access to a machine already running Windows to run it. Once you have downloaded the installer to Windows, launch it will step you through creating a bootable flash drive to complete the install.

You can then use the flash drive to install on your Mac via Bootcamp or one of the virtualization products (Parallels, VMWare, VirtualBox).

Question 7

is this compatible with windows 8 pro 64 bit?

Accepted Answer

This allowed me to do a clean install of windows 8.1 pro 64 bit. It would allow for upgrade from 7 and 8 as well, although the upgrade from 8 is free in the Microsoft store if you already have 8.1 pro.

I haven't had any problems with software that worked in 8 not working in 8.1 and I ran both as 64 bit operating systems

I hope this helps as I am not sure if I understand the question.

Question 8

Hi, about the free windows 10 upgrade. The "Download" versions of windows 8.1 (like this one) will also be eligible for "Free Windows 10 upgrade"?

Thanks in advance.

Accepted Answer

I have no idea but I don't see why not, since this is the most expensive way to buy Win 8.1.  Please let me know if you find out.

Question 9

I already have Win8 Pro disc. Now all I need is the activation key. I think you can down load it at Newegg. But how much will it cost me ?

Accepted Answer

Windows 8.1 Pro Licenses Key cost the same as if you buy the Download Version of Windows 8.1 Pro.  Just don't be fooled by having a Windows 8.1 or even a Windows 8.1 Pro and wanting to use the Pro Pack Upgrade as some license key, because it is not a license key at all, it just upgrades a Windows 8.1 Operating System, but it does not activate it.  I think you have to activate it first before you upgrade as well.

Question 10

Purchased Windows 8.1 full version.  Used download instead DVD. Installed software on new SSD (64 bit capable) drive.  System is 64 bit compliant.  Software installed 32 bit software.  How do I acquire the 64 bit version?

Accepted Answer

From what I have read, if you downloaded with a computer using a 32 bit operating system you will get the 32 bit version and with a 64 bit system the 64 bit version. To fix your problem it will require getting a disk with 64 bit or re-download with a 64 bit system, again from what I have read.

Questions & Answers