A better alternative for old PCs? Try (lightweight) or a Linux distro like Linux Mint Xfce . But if your heart is set on that Windows 8.1 Start Screen (or you just really miss Charms bar), grab the ISO the legit way.
Microsoft no longer provides a direct download link for Windows 8.1 ISO files on its official website. However, there are a few ways to obtain a Windows 8.1 ISO file: windows 8.1 iso
Historically, Microsoft provided a dedicated "Windows 8.1 ISO download" tool. As of 2024-2025, Microsoft has de-emphasized this page to push users toward Windows 10 and 11. However, the server still hosts the files. A better alternative for old PCs
As of , Microsoft officially ended extended support for Windows 8.1. This is a critical detail for users to understand before proceeding. Microsoft no longer provides a direct download link