Forum Discussion
Yarisyoyo
Jan 03, 2025Iron Contributor
How to create usb bootable install media for Windows 8.1 in 2025
My old PC runs Windows 8.1 for a couple of years. But it was crashed last night and unable to boot into the desktop. I think it is time for a fresh reinstall.
Currently, I'm looking for a way to create usb bootable install media for Windows 8.1 on my computer, but I'm not sure where to start. I have access to a Windows 8.1 installation ISO file and a USB flash drive with at least 8GB of storage, but I'm unfamiliar with the steps required to make the USB bootable.
Additionally, I'm unsure about the correct settings and procedures to ensure the USB is properly configured for installation. If there are any specific tips or common pitfalls I should be aware of during this process, please let me know.
Regards,
Yaris
- NguyenaisIron Contributor
To make a Windows 8.1 install media, you should first download Windows 8.1 ISO first. After that, create a bootable USB from Windows 8.1 ISO. Here is a full guide for this:
https://www.readdwrite.com/create-windows-8-bootable-install-media
P.S. Select the correct Windows 8.1 version before making the install media.
- R_StarzuftIron Contributor
Really need more info here. Do you just want to revive the original computer? Is the drive bad or just a boot problem? Sometimes if you can get the drive to startup it is possible ot clone it to a new drive as a replacement. It would save some work if the clone works. Otherwise you may need the original install disk and the drivers. Some systems that had Windows 8 really needed those drivers to function. Even if you decided to upgrade to Windows 10 the drivers would be important.
One other idea: It is possible that due to the age of your system the CMOS battery is bad. I had two systems that 'forgot' the date (which can cause boot issues). Mine were those #2132 coin type batteries. Make sure the system is off and unplugged before changing though...
- IndiaerIron Contributor
Microsoft offers a handy tool called the Windows USB/DVD Download Tool, or you can use the Media Creation Tool (if available for Windows 8.1) to create your USB media. Avoid using random third-party tools that you stumble upon online, as they might not be reliable and could lead to corrupted files. Make sure your USB drive is at least 8GB, and be extra careful not to pick one that already has important files on it. When you create a bootable media, the process will wipe everything from the drive. I’ve had the experience of accidentally erasing a drive that had family vacation photos.
If you're using File Explorer to create the bootable media, you need to format the USB drive as FAT32 (not NTFS if you want compatibility with older BIOS systems). Some tools will format it correctly, but I’ve had times where I had to manually format it to avoid boot issues. Make sure you have a legitimate and compatible Windows 8.1 ISO. Microsoft no longer officially supports Windows 8.1 by 2025, so make sure you’re getting your ISO from a reliable source, ideally directly from Microsoft or verified partners. A corrupted or incompatible ISO will lead to installation errors.
If your machine has UEFI firmware, you might need to tweak some settings in the BIOS/UEFI to allow booting from USB. Sometimes, you’ll have to disable Secure Boot to let your USB drive be recognized as a boot option. I’ve spent a good 30 minutes trying to figure out why my USB wasn’t booting, only to realize I had to change a setting in the BIOS. Frustrating! Once you’ve create usb bootable install media for Windows 8.1 in 2025. It’s wise to test it before you actually need it for installation. Boot from the USB on a test machine (or a virtual machine if you have one). Make sure you can actually load the installation screen. It saves a lot of hassle later on.
If you’re installing Windows 8.1 on a newer machine, ensure that the hardware is compatible. Newer PCs might have parts that need specific drivers not included in the Windows 8.1 installation media.
- AprilPatelIron Contributor
Using Diskpart to create a bootable USB install media for Windows 8.1 can definitely get the job done, but there are some drawbacks you should be aware of. Let me break it down for you in a casual way, based on what I’ve seen and used:
- Diskpart can be a bit intimidating if you’re not familiar with command-line tools. One wrong command, and you can wipe the wrong drive or mess up your partitions. I’ve seen this happen, and trust me, it’s not pretty.
- Unlike other software that has a nice GUI (Graphical User Interface) where you can just click around, Diskpart is all about that text life. If you mess up a command, you won’t get a friendly error message telling you what to do next.
- You need to remember several steps, like selecting the right disk number and formatting it correctly. If you’re not paying attention, it's easy to accidentally pick the wrong disk (like your main hard drive instead of the USB), which can lead to data loss.
- If you encounter an error while using Diskpart, it can be harder to troubleshoot. With GUI-based tools, error messages are usually clearer, and there are often built-in help options or even clickable links that guide you through fixing things.
- You have to ensure that everything is in the right format (like FAT32 or NTFS) for it to properly work as install media, and Diskpart doesn’t always cover every detail for you. If you’re not savvy about formatting, this can lead to boot errors later on.
- AlikocIron Contributor
Hi Yaris,
To create a bootable USB install media for Windows 8.1 in 2025, follow these steps:
Prerequisites
- A Windows 8.1 ISO file (which you already have).
- A USB flash drive (at least 8GB recommended).
- A working Windows computer to create the bootable USB.
- Rufus (recommended tool) or the built-in diskpart command in Windows.
Method 1: Using Rufus (Recommended)
Rufus is a free and easy tool to create a bootable USB.
Steps to create a bootable USB with Rufus
- Download Rufus from the official website: rufus .ie (delete blank)
- Insert your USB drive into your computer.
- Open Rufus (No installation required, just run the .exe file).
- Select your USB device under "Device".
- Click "Select" and choose your Windows 8.1 ISO file.
- Partition Scheme:
- If your PC is UEFI, select GPT.
- If your PC is Legacy BIOS, select MBR.
- File System: NTFS (default).
- Click "Start" and wait for the process to complete.
- Once done, restart your computer and boot from the USB.
Method 2: Using Diskpart (Manual)
If you prefer, you can use Windows' built-in command-line tool diskpart:
Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
- Type diskpart and press Enter.
- Type list disk and press Enter (note your USB drive number).
- Select the USB drive
select disk X # (Replace X with your USB disk number)
format the USB:
clean create partition primary select partition 1 format fs=ntfs quick active assign exit
- Mount the Windows 8.1 ISO (double-click it).
- Copy all files from the ISO to the USB drive using
xcopy X:\* Y:\ /E /F /H
Restart your PC and boot from USB.
I think one of the two methods will work.
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