Get Microsoft Windows 8.1 installation media (ISO) for offline update or fresh installation
I just found something I thought I should pass along. Sure, it’s only for the desktop OS, but many if not all of us in this line of work use one. (If you don’t use Windows, or don’t support your own workstation, maybe sharing the info can gain you some brownie points with folks who do.) It was not readily apparent in my searching the web, either: Microsoft has made Windows 8.1 (or 8.1 Pro) installation bits available for download for you and me– and yes, you can install from that media using your retail Windows 8 or Windows 8 Pro Product Key.
Not so long ago, one would have had to install Windows 8, then get online for hours to patch it and then upgrade to Windows 8.1. For me, this got in the way of having what I like to call a “gold copy” of a system build. IMO, being networked for so long increases risk exposure, reduces trustworthiness, and otherwise tarnishes the golden-ness of a system build image. What about doing a Windows 8.1 offline update? Keep reading…