Keep in mind that everything will always work as long you have a valid Windows product key, that being a OEM, retail, or upgrade. Then if you ever have a problem activating, you can call Microsoft to resolve the issue.
Download Windows 7 ISO
The Windows 7 installation files can be downloaded from Digital River, an online company that officially distributes Microsoft software. The Windows 7 ISO file you download from this company is the same you’ll get buying a new copy of the operating system. You’re not getting the Windows installation files from Microsoft with the process, but it works and you don’t have to resource to pirating the software, which isn’t recommended as it is not right to do it and you can also get malware doing so. Below you’ll find the direct download links to the English version of Windows 7 with Service Pack 1 and various other updates for x86 and x64 PCs:
Windows 7 Home Premium x86 SP1 Windows 7 Home Premium x64 SP1 Windows 7 Professional x86 SP1 Windows 7 Professional x64 SP1 Windows 7 Ultimate x86 SP1 Windows 7 Ultimate x64 SP1
Once you download the ISO, you can easily right-click it and select Burn to Disc, or you can install the Windows 7 USB/DVD Download Tool to create a bootable DVD or USB drive. In case you’re looking for Windows 7 Enterprise edition, Microsoft offers a 90-day trial that you can download from this web page. Additionally you can use the trial up to 270 days by using this supported method.
Download Windows 8/8.1 ISO
Sure you can reset or refresh your Windows 8/8.1 PC and start “clean”, but you’re more than likely to be using a OEM (HP, Acer, Lenovo, DELL, etc.) machine, which means that you have a custom image to recover from, you’ll get your system back if there was a problem, but you’ll get back all those bloatware too. To get a real clean installation of Windows, you need the original installation files from Microsoft. Downloading the ISO file for Windows 8 or Windows 8.1 can be a bit tricky, they both can be obtained from Microsoft, but you have to understand that even though Windows 8.1 is a free update, your Windows 8 product key won’t work here. What Microsoft wants is for you to install Windows 8 first and then upgrade to Windows 8.1 from the Windows Store. However there is a workaround that requires the creation of a simple ie.cfg file inside the Sources folder in the installation media, which will allow you to avoid the “invalid product key” message. Now, getting the Windows 8 or Windows 8.1 bits is really easy, simply head over the Upgrade Windows with only a product key Microsoft web page. Then click the Install Windows 8.1 or Install Windows 8 accordingly to your product key. Double-click the .EXE file you just downloaded, type your Windows 8 or Windows 8.1 product key to download the correct files. It’s very important to download the installation files on the PC you’re about to install the operating system as the tool will create a 32-bit version of media if the PC is running a 32-bit version of the OS or a 64-bit version if you’re on a 64-bit computer. After the download completes, choose if you want to create a USB flash drive or ISO file to burn later to a DVD.
The trick
It’s more than likely that you want to be running the latest and greatest, in this case Windows 8.1, but if you only have the a Windows 8 product key you won’t be able to download the Windows 8.1 ISO from Microsoft. But don’t sweat it, try this… How to download Windows 8.1 using your Windows 8 product key. In case you’re looking for Windows 8.1 Enterprise edition, Microsoft offers a 90-day trial that you can download from this web page. Additionally you can use the trial up to 270 days by using this supported method. Update: Microsoft now allows users to download and create an ISO or USB drive with the Windows 8.1 installation files without resourcing to workaround — you don’t even need a product key. (More info here) All content on this site is provided with no warranties, express or implied. Use any information at your own risk. Always backup of your device and files before making any changes. Privacy policy info.
