Under "Partition scheme," select (for modern UEFI computers) or MBR (for older BIOS systems). Click "Start" to create the bootable drive. How to Install Windows 8.1 Using the Media Insert the USB into the target computer.
Once you have the tool launched, follow these precise instructions to target the 64-bit architecture.
The Reality Check: What Happened to the Media Creation Tool?
If you need to reinstall this operating system on an older machine, obtaining a clean, safe ISO file is critical. This guide explains how to safely acquire the installation media, why the original Media Creation Tool is no longer operational, and how to create a bootable 64-bit USB drive using verified alternative methods. The Reality of the Windows 8.1 Media Creation Tool windows 8.1 download 64 bit media creation tool
: Double-click the downloaded mediacreationtool.exe file to launch it. You may need to grant it permission to make changes to your device.
Warning: Many third-party websites offer fake "Media Creation Tools" loaded with adware. Only use links referring to microsoft.com or download.microsoft.com .
Follow the on-screen instructions to install Windows 8.1. When asked, enter your . Common Issues & Solutions Under "Partition scheme," select (for modern UEFI computers)
What is the of the computer you are installing this on?
Set up your according to the target motherboard specifications:
Are you trying to or perform a completely clean install ? Do you already have a valid product key , or Share public link Once you have the tool launched, follow these
Windows 8.1 requires a genuine 25-character product key (e.g., XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX) during or after installation. A Windows 8 key will also work.
For newer hardware components using secure boot layouts, pick with a target system set to UEFI (non-CSM) .
: Because Microsoft no longer patches this OS, connecting a Windows 8.1 machine directly to the open internet exposes it to unpatched security exploits.
Follow these steps to obtain the ISO: