How to create usb bootable install media for Windows 8.1 in 2025

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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