Is there a way I can share the 3.42 GB download of Windows 8.1 from Windows Store?
Windows 8.1 is out, and I would like to know if it is possible to share the Windows 8.1 download upgrade between different computers so that I don't have to download it over and over again?
This might be helpful for people who are on a metered connection. Store is downloading 3.42 GB of data so it must be stored somewhere. Is there a way I can copy it to my other computers and start the setup so that I don't have to download it over and over again on each computer I own?
Solution 1:
From the download link in the Windows Store, use the MS download tool to enter your key and begin the install. You must be on a machine with Windows 7 (or better) and the architecture (64/32bit) of the install machines. (Why the !@#$ this doesn't work on XP is ridiculous for anyone actually trying to upgrade!)
After the download starts, wait till the it gets past 1% or more. Then close the download dialogue, and confirm you want to stop downloading.
Re-open the download tool, it should skip all the original install screens, and resume downloading Windows.
When the download completes, select the option "Install By Created Media"
On the next screen, choose "ISO File" and select where to save the ISO.
From this point you can use the ISO to install windows on a different machine (or so I am lead to believe by other reports).
Solution 2:
I did the update earlier today though and it seems that there is a folder C:\$Windows.~BT that got created and downloaded. You might TRY to take and copy that folder to another 8 machine and see if running the setup file will work for you. If it does...awesome...
However if that doesn't work, Unless it changes later, currently you can get to 8.1 via 3 methods:
- You can update each machine running 8 via the Windows Store
- You can use a VL download or Technet/MSDN download. You'll have to have an account though, and I'm pretty sure it won't update non VL 8 machines.
- You can buy a retail copy on Amazon or similar.
According to the MS Blog on 8.1 they aren't planning an ISO / IT Pro standalone installer:
http://blogs.windows.com/windows/b/bloggingwindows/archive/2013/10/17/windows-8-1-now-available.aspx
We're not releasing the ISO images to folks who don't have MSDN and TechNet subscriptions. Best way for everyone else is to update through the Windows Store. - Brandon LeBlanc (MSFT)
Solution 3:
Here are the direct Windows Store ESD (encrypted ISO) links from official website (EN-UK version):
Windows 8.1 x86
Windows 8.1 x64
Windows 8.1 Pro x86
Windows 8.1 Pro x64
Solution 4:
I succeeded in installing Windows 8.1 without downloading it again. Here is how I solved it. Before you start, be sure to clear/delete the $Windows.~BT folder.
Then go to \Windows\SoftwareDistribution\Downloads and locate the folder that contains the WindowsStoreSetupBox.exe file and the *.esd file. Copy it to a different location (create a folder).
Then launch an elevated command prompt and go to the location where you copied the .esd file and the WindowsStoreSetupBox.exe.
Enter this carefully and exactly:
WindowsStoreSetupBox.exe /ClassId bd02c22b-1edf-476f-ab78-a72bdada6a47 /SessionId 1 /ReportId {3AB7C5F3-D1B0-4899-8FDD-565910F4D2F7}.1
It should now work a bit and create the $Windows.~BT again and it contains now a Sources folder. Go there and you will find install.esd and setuphost.exe. Launch the latter as administrator.
If everything is fine, a Windows 8.1 window will open. Follow the instructions, and you're good to go.
Solution 5:
Check out \Windows\SoftwareDistribution\Downloads. There may be some folders with UUIDs for names. Look for one with a date or size that sounds like the update.
In there is WindowsStoreSetupBox.exe with an ESD file. In my case (Windows Pro WMC) 9600.16415.winblue_refresh.130928-2229_x64fre_client_Professionalwmc_gdr_en-us-IR1_CPWMCA_X64FRER_EN-US_ESD.esd. I don't think the store is utilizing the ISO.
If you get prompted to proceed or quit with the inescapable ribbon (example below), and click close, these files get deleted.
