Recently, I published a guide that allows users to download the Windows 8.1 ISO from Microsoft by simply using a valid Windows 8 retail key. It's not too complicated. However, the problem may arise when you try to install and activate the operating system using this workaround, as many users report that the Windows 8.1 setup does not accept the Windows 8 product key. So here are some things to look out for:
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Download Windows 8.1 ISO for free without product key and create bootable USB
1. Downloading the Windows 8.1 ISO will only work with your Windows 8 product key, such as the one you got with the promotional upgrade last year – remember the one that cost you $40 – TechNet, MSDN, DreamSpark, the free promotional key for the Windows 8 Media Center Pack, OEM keys will not work.
2. If Windows 8.1 setup fails to download the ISO file, it may be due to a previous download.
Go to the main drive (C) of your PC, make sure you can view hidden files, and move the ESD folder to another location. (The ESD folder contains the Windows installation files you downloaded earlier.)
