Windows setup uses the sources\install.wim or install.esd file containing (indexes). Each index = one edition.
A standard retail DVD only contains one edition. If you bought a Core license key but downloaded a Pro ISO, the installer would reject your key. The solves this by housing install.wim or install.esd files that contain multiple images of Windows. When you boot from this ISO, the installer asks for your product key first. Based on the key you enter, it unlocks the corresponding edition hidden inside the ISO. Windows 8 Multi Edition Iso
The Multi Edition Iso also includes:
: Most official Multi-Edition ISOs will automatically install the version (Core or Pro) linked to your device's motherboard. Windows setup uses the sources\install
| Use case | Recommendation | |----------|----------------| | Touchscreen or old tablet | Windows 10 LTSC 2021 (similar low resource usage) | | Lightweight OS | Windows 11 (with bypass for unsupported CPUs) or Linux Mint | | Running legacy Win8 apps | Windows 10 or 11 (compatibility mode) | | Virtual machine testing | Download official Win8 evaluation VHDs from Microsoft (archived) | If you bought a Core license key but