RECOMMENDED: It’s been a couple of weeks since Microsoft released first major update to Windows 8.1 operating system. (also known as Windows 8.1 Update 1) is a free update to all Windows 8.1, and even by installing available update from Windows Store. Many Mac users computers to get access to the vast number of games and software exclusively developed for Windows. Most users prefer installing Windows on a Mac using the official software as opposed to installing Windows in a virtual machine such as VirtualBox and Parallels Desktop, and in order to install Windows 8.1 on Mac, you need to have Windows 8.1 ISO image or setup files.
If you’re already running Windows 7 or Windows 8 on your Mac, downloading Windows 8.1 ISO shouldn’t be a problem, as you can simply download Windows 8.1 Upgrade Assistant and then enter the product key to download the ISO file or even create a bootable USB out of it. But if you don’t have a version of Windows running on your Mac, the only option you have is to download Windows 8.1 Update 90-day trial copy from Microsoft TechNet by logging in with your Microsoft account (or by creating a new one).
Using software provided by Apple, you can turn your Mac into a dual-booting computer capable of running Windows or OS X natively. When your Mac is running Windows using Boot Camp, your Mac is a Windows PC. In order to do this, however, Boot Camp requires you to repartition your Mac's hard drive.
NOTE: After you sign-in with your Microsoft account, you will be asked to install Akamal NetSession Interface, a download manager used to speed up the download process. In short, if you want to test drive Windows 8.1 Update on Mac, you can simply visit the download page provided at the end of this article to download the Windows 8.1 Update Enterprise edition copy from Microsoft servers. But if you have a genuine Windows 8.1 product key, and want to download Windows 8.1 on your Mac from Microsoft by providing the genuine key, you have no option but to install Windows 8.1 trial copy (either using Boot Camp or virtual machine), and then run the in order to download your edition of Windows 8.1. Please note that the Upgrade Assistant doesn’t let you download Windows 8.1 ISO by entering Windows 8 product key. Even though, there is a workaround to download Windows 8.1 ISO from Microsoft by using Windows 8 product key, we believe Microsoft has fixed it and the method no longer works. Instead, if you have Windows 8 product key and running Windows 8 on your Mac in Boot Camp or virtual machine, simply download Windows 8 and then follow the instructions in our how to directly upgrade from Windows 8 to Windows 8.1 Update guide to easily upgrade your Windows 8 installation to Windows 8.1 Update.
Embed this Program Add this Program to your website by copying the code below. Preview Preview. Windows 8 is available in different versions.
There's the choice of a home version and the business versions, Windows 8 Pro and Windows 8 Enterprise. Windows 8 introduces Windows Store Apps that are optimized for tablets. They're exclusively installed through the Microsoft Windows Store App. For large displays two Apps can run side by side in. With Windows 8 you get pre-installed Apps like Mail, Calendar, Camera and a photo album, as well as a Media Player for music and videos. Windows 8 comes with the new Internet Explorer 10 as a classic Windows application and as a Windows Store App. Tools like Windows Explorer or the new Task Manager are optimized for touch operation.
If required, the new System Restore can restore Windows 8 to its original state or retain all installed programs and settings with a new installation. Windows 8 Pro also offers Windows Media Center as a free add-on, Windows Remote Desktop Server, and an encryptable file system. This version allows you to use virtual machines, BitLocker encryption for hard disks and BitLocker To Go for removable media, and also to connect to Windows domains. Alongside all the Windows 8 Pro features, the Enterprise Edition offers: complete installation on a USB stick with Windows To Go, application security policies for programs with AppLocker, secure VPN remote access via Direct Access and other extra features for large corporate networks, such as the WAN technology BranchCache. With Windows 8 Enterprise, the Windows Media Center add-on costs money.
Touch screen operation The 90 day test of Windows 8 Enterprise on offer is available as an ISO file. The test version is intended for developers, but can also be easily downloaded and installed by home users. However, after the trial period has expired, you can't activate it by making a purchase. You use a to create the installation DVD.
Alternatively, you can mount the ISO file as a virtual drive with a utility such as and start the setup.exe file in the root directory. Windows 8 operation is optimized for touch screens. You just tap the screen to start the new or use the new tiles as information panels for new mail messages, news from social networks or the current weather forecast.
A sweep of the finger or a touch of the Windows button lets you switch to the familiar desktop view. The on-screen keyboard is useful for entering text on tablets. Along with the usual desktop, Windows 8 comes with a completely new user interface. To navigate you now use colorful tiles. Beneath the surface you'll find other improvements, such as a new file system for higher performance. Conclusion: Speedy and tablet-friendly Windows version Windows 8 uses less memory than older versions of Windows, runs faster and recommends itself even without the upgrade of the new user interface.
Unlike previous versions of Windows, with Windows 8 the Windows concept is turned on its head with the introduction of many practical improvements. It's not just tablet users who can look forward to the new Windows.