Back up your data, download the Media Creation Tool today, and create your installation media before Microsoft potentially removes the backend links entirely. Preserve the ISO on an external drive or cloud storage for future use.
This is the most popular alternative. You can download Rufus for free. Simply select your USB drive, choose the Windows 8.1 ISO you downloaded, and click "Start" to create your bootable media. windows 8.1 download 64 bit media creation tool
Once you have the ISO, you need a tool to "burn" it to a USB drive (at least 8GB recommended). : Download Rufus (it is a free, standalone tool). Insert your USB drive and open Rufus. Back up your data, download the Media Creation
: Choose "Windows 8.1" (or Pro/Single Language as needed) and click Select Language : Choose your preferred language and click Select Architecture : Click the 64-bit Download You can download Rufus for free
[Your Name/Organization] Date: April 16, 2026 Report ID: WIN81-MCT-2026-01