2024 Guide: 3 Methods for Creating USB Bootable Media to Install Windows 8.1

Key Notes

• Utilize third-party software like Rufus or Ventoy to streamline the process.
• Follow manual steps using Command Prompt if you prefer not to use additional software.
• Always back up existing data on your USB as creating bootable media will erase it.

How to Create a Bootable USB Drive for Installing Windows 8.1: Step-by-Step Guide

In this comprehensive guide, we provide methods to create a bootable USB drive for Windows 8.1, exploring both third-party tools and native solutions.

Methods to Create Bootable USB for Windows 8.1

Creating a bootable USB that helps in installing Windows 8.1 is still achievable despite the end of support for this operating system. Below, we will detail three different methods to accomplish this task.

Step 1: Create a Bootable USB with Rufus

To utilize Rufus for crafting a bootable USB for Windows 8.1, ensure a USB flash drive is prepared (minimum 4GB).Follow these steps:

1. Visit the Rufus official page.

2. Download the latest version of Rufus from the “Download” section.

3. Open the executable file to launch the tool.

4. Click the Settings button at the bottom left.

5. In the drop-down menu, select Daily for the “Check for updates” setting, and then Close.

6. Select your USB drive with the Device drop-down menu.

   Pro Tip: Connect a USB of at least 4GB, as this process will erase all data on the drive, so ensure backups are made beforehand.

7. Click the down-arrow next to the “Select” button and choose the Download option.

8. Hit the Download button and select Windows 8.1 from the list.

9. Continue with further prompts until the ISO download begins.

10. After downloading, initiate the setup in Rufus, ensure the settings are correct, and click Start.

11. Confirm your selections to proceed with USB creation.

Upon completion, you will have a bootable USB containing the Windows 8.1 installation files.

Step 2: Create a Bootable USB with Ventoy

Ventoy provides a streamlined way to make bootable USB drives. Here’s how:

1. Visit the Assets section and download ventoy-x.x.xx-windows.zip.

   Pro Tip: If the file is flagged, you might need to bypass that warning.

2. Extract the contents and launch Ventoy2Disk.exe.

3. Select your USB drive from the “Device” section and click Install.

4. Follow the prompts to confirm installation.

5. Download the Windows 8.1 ISO from Microsoft’s website.

6. Copy the downloaded ISO file to the Ventoy USB drive.

Your USB is now ready to boot from any compatible device using Ventoy.

Step 3: Create a Bootable USB with Command Prompt

If you’d rather avoid third-party software, Command Prompt is a viable option for creating a bootable USB drive. Here’s how you do it:

1. Download the Windows 8.1 ISO from Microsoft Support.

2. Open Command Prompt as Administrator by searching for it in Start.

3. Type diskpart and hit Enter.

4. Use list disk to find your USB drive.

5. Execute clean to remove existing partitions on the USB.

6. Run create partition primary, and select partition 1.

7. Type format FS=FAT32 quick and then assign letter=X (replace X with your desired letter).

8. Once formatted, mount the Windows 8.1 ISO using the command: PowerShell Mount-DiskImage -ImagePath "C:\path\to\Windows8.1.iso" (adjust path accordingly).

9. Identify the mounted volume and copy Windows 8.1 files using command: xcopy E:*.* X: /E /F /H

With these steps finalized, you can now boot from the USB to install Windows 8.1.

Additional Tips

• Always ensure that your USB flash drive has no important data since this method will format it.
• Validate the downloaded ISO file to avoid installation errors.
• Keep your BIOS/UEFI settings in mind when booting from USB media.

Summary

This guide walked you through the process of creating a bootable USB drive for Windows 8.1 using Rufus, Ventoy, and Command Prompt. Each method suits different preferences, ensuring that you can install legacy operating systems effectively.

Conclusion

Installing Windows 8.1 is still possible, but it’s crucial to understand the risks associated with using outdated software. Evaluate your reasons for installation and consider future-proofing your system with a more recent operating system like Windows 10 or 11.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)